NORCROSS SCHOOLS CELEBRATE WALK/BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

According to a Sept. 7th Gwinnett Daily Post article, "About 600 students from Simpson Elementary ditched the bus Wednesday in favor of their feet. Simpson was one of several schools nationwide to participate in International Walk and Bike to School Day, an event designed to promote health, safety, physical activity and environmental concern. The streets surrounding Simpson were packed with students, parents and dogs who say the day gives them a chance to bond and enjoy the morning air. Kim Tardy walked with her daughter Bailey, and 8-year-old third-grader. She said Bailey normally rides the bus, but the family made special arrangements to take the two-mile trek from their home.

"'It's a community thing, and it's a healthy thing,' Tardy said. 'It teaches our kids that we are involved in what they are doing.' Walk to School Day was established in the United States in 1997 by the Partnership for a Walkable America. It is Simpson's fourth time participating, said PTA representative Lynn Grove. 'It's a very tight community and this is another way for us to get out say 'Hi' and have fun with our kids,' she said. Elizabeth Friedman walked her daughter Lauren, 10, to school at about 8:30 a.m. She said a lot of parents park their cars in nearby neighborhoods and finish the walk, but she and her daughter made the two-mile trip from their house on foot..."

Source: www.gwinnettdailyonline.com