International “Walk to School Day” was Wednesday, October 26 and dozens of children and community members caught a “Walking School Bus” to Cook County Middle/High School, Sawtooth Elementary and Great Expectations School. Cook County Public Health & Human Services Director Sue Futterer and Sheriff Mark Falk lead the Walking School bus up 1st Avenue.
International “Walk to School Day” was Wednesday, October 26 and in Cook County the day was marked by dozens of children and community members catching a “Walking School Bus” to Cook County Middle/ High School, Sawtooth Elementary and Great Expectations School.
The Walking School Bus was the idea of the Safe Routes to School group, which has been working to inventory, map, and develop safe routes for children and community members to get to local schools. The “Walking School Bus” was sponsored by Cook County Law Enforcement, Minnesota State Patrol, Safe Routes to School, and Cook County SHIP.
There were three routes on which to “catch” the bus, with State Patrol Officer Leah Carpenter, Sheriff Mark Falk and Chief Deputy Leif Lunde each leading a route. The event was scheduled to take place rain or shine and fortunately, although chilly, the skies were clear for the walkers and bikers and stroller-pushing parents. Adding to the fun were two cardboard “buses” carried by students and on one route, School Board Member Mary Sanders.
Trooper Leah Carpenter stands guard as families catch the “school bus.” There were 15 adults and 35 kids “on the bus.” Organizer Kristen DeArruda Wharton said a similar event will be held in the spring.
It was a nice walk and it appears that a good time was had by all participants. And perhaps the idea of a Walking School Bus will gain some traction.
For more information on Safe Routes to Schools, contact State Health Improvement Program Coordinator Kristin Wharton at (218) 387-2330 ext 150, kristin@sawtoothmountainclinic.org.
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