Schools

Crabapple Crossing Elementary Students Walk to School

The Milton school's success in Safe Route to School Day has made it a monthly event for 300 of its students.

If you are driving to work at about 7 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2 along Birmingham Highway and you see a bunch of children walking, give them the right of way. They are on the way to school as part of the Safe Route to School Day.

Joining the students in the morning will be Principal George Freiberger, Assistant Principal Kimberly Bowsher and Gary Abel, the school's physical education teacher.

"They'll gather around 7 in the morning, get together with kids, parents with strollers, family pets and walk to school," Williamson said.

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Along the route, they will be cheered on by students from the Jr. Beta, Environmental, and Chain Links Club.

Subdivisions expected to participate include:

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  • Crabapple Chase
  • Westminster
  • Waterside
  • Kensington Farms
  • Six Hills

Other schools who are partners in Safe Routes to School Georgia include Summit Hill and Manning Oaks elementary schools.

Crabapple Crossing Elementary had such a success in last year's walk that it has made the walk to school a monthly event.

"Apparently last year we were the top school in attendance to participate in the walk," said Debbie Williamson.

More than 300 students participated. School administrators and students were so excited about it that monthly events were scheduled for monthly walks to school

"For April, we have our 'Go Green Walk,'" Williamson said.

That walk will be held on April 16, Arbor Day, and have a green theme.

In keeping with the theme, Williamson said, 'We are going to be having the kids wear green that day."

The school coordinates giveaways for its walks, such as wristbands, pencils, homework passes or other small items. Businesses are encouraged to participate and supply coffee for adults and sometimes breakfast goods.

Crabapple Crossing Elementary was asked to participate in a study by the National Partnership for Safe Routes to School. It is one of five schools nationwide asked to join the study.

The school was given equipment that scans a tag each student participant puts on his or her backpack, counting how many students walk to school each day. Williamson said the idea was that if the schools had a counting mechanism, they might have more success with the program.

The success and support at Crabapple Crossing was so great that Williamson was hired part time to be its Safe Routes to School coordinator.

"What's exciting about tomorrow, is also getting involved," she said.

Since the middle school starts classes a little bit later, its students are being encouraged to walk with their siblings to the elementary school.

"As soon as they drop them off, they are going to have a breakfast social," Williamson said.

For more information, visit SafeRoutesGA.org or call 877-436-8927.


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