Schools
Winchester Students to Walk to School
McCall Middle School students will be participating in the Safe Routes to School Program as they will be walking to school on Wednesday.
Winchester students will take to the streets on Wednesday.
teachers, parents and children will participate in the town’s second walk/bike to school day, in coordination with the . Earlier this year, McCall students gathered at the and walked to the middle school for
“This is really a no-brainer,” said Sergeant in Charge of Safety, Thomas Groux. “Look at all the aspects it will improve – health, exercise, cut pollution and traffic congestion. Forty years ago most kids walked to school, now most are driven to school by their parents; they’re afraid to have their kids to walk to school.”
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According to Deborah Digate, the Traffic Safety Representative for the Parents’ Association, an increase in traffic in Winchester has made the drop-off and pick-up at McCall and at a number of schools a concern. Digate said that if more students walked, it could alleviate some of the congestion around the schools and decrease the amount of early-morning traffic around Winchester.
“We can get cars off the road and also lower the amount of emissions in the air,” Digate said. “And the chance for children to get out, walking and get some fresh air is a good thing.”
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There are a number of benefits to enrolling Winchester in the program, according to Sergeant Groux. On top of the health and traffic aspects, Winchester will also be eligible for federal grants. Last year, Northampton received $800,000 from the government to improve the infrastructure around the school. Possible improvements could include raised crosswalks, improved signage or better crossing lights for the town.
“Obesity is an epidemic,” Groux said. “Kids sit around and watch TV or play with their electronic devices. The least they can do is walk to school.”
The walk, which was originally scheduled for last Wednesday, May 4, was postponed because of rain. Digate said that she does not know what the turnout would be, but Groux said he would like to see 100 students out walking to McCall.
While no elementary schools will be participating in Wednesday’s walk, Digate said she would like to see those schools participating in the future as well.
“We’re trying to enlighten the community about how to safely get a child to and from school,” Digate said.
The students will gather in the parking lot at 7 a.m. and walk along the parade route, down Main Street to McCall. Refreshments will also be served for those making the walk, and there will be a raffle at school for students who participate.
Digate said that she plans on holding the walk next year and would continue to do it to try and raise awareness in Winchester.
“As long as I’m involved in the community, I’m going to continue to do it,” Digate said. “At some point it’s going to catch on.”
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