International Walk to School Day was Oct. 8, and North School in Villa Park participated in this special day.

International Walk to School Day began in 2000, with about 2.5 million people participated. The event has grown yearly. In 2007, more than 3 million children, parents and community leaders from 42 countries around the world joined together to promote physical activity, safety, connections between school and community and concern for the environment.

The day is more than just a walk to school. This is certainly important, but the event’s greater aim is to bring forth permanent change in communities across the globe.

Walk to School events are as simple as parents and kids walking together, but often the events become elaborate celebrations. Event logistics range from central walking locations to people just walking from their homes.

The event is meant to raise awareness about walking. This worldwide event encourages school communities to organize fun walk-to-school celebrations.

Partnership is important in Walk to School events. School principals can give the school’s commitment while often local police are used as a valuable resource to ensure safety is a priority. Parents add energy and enthusiasm and make the walk work.

This was the case with North School. Parent volunteers worked alongside PTA members and teachers manning the different corners where students cross to get to school.

“Even though the weather was less than desirable, I believe we had a good turnout for the event. Both parents and students participated again this year. Our PTA was a big supporter of the program and paired parents and teachers at the corners,” said North School principal Debbie Guzan.

North students received a special “North School Walk to School” pencil and a raffle ticket to for a chance to win one of 5 prize bags. The bags included a T-shirt, water bottle, granola bar and coupons for Enchanted Castle and a free ticket to a Kids Day event sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police.

Tammy Henderson is co-president of the North School PTA and also a physical education teacher, so the day was important to her.

“I think it is nice to encourage families to walk to school. I wish I would see more families walk on a regular basis. I think that society is starting to realize the long-term effects of leading a sedentary lifestyle.

“Times have changed. Kids are no longer playing hide and seek tag around the neighborhood until the street lights come on. Parents need to stop and take a look at their child’s lifestyle and schedule in physical activity time. Otherwise the hectic life that most of us live can more easily be filled with video games, TV and computers.

“I think that it is most powerful when the school, parents and community work together to send the message to children that we all value their health and well being.” Henderson said. “Walk to School Day is not only about the physical well being of the child. The vision is also for communities to bring back the idea of neighborhoods.”