Students and staff at Atlantic Beach Elementary recently participated in International Walk to School Day, and afterwards had a special visit from a UF/Shands Trauma One helicopter.
Established to encourage students to walk or bicycle to school, International Walk to School Day emphasizes the importance of safe routes for students to get to and from school, as well as the importance of physical activity in children. The walk is administered by the Florida Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Program.
"Atlantic Beach Elementary is a community school and there are a lot of students who walk and ride their bikes to school, so we want to be sure that we take every opportunity to expose our students to safety procedures when walking to and from school," said Principal Kimberley Wright.
During their walk, students reviewed safety tips, including "look left, right and left before crossing." They also carried signs that said "Stop for Pedestrians," "Children Crossing," and "Drive Carefully."
Sergeant Gus Carlson with the Atlantic Beach Police Department helped plan the route students walked during the event, and encouraged the students to pay attention and follow the safety rules.
"We want to make sure students know how to get to and from school safely, and ensure parents that there are safe routes for their children to take."
After the walk, the entire school gathered near the track to watch the Trauma One helicopter land. They listened to the Trauma team talk about being safe, and even had the chance to get an up close tour of the helicopter.
This is the first year that Atlantic Beach Elementary has participated in International Walk to School Day, and Principal Wright hopes to do it again.
"We always want to reinforce safety to our students, and it is important for them to hear it over and over again. Whatever we can do to capture their attention is what we want to focus on."
Assisting the students at the event were the Atlantic Beach Police Department, FedEx employees and staff from UF/Shands.
"We are grateful to take part in International Walk to School Day, and we appreciate the assistance of everyone who helped," said Wright.
For more pictures from International Walk to School Day at Atlantic Beach Elementary, visit the
DCPS' flickr Photostream.
More 'Spotlight on Education' Articles
