Dropping kids off here? Better lace your shoes up
January 7, 2010
Kristin Rushowy
EDUCATION REPORTER
Yes, it was built with a kiss 'n ride lane. No, the school doesn't want parents to use it.
In fact, P.L. Robertson elementary in Milton, which opened this week, has been designated a "walking-only school," where students will be strongly encouraged to use their feet – or bikes or any other active way – to get there.
It is part of a broader initiative at the Halton District School Board to stop traffic jams around schools and get students moving.
Gridlock in the parking lot and surrounding streets is an all-too common problem for schools in the Greater Toronto Area, thanks to parents who insist on driving their children, even if they don't live all that far away.
At other schools, Joyce Jermyn has watched parents who live close by drive their kids, cramming their cars in between buses, then idling as the youngsters make their way inside, even though staff is out there helping kids get to class.
"For me, exercise has always been a part of who I am and what I do," says Jermyn, vice-principal at P.L. Robertson. "There are too many kids who don't want to go outside because they never play outside."
The statistics bear that out: 54 per cent of Ontario children do not get enough physical activity to keep them healthy; in Halton, less than half of 12- to 14-year-olds are active in their free time. One-fifth of 5-year-olds are overweight in Halton.
That's why Jermyn felt it was so important to get on board with Active and Safe Routes to School – a national program that supports walking to school – and start off right with the brand new school.
Even though it will be February – the coldest time of year – when the walking routes are up and running, she is optimistic. "In a neighbourhood that's been established, it takes a long time to break that (driving) culture," says Jermyn. "But now, in a new school, we can set the culture to begin with.
"We know we aren't going to get 100 per cent compliance, but if we can get 90 per cent, I'm thrilled."
The school has a 1-kilometre walking route, as well as a second route with drop-off points for parents who want to drive their child to a central meeting spot. There are vests for walking leaders, and the school received some money to purchase wagons to carry younger children's backpacks.
Jermyn says because it is a new subdivision, there are a few drawbacks: No crossing guards, stop signs, or even speed-limit postings.
Jennifer Jenkins, who has been seconded from Halton public health to work with the board to expand "walking school bus" programs, piloted them at eight schools last year. No child is ever expected to walk more than 1.6 kilometres.
Some schools last year were so successful they had three routes each. One school was able to get up to 100 per cent of students in several grades walking every day. The programs are led by parent volunteers or, sometimes, teacher volunteers who walk the routes and meet up with students at various points.
"It increases physical activity, there's better air quality, safety and decreased traffic around the school, which again increases safety and injury prevention," says Jenkins.
About 20 Halton schools are currently taking part.
Toronto Star