About 250 Hight Elementary School students participate in special walk-to-school event

--- Published on October 07th 2015 ---
FILED UNDER:
News & Alerts

All aboard the walking bus.

About 250 students walked to H. Allen Hight Elementary School on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to honor International Walk to School Day. The festive local event spearheaded by the North Natomas Transportation Management Association (NNTMA.)

Most of Hight’s participants gathered at Kokomo Park with Principal Stephanie Carlstrom and various staff members to create a massive “walking bus” that trekked several blocks to the North Natomas campus shortly before 8 a.m.

At Hight, participants received a free bagel or muffin breakfast, along with a tiny ornament – or charm — to be worn on a necklace or bracelet. They also scored points for a contest pitting classes against each other for most walk-to-school participants this month.

Though Wednesday’s breakfast event was special, students at Hight, Heron, Witter Ranch and Natomas Park Elementary are encouraged throughout the year to participate in weekly NNTMA walk-to-school events to benefit kids, families, and the environment.

Carlstom, Hight’s principal, said such events encourage a lifelong habit of exercise and give parents and students an opportunity to chat with their peers, which builds campus community. Walking events also ease campus traffic congestion at morning drop-off, she said.

What motivated Hight students to participate in Wednesday’s International Walk to School event?

“I like to get my legs exercised for gymnastics,” said Azari, 7.

“You get to walk with your friends,” said Kaitlyn, 9.

“I want to get a free breakfast,” said Isabella, 8.