City leaders join in Norton Creek Elementary's 'Walk to School Day'

Norton Creek Elementary School in West Chicago joined schools from around the world to celebrate International "Walk to School Day" on Oct. 5.

Students in Early Childhood through 5th grade walked to school along with parents, teachers and community leaders including West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda, Alderman Noreen Ligino-Kubinski, Police Chief Michael Uplegger and officers from the West Chicago Police Department.

"Walk to School Day" events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community.

"This is an activity I look forward to every year," said Mayor Ruben Pineda. "It connects me to our school community and to our goals for Healthy West Chicago. Creating a safe, attractive environment that encourages walking and biking is one of our strategies for increasing fitness."

For additional information, visit Walk to School Day in the USA's website at www.walkbiketoschool.org, National Center for Safe Routes to School at www.saferoutesinfo.org, and International Walk to School Day at www.iwalktoschool.org.