Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Project at the Dolbeare--Six Years in the Making

By Sherri Carlson
Former Dolbeare Walking School Bus Coordinator

This sign is one of many safety and accessibility improvements students will find when they return to the Dolbeare Elementary School in the fall.  These improvements were made to help make walking and biking to school more appealing to students. 

New sidewalks are part of the Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Construction Project to improve safety and accessibility at the Dolbeare.  Designers made sure this tree was preserved in the process.  

Robert Barone, President of the construction company P.V. Barone Corporation, says construction at the Dolbeare is coming along nicely in preparation for the start of the new school year. 

 

What started out as a simple idea for a walking program mentioned during a 2008 Wakefield Climate Action Project (WCAP) brainstorming session turned into a grand adventure, now culminating with a 100% federally-funded Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure project under construction at the Dolbeare Elementary School in Wakefield, MA worth about $513K total, including design and construction. The SRTS project will improve safety and accessibility, thus helping to make walking and biking to school more appealing to students.

The six years following that fateful WCAP meeting included school, parent and community partnerships, enjoyable daily walks, biannual walk and bike to school celebrations and exciting national news coverage.

The adventure began at the Dolbeare Elementary School. The Dolbeare partnered with MassRIDES, along with the Wakefield School Health Leadership Team and WCAP to pilot a SRTS program beginning in the fall of 2008. The program is very flexible and schools can pick and choose what to do. The Dolbeare decided to go all out, and their program included biannual walk and bike to school celebrations (International Walk to School Day in the fall and Mass. Walk & Bike to School Day in the spring) plus a Walking School Bus. A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults, following a fixed route and stopping to pick up students at set times along the way. It’s like a carpool—without the car.

The Dolbeare Walking School Bus ran (walked) daily, rain or shine, except during the winter. Every day brought a new experience the children would never have by driving to school; perhaps small, but nonetheless special. One day there was street construction to examine. Other days brought a yucky dead frog, a rooster crowing loudly or a neighbor’s giant fluffy dog. There were beautiful garden flowers to appreciate. Sometimes the children enjoyed rain on their umbrellas with puddles to jump. Later in the season there was colorful foliage to admire along with piles of leaves to crunch. Most days friends and neighbors talked and laughed. Some days were more quiet and peaceful. Whatever the day brought, a walk was always a nice way to start the morning.

The biannual walk and bike to school celebrations brought out hundreds of students, parents, babies, pet dogs and top supporter Nibbles the Guinea Pig. Special guest walkers such as the Superintendent, Principal, PE teacher, School Committee members and Police Department members came along to show their support. Teachers cheered on the students with pom-poms and awarded small prizes for walking. The class with the most participants won the “Golden Sneaker Award.”

In 2009, the successful program was featured in the Boston Globe, Fox 25 News, and Good Morning America. Each time the news crews showed up to film a walk to school celebration, just about the entire school turned out for the event. It was great fun.

Over the years the SRTS program spread to the three other elementary schools in town plus the Galvin Middle School. In 2010, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) awarded the Dolbeare a no-cost, detailed Infrastructure Assessment of walking and bicycling routes within a mile of the school and placed the Dolbeare on a waiting list (called TIP—Transportation Improvement Program) for construction.

Four years later, construction to improve infrastructure at the Dolbeare is now well underway. Per the MassDOT website, improvements include the construction of sidewalks at locations surrounding the Dolbeare, a pedestrian flasher assembly in front of the school, pedestrian countdown signals at the Lowell St./Vernon St. intersection, reconstruction of the nearby Shell gas station driveways to reduce the length of pedestrian crossings, installation of bike racks, better defined curb cuts, and construction of sidewalk connections between Lowell St. and Vernon St. and the school entrances.

Currently the construction contract value is $442,063. Robert Barone, President of the construction company P.V. Barone Corporation, says construction is coming along nicely in preparation for the start of the new school year.

Hopefully when school starts up again students and parents alike will take advantage of the safety and accessibility improvements and walk or bike to school, and the biannual celebrations will continue. When they do, everyone can enjoy an energizing start to the day, better focus in school, socializing with friends and neighbors, saving money on gas, avoiding traffic jams and helping the environment—all at once!

For further information on Safe Routes to School, visit http://www.commute.com/schools.

Mass. Walk & Bike to School Day May 2, 2012

Celebrate Massachusetts Walk & Bike to School Day on May 2
The Dolbeare Elementary School will be celebrating the many benefits of walking and biking to school on Wednesday, May 2. Massachusetts Walk and Bike to School Day is organized by the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program.

The celebration is based on a simple idea—children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. It is an energizing event, reminding everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the need for safe places to walk and bike. Schools focus on health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment.

MassRIDES states in their website www.commute.com/schools: “In 1969, roughly 48% of students bicycled or walked to school. Today only 13% of children do so. And, travel to school can account for up to 25% of all morning traffic. That's why we work with schools like yours, to teach and inspire children to start walking and bicycling more often—to and from school, improving their physical health, safety, and community.

 “The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program promotes healthy alternatives for children and parents in their travel to and from school. It educates students, parents and community members on the value of walking and bicycling for travel to and from school.”

The opportunity to receive free incentive prizes, guidance and numerous resources was made possible by partnering with MassRIDES to run a Safe Routes to School Program. The Dolbeare Elementary School partnered with MassRIDES, along with Wakefield Climate Action Project and Wakefield’s School Health Leadership Team to pilot a Safe Routes to School Walking School Bus program in fall 2008. The program proved quite successful—in 2009 it garnered media attention at the local and national levels, including the Boston Globe, Fox 25 News, and Good Morning America. In 2009 and 2010 the Greenwood, Woodville and Walton elementary schools joined the effort and partnered with MassRIDES to roll out programs at their schools.

Please join the Mass. Walk and Bike to School Day celebration on May 2 by safely walking or biking to school that day. You may find you enjoy it so much you will want to walk and bike all year long.

For additional information, visit www.commute.com/saferoutes; and www.wakefieldcap.org.

International Walk to School Day a Success!

The Dolbeare Elementary School had a phenomenal turnout to celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 5. Approximately 293 students—77% of eligible walkers—joined the fun, along with special guest walkers Superintendent Joan Landers and School Committee Member Anne Danehy, MassRIDES representative Samantha Fonseca-Moreira, parents, babies, pet dogs and top supporter Nibbles the Guinea Pig.

Walkers held up colorfully decorated “Happy International Walk to School Day!” and “It’s Cool to Walk to School!” signs. Once at the school, students were given a big cheer and a wave of pom-poms by Principal Beth Yando and teachers Anne Corbett, Alyce Jordan, Kristin Collins and Paula Curley. Next, participants signed a poster with the help of teachers Andrea Cosentino, Suzie Harte and Leslie Roberto, and teacher Jennifer Gallant handed out blue “Safe Routes to School” shoe lace tags as a prize. The Golden Sneaker Award goes to Mrs. Livesey’s first grade class for having the most walkers, 22 total. Coming in second was Mrs. Cosentino’s third grade class with 20 walkers, and Mrs. Uva’s third grade class took third place with 19 total walkers.

Ahead of the event, PE teacher Maria Caruso encouraged students to participate and gave out “Stop. Look. Listen” bookmarks with safe walking tips. Art teacher Frank Marino assisted with promotion by giving the students pictures of sneakers to colorfully decorate and hang in the school entrance.

This event helped families experience the many benefits of walking to school, including the simple joy of walking, energizing the day, focusing better in school, socializing with friends and neighbors, saving money on gas, avoiding traffic jams and helping the environment. Visit www.iwalktoschool.org, www.walktoschool.org, www.saferoutesinfo.org, www.commute.com/schools and www.wakefieldcap.org for more information.

International Walk to School Day 2011

Celebrate International Walk to School Day Oct. 5

Wakefield elementary schools will be joining schools around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 5. The Dolbeare, Greenwood, Walton and Woodville elementary schools—all partners with MassRIDES—will put their individual touches on the event, plus give out prizes to participating students.

International Walk to School Day is based on a simple idea—children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. It is an energizing event, reminding everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the need for safe places to walk and bike. Schools focus on health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment.

MassRIDES states in their website (www.commute.com/schools): “In 1969, roughly 48% of students bicycled or walked to school. Today only 13% of children do so. And, travel to school can account for up to 25% of all morning traffic. That's why we work with schools like yours, to teach and inspire children to start walking and bicycling more often—to and from school, improving their physical health, safety, and community.

“The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program promotes healthy alternatives for children and parents in their travel to and from school. It educates students, parents and community members on the value of walking and bicycling for travel to and from school.”

The opportunity to receive free incentive prizes, guidance and numerous resources was made possible by partnering with MassRIDES to run a Safe Routes to School Program. The Dolbeare Elementary School partnered with MassRIDES, along with Wakefield Climate Action Project and Wakefield’s School Health Leadership Team to pilot a Safe Routes to School Walking School Bus program in fall 2008. The program proved quite successful—in 2009 it garnered media attention at the local and national levels, including the Boston Globe, Fox 25 News, and Good Morning America. In 2009 and 2010 the Greenwood, Woodville and Walton elementary schools joined the effort and partnered with MassRIDES to roll out programs at their schools.

Please join the International Walk to School Day celebration on October 5 by safely walking or biking to school that day. You may find you enjoy it so much you will want to walk and bike all year long.

For additional information, visit www.walktoschool.org; www.iwalktoschool.org; www.saferoutesinfo.org; and www.wakefieldcap.org .

2011/2012 Dolbeare Walking School Bus Flyer

WHAT IS A “WALKING” SCHOOL BUS?

A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults, following a fixed route and stopping to pick up students at set times along the way. It is like a carpool—without the car.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A WALKING SCHOOL BUS?

• Avoid traffic jams, save gas and help the environment

• Increase safety at the school (less cars)

• Safe and fun way to get exercise

• Help kids focus better in school

• Talk and connect with your child(ren) and neighbors

• Great way to get you going in the morning!

DOES DOLBEARE CURRENTLY HAVE A WALKING SCHOOL BUS?

Yes, we do! The Wakefield Climate Action Project and School Health Leadership Team have partnered with MassRIDES for this effort. Ideally three parents lead the group, with one being an alternate in case one of the lead parents cannot make it. Currently there is one bus called the “Lowell St. Bus.”

Lowell Street Bus:

Streets currently included are Wharton Park, Thorndike Street, Heritage Lane and Lowell St. Contact Sherri Carlson, 781-246-2106; sjcarlson21@verizon.net or Linda Powers, 781-224-0403 if you would like to join the bus. Following are the Lowell Street bus stops and route:

8:12 a.m. – Start at 21 Wharton Park

8:20 a.m. – Thorndike and Lowell Street

8:25 a.m. – 2 Heritage Lane and Lowell Street

8:30 a.m. - End at Dolbeare School

Parents can walk or drive their children to one of the stops along the way and join the walk or hand off their child(ren) to the leaders. Leaders are CORI checked and parents must agree to Ground Rules and fill out permission slips (visit www.wakefield.k12.ma.us and click on Dolbeare’s “Walking School Bus” link). More stops can be added as people join.

MORE LEADERS NEEDED!

If you enjoy morning walks, good company and avoiding traffic jams, and are willing to lead a bus in your neighborhood, please contact Sherri Carlson at sjcarlson21@verizon.net or (781) 246-2106.

LINKS: www.walkingschoolbus.org; www.iwalktoschool.org; www.walktoschool.org; www.saferoutesinfo.org; www.commute.com/schools; www.wakefieldcap.org

Successful Mass. Walk & Bike to School Day Celebration at Dolbeare

Successful Walk & Bike to School Day Celebration at Dolbeare

There was a wonderful turnout at the Dolbeare Elementary School for their Massachusetts Walk and Bicycle to School Day celebration on May 9, 2011. The weather was perfect after a postponement due to predicted rain (which never materialized), and hundreds of children, parents, dogs and even a hamster joined the celebration. Approximately 265 students turned out for the event.

Participating students were greeted at the Dolbeare by pom-pom waving teachers/cheerleaders and were handed Safe Routes to School stickers and bracelets. The students then signed a poster under their teacher’s name to win an award. The Golden Sneaker Award for most participants goes to Kathy Uva’s third grade class.

A large amount of teachers and staff pitched in to help, including teachers Jennifer Gallant, Erica (Nigro) Bibo, JoAnne Kenny, Ann Corbett, Paula Curley, Suzie Harte, Andrea Cosentino, Deb Lacey, Perry Pappas, Denise Yasi and Carol Willet, nurse Susan Siebeking and custodian Ken Malonson. Art teacher Frank Marino helped make the poster, and PE teacher/facilitator Maria Caruso, parent/Walking School Bus Coordinator Sherri Carlson, Principal Beth Yando and MassRIDES School Outreach Coordinator Anna Isaacson helped plan and execute the event. The event potentially inspired people to walk or bike to school daily instead of driving.

Mass. Walk & Bike to School Day 2011

Celebrate Massachusetts Walk & Bike to School Day

The Dolbeare and Walton Elementary Schools will be celebrating Massachusetts Walk and Bike to School Day on Tuesday, May 3 (Walton’s rain date is May 4; Dolbeare’s is May 9). The Woodville Elementary School put a unique twist on the event and will hold a series of “Woodville Walk to School Days” on April 29, May 20 and June 17. The events are in conjunction with the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program.

Safe Routes to School is designed to address pressing transportation and public health issues. Many adults over the age of 30 remember enjoying walking and bicycling home from school: chatting with friends; taking a shortcut across a field; stopping at a friend’s house or the library; inspecting bugs; sloshing through puddles. But today it’s different.

In 1969, roughly 48% of students bicycled or walked to school. Today less than 15% of children walk or bicycle to classes. Nationally, 19% of children age 6-11 years are overweight, more than triple the percentages from 1969. In Massachusetts, almost one-third of high school and middle school students are overweight or obese. And in some communities, school-related traffic can contribute up to 25 percent of morning rush hour traffic volumes, as well as significant air pollution.

The Massachusetts Safe Routes to Schools program can help change this. It promotes walking and bicycling to school, which helps reduce air pollution, fuel consumption and traffic congestion, while increasing the health, safety, and physical activity of elementary and middle school students. It also helps build connections between families, schools and the broader community.

Massachusetts established the Commonwealth’s Walk and Bike to School Day in 2007. Since then, partner schools have conducted over 600 walking and bicycling events to celebrate Walk and Bike to School Day. Over 380 elementary and middle schools across the state collaborate with MassRIDES, the state’s travel options service under the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, on the Safe Routes to School program to organize activities and events which encourage students to walk and bicycle to school.

The Dolbeare Elementary School partnered with MassRIDES, along with Wakefield Climate Action Project and Wakefield’s School Health Leadership Team to pilot a Safe Routes to School Walking School Bus program in fall 2008. The program proved quite successful—in 2009 it garnered media attention at the local and national levels, including the Boston Globe, Fox 25 News, and Good Morning America. Last year the Greenwood, Woodville and Walton Elementary Schools joined the effort and have partnered with MassRIDES to roll out walking programs at their schools. (The Greenwood celebrates International Walk to School Day in the fall.)

Please join the Massachusetts Walk and Bike to School Day celebration by safely walking or biking to school. You may find you enjoy it so much you will want to walk and bike all year long.

For additional information, visit www.commute.com/saferoutes (view the Fox 25 News story at this site) and www.saferoutesinfo.org