Austin, TX—Leading by example, Austin Independent School District (AISD) Superintendent Meria Carstarphen and AISD Police Chief Ernesto Riojas walked to school with hundreds of Wooldridge Elementary students during “International Walk to School Day” on Wednesday, October 5, 2011. The event, which is organized locally by Safe Kids Austin, is a worldwide day of celebration to get kids and parents out of their cars and on their feet to walk or bike to school. This is the 11thyear for Safe Kids Austin to partner with AISD.
The event is aimed at encouraging exercise for students and their parents, while also promoting child pedestrian safety. AISD elementary students focus on eight wellness concepts each school year, including nutrition, cardiovascular health, stress management, and others.
“Wellness lessons need to start early and I am thrilled to model good, healthy behavior by walking with students here at Wooldridge,” said Superintendent Carstarphen. “Austin ISD is dedicated to teaching healthy lifestyles and fitness as part of our curriculum in order to better prepare our students for a healthy and successful adult life.”
To view a map of the walking route, please visit http://g.co/maps/3ngty. For more information, please contact the Department of Public Relations and Multicultural Outreach at 512-414-2414.