PHOTOS: International Walk to School Day at the Dolbeare

The Dolbeare Elementary School had a phenomenal turnout to celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 5.  Approximately 293 students—77% of eligible walkers—joined the fun, along with special guest walkers Superintendent Joan Landers and School Committee Member Anne Danehy, MassRIDES representative Samantha Fonseca-Moreira, parents, babies, pet dogs and top supporter Nibbles the Guinea Pig. 

Walkers held up colorfully decorated “Happy International Walk to School Day!” and “It’s Cool to Walk to School!” signs.  Once at the school, students were given a big cheer and a wave of pom-poms by Principal Beth Yando and teachers Anne Corbett, Alyce Jordan and Paula Curley.  Next, participants signed a poster with the help of teachers Andrea Cosentino, Suzie Harte and Leslie Roberto, and teacher Jennifer Gallant handed out blue “Safe Routes to School” shoe lace tags as a prize.  The Golden Sneaker Award goes to Mrs. Livesey’s first grade class for having the most walkers, 22 total.  Coming in second was Mrs. Cosentino’s third grade class with 20 walkers, and Mrs. Uva’s third grade class took third place with 19 total walkers.   

Ahead of the event, PE teacher Maria Caruso encouraged students to participate and gave out “Stop. Look. Listen” bookmarks with safe walking tips.  Art teacher Frank Marino assisted with promotion by giving the students pictures of sneakers to colorfully decorate and hang in the school entrance. 

This event helped families experience the many benefits of walking to school, including the simple joy of walking, energizing the day, focusing better in school, socializing with friends and neighbors, saving money on gas, avoiding traffic jams and helping the environment.  Visit www.iwalktoschool.org, www.walktoschool.org, www.saferoutesinfo.org, www.commute.com/schools and www.wakefieldcap.org for more information.