Dist. 33 promotes wellness for students, community

On the dreary morning of April 19, more than 50 students, parents and staff of Gary Elementary School in West Chicago met at several different locations to participate in the 1st Walk to School Day. This day was developed to encourage students and parents to start walking to school on a regular basis.

In a letter sent home to parents by Gary School principal, Rocio Fisher, the benefits of encouraging children to walk to school were detailed:

 Students get valuable physical activity

 Students arrive to school awake and refreshed

 Traffic congestion around schools during pick-up and drop-off time is reduced

 Air quality in school zones is improved by reducing the number of idling vehicles

Two meeting places were established where students and parents could meet at a designated time. Gary staff and administrators then lead these “Walking School Buses” to school. Parents were also encouraged to organize “Walking School Buses” with other families near their homes.

This event was another example of West Chicago Elementary School District 33's commitment to promoting wellness through good nutrition and physical activity that will culminate with the district-wide third annual Wellness Walk sponsored by WeGo Together for Kids.

All students will walk at least one mile during their physical education class. Together with community leaders who will walk with students, District 33 hopes to “virtually walk” around the world for a grand total of 24,901 miles. Because of the generous donations from various district vendors, small incentives will be given to all those that participate in this walk.

The Wellness Walk kicks off the May Physical Activity Event that is sponsored by the partnership of the West Chicago Park District and West Chicago Elementary School District 33 for the month of May.

Children are encouraged to participate in physical activity for at least 300 minutes (5 hours) during the month of May and record it on their Activity Log. If completed by Wednesday, May 25, 2011 each child will receive a coupon for a free day admission for their entire family to Turtle Splash, the outdoor water park located in West Chicago.