This amazing elementary school in the Parkrose School District has been a part of Safer Routes to School for the past 3 years. On Friday, I witnessed all that work put into action. Once every month the students assemble to discuss and celebrate RESPECT.
R is for Respectful and Responsible. E is for Encourage Excellence. S is for Special and Successful. P is for Pride and Positive. E is for Expectations and Equality. C is for Caring, Concern, Community. And T is for Teach and Trust- Trust Teachers to Help you Learn.
So, give me a C! “C!” “We Care About Our Community!”
This is where Safer Routes to School gets involved. Every month during the assembly, the Golden Sneaker Award is given to the class that walks and bikes the most. The number of walkers and bikers is gathered every Wednesday by the Peace Action Team, a group of students dedicated to the well-being of the school. The Peace Action Team determines the winning class and calculates the total number of walkers and bikers. Those numbers are then turned into miles and tracked on a map of Oregon.
Last year the school made an imaginary journey through Oregon and into California. This year, hopes are high that the tradition of walking and biking will surpass even last year’s success. Wouldn’t it be great if they made it across the whole country? I’m rooting for them!
