Smiling children strolled, skipped, rolled and ran to Katonah Elementary School today. It was a sidewalk takeover, an all-school bonding experience and an invigorating beginning to the day, made extra special by the spectacular weather and joyful sense of community.
Walk & Roll to School is an international initiative that celebrates safe streets and everyday exercise. At Katonah Elementary, the annual event feels like a festival because so many students, parents, and educators participate … on foot, by bike, on scooter, even by roller skates!
Careful planning makes the half-hour event a positive experience for all.
Assistant Principal Kweon Stambaugh arranges for three meeting locations, so no student has more than a 20-minute walk to school.
Members of the Bedford PD and Katonah FD join students and help keep the routes safe for all travelers.
When the colorful mosaic of students reached Katonah Elementary, Buddy, the school mascot, was there to cheer them with hugs and hi-fives.
“Oh, wait – it's Walk to School Day?” The trio of students who just arrived at Katonah Elementary look at each other quizzically. “We always walk.”
For others, the walking to school had been a wonderful, once-in-a-while activity.
“Look, there’s my bus!” The student wave to those aboard a yellow school bus slowly pulling in.
However they arrive, the message is clear. Welcome to school; you are an important part of the KES community!
