NNPS students, officials focus on health benefits and pedestrian safety on Walk to School Day
Posted: October 9, 2024
Students and families enjoyed brisk fall weather and fresh air the morning of October 9 as Virginia Walk to School Day activities took place at various Newport News Public Schools sites.
AAA of Tidewater hosted a Walk to School Day press conference at Stoney Run Elementary School that emphasized the wellness benefits of walking for students and the importance of pedestrian safety year-round.
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones; NNPS Chief Operations Officer Rusty Fairheart; Denbigh High School, Knollwood Meadows Elementary School and Stoney Run School Resource Officer Laphea Morrison; and AAA of Tidewater Public Relations and Community Outreach Specialist Ryan Adcock spoke to news media as students arrived to start the school day.
"Together, we can empower our community to prioritize safety and protect our children," Jones said. "All of us, let's stand united in our commitment to making every school zone a safe haven. We can create an environment where children walk to school with confidence, knowing they are protected by the awareness and care of those around them."
Music and a dancing Stoney Run Koala mascot greeted students as they were escorted by school staff, family members and Newport News Police Department officers down Lucas Creek Road, through the parking lot and to the school's doorways.
"Walking offers numerous benefits, including physical health, boosting mental well-being, and providing an easy way for our students to get some exercise, as we say now-get our steps in," Fairheart said.
"Walking to and from school gives students the time to set goals for the day, which we certainly encourage, and also reflect on if they achieved those goals afterwards. It also offers a break from technology, which we also encourage, and an opportunity to get outdoors into the fresh air, interact with friends and build relationships."
He is still best friends with two friends he walked to middle school with every morning, Fairheart added.
Morrison and Adcock addressed safety aspects for pedestrians and drivers and ways to increase awareness on the roadways.
Pedestrians should use crosswalks, cross at marked intersections, look both ways before stepping into the street, avoid distractions, make eye contact with drivers and be visible by wearing bright clothes or reflective vests. Motorists are advised to make sure they aren't driving distracted and to stay alert for pedestrians on the sides of roadways and as they approach crosswalks.
"Together let's keep our students safe by following these simple but important steps," Morrison said.
Walk to School Day is celebrated across the Commonwealth of Virginia with more than 250 schools participating this year, according to AAA. The commemorative day began in 1997 and takes place across all 50 states and in multiple countries.
