As its next step toward greening the school, the Nelson Waldorf School is targeting the carbon footprint of travel to and from school.
To encourage families and children to walk to and from school in groups, the staff is initiating a walking school bus.
The benefits of having students walk to school are enormous. Students enjoy the invigorating exercise in the fresh air while having the social experience of chatting with schoolmates while they walk.
They arrive at school with rosy cheeks, wide awake and ready for the challenges of the day ahead of them. At the end of the day, the walk provides a wonderful out-breath for children who have worked hard all day.
On April 11, the first walking school bus escorted 30 children from the school campus to Selkirk College on Silver King Road. A second walking school bus will did the reverse route this past Wednesday morning.
It is hoped that parents and students will connect with each other and plan subsequent informal walking school buses to create a safe and satisfying alternative to driving to school.
Waldorf is grateful to Sergeant Janet of the Nelson Police Department who provided a safe and cheerful escort for the first walking school bus.