3 things we learned from the Booker T. Washington Elementary school students who participated in Walk to School Day in Birmingham

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Partners from Children’s of Alabama, the United Way of Central Alabama, FedEx, SAFE Kids Alabama, the City of Birmingham, Safe Routes to School, the Alabama Department of Transportation and Alabama Partners for Clean Air hosted its annual Walk to School Day celebration on Oct. 10, at Washington K-8 in Titusville. Here’s how we all learned to stay safe while getting to school on time and ready to learn.

The event included a walking school bus and program featuring DJ New Era of iHeart Media’s 104.1 The Beat.

It’s held annually to promote pedestrian safety, physical activity and to build connections between families, school and the broader community.

1. Walk To School Day Is All Smiles

The kids at Booker T. Washington Elementary walked to school with one another, along with teachers and parents for this annual event that encourages youngsters to start their day with physical activity. They all gathered early at the South Elyton Baptist Church and helped one another put on safety vests before heading down the sidewalk together. Best part? They were all happy and ready to go!

2. It’s All About The Birmingham Community

Partners from Children’s of Alabama, the United Way of Central Alabama, FedEx, SAFE Kids Alabama, the City of Birmingham, Safe Routes to School, the Alabama Department of Transportation and Alabama Partners for Clean Air hosted the event that included a school-wide presentation after the walk.

Marie Crew, of Children’s announced the art contest winners (The kids made their own signs and artwork to highlight the event.) and Dr. Antonia Hishman, Washington’s principal congratulated everyone on their efforts.

Art Contest Winners

• Merrin Barrientos
• Darly Cruz
• Jenny Garcia
• Imeria Harris
• Alexis Rojas

Drew Langloh, the CEO of United Way also encouraged the students for Walk to School Day, along with Sheila Tyson of the Birmingham City Council and Ray Pugh with the Alabama Department of Transportation. Dr. Kathy Monroe, an E.R. doctor from Children’s gave everyone important tips about walking to school and explained the benefits of physical activity first thing in the morning.

3. When, Where And How To Walk Safely

“Healthy, active living involves walking, but safety is really important. We want children to learn how to cross the street and when and where to cross the street safely, ” Dr. Monroe said. “We want children to be healthy and active but learn about stop signs and traffic lights, too. Especially at dusk, when the sun is starting to go down and they may be walking home from after-school activities.”

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