Walking Wednesday program at Stoneleigh Elementary School promotes health and world knowledge

Having already crossed the United States and China, Stoneleigh Elementary students have begun a journey of discovery across Africa.

Through a PTA-sponsored program called Walking Wednesday, children who walk or bicycle to and from school record the number of blocks they travel. After converting the blocks to miles, the totals for each week are recorded on a map where the students can watch their progress. In addition to healthier bodies, cleaner air, fewer cars, and fun with their friends, the children have enjoyed learning about the geography, history, and culture of each destination.

Since the project began in October 2004, Stoneleigh Elementary students have logged 9,288 miles. In 2004, the children crossed the United States; in 2005, they walked the “silk road” of China, and this year they have embarked on a Safari Across Africa. 

Stoneleigh’s Walking Wednesday program, which received the 2006 Best Family Involvement Award from the Baltimore County PTA Council, is co-coordinated by two parent PTA members, Beth Miller and Denise Kozikowski. 
“Beth and Denise created Walking Wednesday at Stoneleigh to encourage students to walk to school as a way to promote their health and to encourage them to think about the world,” says Christine Warner, principal of Stoneleigh Elementary. “Last school year, as the students ‘walked’ across China, Beth actually visited China and was able to share with the students about the places they had ‘been.’”
Stoneleigh’s kickoff for this year’s Safari Across Africa began with a celebration of October as International Walk to School Month. Children colored flags from African countries and hung them on the school fence, then received their “passports to Africa.”  

“Members of the 4th and 5th grade Kujifunza Safari club make announcements each Wednesday reporting our current travel location based on the accumulated miles,” explains Miller. “Along with our location, the club members share information related to the cities, culture, animals, music, art, geography, or history that make the location unique. A large wall case in the gym-cafeteria lobby displays information, pictures, and objects pertinent to our recent locale. The club members will also produce a Walking Wednesday bimonthly newsletter.”

Stoneleigh’s “Walking Wednesday” program is modeled after others throughout the United States as well as abroad. Such programs are designed to promote the many benefits of walking, including: Decreasing the number of cars on the roads around the school make a safer and less polluted environment for everyone. Teaching that walking is great way to exercise! Children arrive at school ready to learn, come home with less pent-up energy and develop a lifelong healthy habit. Helping children and adults build connections with their community to increase child safety and social growth.

 

Story by Heather Howell, Good News Ambassador for Stoneleigh Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Stoneleigh Elementary School.