Wet walk to Scott school promotes safety, health in Naperville

Forecasts called for rain last week on the real date for National Walk to School Day on Oct. 4.

So Scott Elementary School in Naperville moved its observance of the annual tradition back a week.

Forecasts again predicted rain, and this time it fell - but no one melted Wednesday as many of the school's roughly 440 students walked to the building.

Teachers and other school staff members greeted the young walkers at six intersections near the school, and Principal Hugh Boger even high-fived some of them as they arrived, umbrellas and all.

Though it was technically a week late to join the walk-to-school party across the country, Scott's event Wednesday morning still took place during October, which is designated as National Walk to School Month.

The National Center for Safe Routes to School, which coordinates nationwide days for walking and biking to class, said it was one of more than 5,200 walking events scheduled this month. Observing National Walk to School Day promotes the healthy habit of getting regular exercise by walking to school and also reminds adults of their responsibility to make sure it's safe, Scott school leaders said.