STEP 1: Map the routes to school. Use Google Maps or some similar tool to create the school map to get a clear map of yo
Parachute
Safe Kids Week Be an #everydaysuperhero Live a safe active life! June 5-11, 2017
parachutecanada.org/safekidsweek
Parachute Safe Kids Week Walking School Bus Event Guide What is a Walking School Bus? A Walking School Bus (WSB) brings together students who live in close proximity and encourages them to walk to and from school together. Walking School Buses follow designated routes and leave at a specific time in order for children to arrive at school on time. It offers a safe, fun and active way for kids to get to school. Whenever possible, communities can promote participation among parents and caregivers to form similar walking groups. Parents can be made aware of other students living on their street or in their neighbourhood who would also like to walk to school. Parents can take turns leading the group, alternating roles each week. Walking in a group is a great way to address concerns some parents may have regarding walking to school. ✦
Create your own walking school bus or work with a school that already has a walking school bus!
I’m in! What’s next? STEP 1: Map the routes to school Use Google Maps or some similar tool to create the school map to get a clear map of your school catchment area. Choose a route that has good sidewalks or pathways, few major intersections, and is accessible to many students.
Identify designated stops along the route so that your WSB moves at a reasonable pace and gets to school on time. Students will meet at the designated stop and wait for the WSB arrival.
STEP 2: Send home the WSB flyer and Parent Letter Use these to determine interest in participating in Walking School Bus Week. Include a copy of the school area map so parents can indicate the approximate location of their homes. Mark the locations on the school area map to identify which routes have enough students to participate in WSB, using the completed flyers returned from the students.
STEP 3: Recruit and train adult volunteers to coordinate the WSB. Volunteers must obey traffic safety rules and signs at all times.
STEP 4: Notify your local police division about the WSB project at your school. Show them your local school map so they can help if possible. Request police assistance to help organize a local school assembly to remind students of pedestrian safety rules.
STEP 5: Distribute a WSB toolkit and consent form Send these to each family who intends to participate. WSB Toolkit sample templates (including Letter for Teachers, Parent Consent Form, Leader Commitment Form, Family Agreement Form) are available through : http://www.hastebc.org/resources/walking-school-buscommunication-tools For additional Walking School Bus resources check out Active and Safe Routes to School: http://www.saferoutestoschool.ca/walking-school-bus Check out the “Step By Step: How to Start a Walking School Bus At Your School” toolkit developed by Safe Routes to School National Partnership
(www.saferoutespartnership.org) which contains the following tools: ✦
Sample Walking School Bus Route Map
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Walking School Bus Student Expectations and Code of Conduct
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Walking School Bus Family Expectations
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Student and Leader Recruitment Checklist
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Walking School Bus Student Consent and Registration Form
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Walking School Bus Information Flyer
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Walking School Bus Route Leader Agreements and Code of Conduct
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Walking School Bus Routes Leader Form
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Walking School Bus Training Checklist
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Walking School Bus Leader Comment Form
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Walking School Bus Route Leader Instruction Card
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Tips to Teach Road Safety to Kids
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Walking School Bus Student Survey
STEP 6: Have fun and be safe! This is a fun way to get the word out about Parachute Safe Kids Week and safe and active transportation. Provide #everydaysuperhero stickers and reflective wristbands to participating students to wear on the walk, and have them come dressed in their superhero costumes.
