StoryWalk, Bike to School, Race Against Bullying,

StoryWalk gives a whole new meaning of reading a book on the go. Combining the benefits of reading and healthy movement, children story book pages are mounted on stakes on a walking trail and each page is read as you walk along the trail.

The StoryWalk idea was created and trademarked by Anne Ferguson of Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

In Northborough, with the grant assistance provided by the Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce, and the collaboration between librarian Nancy Kellner, library teacher  MaryEllen Remillard, and Children’s Department librarian Laura Brennan, this idea has been adapted along a half-mile portion of the Stirrup Brook Trail. 

The story, The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, is a whimsical tale about a lady who jaunts through the woods, not bothered by the parts of a silly scarecrow that appear to be following behind.

"We chose a book that would appeal to a wide age range (three to ten year olds and their parents), was seasonally appropriate, not too long, not too short, and would really be a grabber for our first one," said Kellner. "This one is perfect because it is actually about a little old lady who takes a walk in the woods."

It is a great read-aloud for a fall day that is recommended for families, nature lovers and kids at heart.

Kellner hinted that there are plans for a winter StoryWalk which would be snowman themed.

The trail begins heading east out of the upper parking lot at and then turns north. Parking is available at the high school. The first walk was held last weekend during Applefest and will continue through this weekend, Sept. 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no fee.

Zeh School had its first scheduled bike/walk to school day on Friday, Sept. 16. Principal Sue Whitten said that 137 students participated, which is about 44 percent of the student body at Zeh.

The event, which kicked off Applefest weekend, was also the continuation of a program from last year in collaboration with Safe Routes to School.

Apples donated by were distributed to all the walkers and bikers. Whitten also acknowledged the help received by the , which provided safe crossings.

In conjunction with National Constitution Day, Zeh also worked on updating its school constitution. The process started with each student writing down their hopes and dreams and as a class working on class rules. Representatives from each class met with Whitten to finalize the constitution, and each class had the opportunity to vote on it. Once approved, each student and staff member signed the new constitution which will hang on a wall for all to see.

Being respectful to members of Zeh and having each person be responsible for their own actions are two examples of preferred behavior that Zeh will promote.

“It creates a nice tone for the year,” said Whitten.

also recently held a walk or bike to school day on Sept. 15.

Principal Margaret Donohoe said that “when the buses cleared the loop in front of the school, all of our bus students, walkers, and bikers walked laps over on the soccer field side of the school for about 15 minutes while fun, fast paced music played.”

Also planned is a Family Fun Fitness Day for Saturday morning, Sept. 24 “to get everyone moving and exercising,” said Donohoe.  Parents, and even some former parents of the school, will be leading line dancing, relay races, obstacles courses, and a Fun Run designed for different age groups.

Proctor is continuing their weekly food drive on Wednesdays to benefit the Northborough Food Pantry.

5K Run/Walk for Bullying Awareness. On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Northborough Stands Against Bullying Road Race/Walk will be held starting at 10 a.m. at Registration through Sept. 23 is $15 for adults, $10 for students. After this date, the cost is $20 for adults, $15 for students. Online registration can be completed here. Checks can also be mailed c/o Karol Lanciault, Melican Middle School PTO, 145 Lincoln Street., Northborough, MA 01532.

Mark Your Calendar: Algonquin High School’s Open House will be held on Sept 27. Remember that there is no school due to the Rosh Hashanah holiday on Sept. 29.

will be sponsoring a Willy Wonka inspired family “Fun Day Factory” on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Experience exciting  games, prizes, raffles, inflatables, food and more. Tickets can be purchased at the door. 

This column will highlight some of the schools’ many special programs, speakers, events, and community service projects. If you are aware of a program that you would like featured in this column, please email Liz Nolan at lizard211@gmail.com.