The fall Walking School Bus program runs from Monday, Sept. 15, through Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008. Click here to register.

What It Is

The 10-week program runs during the fall and spring school semesters. A group of five to 10 children and adult volunteers who walk to and from school together - sort of like a carpool without the car. 

This fall, the Walking School Bus program is available at these Columbia schools:

• Blue Ridge Elementary
  
• Derby Ridge Elementary
  
• Fairview Elementary
  
• Grant Elementary
  
• Lee Elementary
  
• Parkade Elementary
  
• Ridgeway Elementary
  
• Russell Boulevard Elementary
  
• Shepard Boulevard Elementary
  
• West Boulevard Elementary
  

How Will My Child Benefit
The Walking School Bus program is an extraordinary way for your kids to develop good habits on the road, get some exercise and have fun, too. Walking to school every day can help change the way your kids think about making short, routine trips around town. It can help them:

• Focus and behave better in class
  
• Improve their health and well-being
  
• Develop great social skills with peers and adults
  
• Create a healthier environment around school

Call Margy Tonnies, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at the GetAbout Columbia office at (573) 442-7189, ext. 30 to register. Or, click here to sign up online.

Here’s How It Works
It's free! Once you register your child, a Walking School Bus volunteer will call you with a bus route especially designed for your neighborhood school. Starting Sept. 15, a trained Walking School Bus volunteer will get all the kids "on board" and walk to school together - making sure to be safe on sidewalks, smart around traffic and have a good time along the way.