In 2024, the Board introduced the Active School Travel Strategy, which outlines its dedication to supporting AST in all school communities. The strategy provides tools, resources, and guidelines to help schools communicate and implement AST initiatives effectively.
Why Promote Active School Travel?
- Health Benefits: Walking or biking to school promotes physical activity, which supports better fitness, focus, and overall well-being.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing car trips decreases traffic congestion and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, making our community more sustainable.
- Social Connection: Active travel provides students with opportunities to build independence and connect with friends.
- Safety and Awareness: By encouraging AST, we can reduce traffic volume in school zones, enhancing safety for all children.
For January, we have some tips for how to get outside and still have fun in the cold, including while you’re walking or wheeling to school or the bus stop.
Being dressed for the weather is the first step to enjoying the outdoors. Here are a few suggestions on how to stay warm:
– Wear a base layer
– Wear an insulating layer (wool socks, shirt and pants but not jeans or cotton)
– Wear an outer shell (windproof jacket with a hood and snow pants with elastic or velcro fastening at the cuff)
– Wear insulated waterproof snow boots
– Have a hat that covers the ears (and a spare!)
– Add a neck warmer
– Finish with waterproof mittens
AND …
Keep moving!
Eat healthy snacks to keep your body going.
Drink water! Even though it’s cold, the air is dry and your body can become dehydrated.
Together, let’s encourage our students to embrace active transportation and create a healthier, more connected community!