On Wednesday, October 7, more than 1,200 students and volunteers from three local school districts came together around something that matters every day: getting students to school safely.
Students from Shawnee Public Schools, Pleasant Grove Public School, and Grove Public School joined communities across the country in celebrating National Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day.
Before the school day began, students, families, and volunteers gathered at locations across Shawnee and walked together to school. The event was coordinated by Shawnee Public Schools in partnership with Pogo and the City of Shawnee, with support from local volunteers and families. While the morning was about getting moving, it was also about showing what is possible when a community comes together to create safer, more connected routes for students.
Later in the morning, fifth graders from Shawnee Public Schools, Pleasant Grove Public School, and Grove Public School came together for a walk from Sequoyah Elementary to KidSpace Park, traveling along the newly installed sidewalks on Independence and Center. Once the students arrived at KidSpace Park, Shawnee Public Schools PE teachers kept the momentum going with games and activities designed to get students moving, playing, and connecting.
For many students, the morning provided an opportunity to experience these sidewalks firsthand, not just as new infrastructure in the community, but as a safe route they can use to walk, bike, and move through their community.
“If you looked out the window and saw all of our kids walking to school, you got just a glimpse of the Pottawatomie County we’re building toward,” said John Bobb-Semple, executive director of Pogo. “Safe sidewalks, crossings, and connected routes do more than move kids from point A to point B. Every student deserves a safe way to get to class, and National Walk, Bike and Roll Day shows what’s possible when we invest in that.”
The morning also showcased the important role of community partnerships in keeping students safe. The Shawnee Police Department provided support throughout the morning, helping students safely navigate their routes to school and supporting the fifth-grade walk and celebration at KidSpace Park.
“Student safety is a responsibility we share as a community, and safe routes to school are an important part of that commitment. National Walk to School Day gives us an opportunity to bring students, families, schools and community partners together to raise awareness, encourage safe walking and biking habits, and continue working toward safer routes for every student,” said Dr. Jason James, Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent. “When we invest in safe ways for students to get to school, we invest in their well-being and their future.”
National Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day may happen once a year, but the message behind the event is one that extends well beyond a single morning.
Students deserve safe ways to get to school. Wednesday’s turnout showed what that commitment can look like when an entire community gets behind it; three school districts, more than 1,200 participants, and countless community partners all moving in the same direction.
Together, Shawnee is helping create a community where students can safely walk, bike, and roll to school, today and for years to come.