Students at eight Cayuga County elementary schools will be encouraged to leave the car behind and walk to class as part of a series of Walk to School Day events beginning next week.
The Cayuga County Health Department is partnering with local elementary schools on the events, which are intended to promote physical activity, pedestrian safety and safer routes for children walking to school.
The first events are scheduled for Millard Fillmore Elementary on Tuesday, Sept. 29; A.A. Gates Elementary on Wednesday, Sept. 30; and Weedsport Elementary on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Five Auburn Enlarged City School District elementary schools will participate the following week.
Herman Avenue Elementary will hold its event Monday, Oct. 5, followed by Owasco Elementary on Tuesday, Oct. 6; Casey Park Elementary on Wednesday, Oct. 7; Genesee Elementary on Thursday, Oct. 8; and Seward Elementary on Friday, Oct. 9.
The local events coincide with the national Walk to School Day, officially observed Oct. 7.
Public health officials said the initiative also draws attention to traffic congestion, pedestrian safety and environmental concerns while helping strengthen connections between families, schools and their communities.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to leave their vehicles at home and spend a few extra minutes walking their children to school. Participating schools will send additional information home with students ahead of their scheduled events.
More information is available by contacting the Cayuga County Health Department at 315-253-1560.
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