Maurice Hawk Elementary School joined with more than 3,300 schools across the U.S. to celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 6. Once again, Principal Denise Mengani and the Hawk, the school’s mascot, led parents and children from the West Windsor Municipal Center to the school. About 75 parents and children participated.
The West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, which has been co-sponsoring this event since 2006, thanks the West Windsor Police for guiding the students at street crossings.
This was one of two Walk to School Day events held by the WWBPA. Members also were by High School South to promote the new pedestrian crosswalk law that requires motorists to stop (not just yield) when pedestrians are in the crosswalk. Let’s make it safe for kids to walk to school!
Walking to school shouldn’t be just a one-time event. When many of us were growing up, we walked or rode our bicycles to school. Now fewer kids do (13% by 201, compared to 41% in 1969, according to data from the National Household Travel Survey) and childhood obesity is on the rise. Walking to school helps kids get the exercise they need and it gives them a sense of responsibility and independence.