Reasons in Order: The Walking School Bus

Let's Start a Walking School Bus

1Every school morning, a long line of cars inches past the front doors of Cedar Hill Elementary. Engines rumble, drivers wait, and students hurry out of back seats just before the bell. I think there is a better way to start the day. Our school should start a walking school bus. A walking school bus is not really a bus. It is a group of students who walk to school together along a set route, with grown-up volunteers leading the way. A walking school bus would mean fewer cars near our school, more exercise for students, and a better start to every school day.

2First, a walking school bus would mean fewer cars crowding the street in front of our school. Every family that walks with the group means one fewer car waiting in line. With fewer cars, the drop-off line would move faster for the families who still drive. Fewer cars would help the air, too. Car engines give off exhaust, a mix of gases that makes the air dirtier. When fewer engines are running outside our doors, the air around the playground stays cleaner.

3Second, walking to school is an easy way to get exercise. Doctors say that children should be active every day. Walking makes the heart stronger and keeps leg muscles working. Right now, many students ride to school, sit at desks for most of the morning, and then ride home again. A walk of even a few blocks would add movement to every school day. It would not cost anything, and no one would need special equipment, just comfortable shoes.

4The most important reason is that students would arrive ready to learn. After a walk, many people feel more awake and find it easier to pay attention. Students who walk together also have time to talk with friends before class instead of rushing through the doors. Last spring, after my class walked to the town hall for a field trip, our teacher, Ms. Okafor, said we had one of our best class discussions of the year. I think a morning walk could make every school day feel like that.

5A walking school bus would clear the street, keep our bodies moving, and help every student start the morning ready to learn. All we need is a safe route and a few volunteers. Let's ask our principal to start a walking school bus at Cedar Hill this fall.