Wheaton students join in Walk to School Day

On most school days, the street in front of Briar Glen Elementary School in Wheaton is packed with vehicles as parents drop off their children for class.

On Wednesday, though, the street was relatively empty most of the morning.

Instead, many of those same parents parked their vehicles a short distance away and walked several blocks with their children.

It was part of the school's participation in International Walk to School Day, an environment- and health-related push to encourage students to get out and walk. Schools throughout the region took part in the event, which began in 2006.

“We should be walking to school more, said Cindy Windeler, a member of the Glen Ellyn District 89 school's Parent Teacher Council and one of the event's coordinators. “We think it's important for health reasons. Also, to see that car line every day up here with parents who live within walking distance, that could be eliminated.

Teachers and school officials welcomed the walkers with breakfast food donated by area organizations. As the hordes of students and parents approached the school, they ran to greet friends and teachers.

Ten-year-old Trinity George had a good time Wednesday morning.

“I enjoy walking with friends, she said. “It's good exercise.

Trinity usually rides the bus but on Wednesday her father, Tom, drove her to the corner of Doncaster Court and Briarcliffe Boulevard. They then walked the few blocks to the school.

“It helps support the school, Tom George said. “And it's great when they get to see their friends so you get a little socialization out of it.

Interim Principal Jackie Strum has been a strong advocate of the program since she helped bring it to the school four years ago.

“It reminds me of the old days when all of us used to walk, she said. “It's a time for kids to get together with friends and parents and there is safety in numbers.

The school had several meeting locations within walking distance. Parents drove their children to these locations and went the rest of the way on foot. Many students carried signs created in art class on Tuesday, including one that read “Join us and walk and “Be cool, walk to school.

As 6-year-old Zachary Henry walked with his sign, his sister, 4-year-old Juliana, walked alongside him.

“It is something positive for the kids to be involved in, said their mother, Glen Ellyn resident Sara Henry. “But it's only going to work if everybody gets involved.

As the students arrived and prepared for their first class of the day, Windeler said she had just one concern with the event.

“It's fun to walk with your friends and the energy will be high for the first class, she said. “But hopefully not too high for the teachers.