***NEW: We are looking for Walking School Bus Leader
adult volunteers!!! Page down for more information.***
Walking School Bus (WSB) Program
· A WSB is made up of one to two adult volunteer leaders who walk along
an agreed route, collecting children at designated pick-up points on the way to or from school.
·
Routes can be up to
1 mile. This is a distance that most primary school age children can comfortably walk within 20-30 minutes.
·
Children who live further
from the school can be dropped off at the start of the WSB route or another designated stop.
·
There is a maximum of
six children per adult (dependent on participant’s ages).
·
The service is free.
It relies on volunteers: the more volunteers, the more days a WSB can run.
·
The federal Volunteer
Protection Act provides volunteers with significant protection from liability associated with volunteer acts.
·
Training, vests, maps
are provided to all WSB volunteers.
What
are the benefits of the Walking School Bus?
·
Increased level
of physical activity for children and adults
·
Increased road safety
skills for children
· Fewer cars around McKinley
·
Reduced greenhouse gas
emissions
· Greater sense of community
·
Greater independence
for children
· The opportunity to make friends
·
Save time by not always
having to accompany your child to school
·
Save money on before
school care and fuel costs
· A fun start to the day!
Who can be a volunteer with the Walking School Bus?
·
All parents and family
members/neighbors/friends over 18 (background checks apply).
·
Parents of participating
children are not required to volunteer. Sharing the load will help the WSB to be more successful, so volunteering will help
your child to be able to walk more often.
