Students hit the pavement in Bernon Heights School's first 'Walk to School Day'

WOONSOCKET - The ribbon of Bernon Heights Elementary School pupils emerged from the Bernon Park playground last Thursday morning and snaked its way to Knight Street.

Led by Principal George Nasuti, about 60 pupils, teachers, parents and volunteers joined the phalanx as it steadily marched toward the Bernon Heights school as part of the school's inaugural "Walk to School Day," a national program that encourages pupils to walk or bike to school safely.

The new walking regimen is designed to encourage more pupils to walk to school rather than riding to school with their parents, Nasuti said. Walking is good exercise, said Ken Ruscetta, safe routes to school coordinator for the city, and "the whole idea is to get kids more active."

A retired educator who teaches pedestrian and bike safety in city schools, Ruscetta said, prior to the walk, that national studies show if today's youngsters don't exercise more, they will not be as healthy as their parents.

The Walk to School Days are designed to break that disturbing finding by promoting safe walking routines, Ruscetta said, before addressing the walkers.

The organized walks also serve a practical purpose, Ruscetta emphasized.

"The things we teach you in the classroom, you'll be able to use today," he told the pupils assembled at the park.

Nasuti said the walks will be held each Thursday and if participation grows, the number of walk days will be increased to match the interest.

Each child leaving the park, received a key chain flashlight to mark the occasion. After arriving at school, the pupils were fed breakfast.

The Woonsocket Safe Routes to School Program is a partnership of Connecting for Children & Families, the city, and the city Education Department, according to a release from the Bernon Heights Elementary School PTO.

It is supported by the Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration through the National Safe Routes to School Program, the release said.

The city received a $486,000 grant for its Safe Routes to School program, including infrastructure funds, Ruscetta said.

The infrastructure money was used for new crosswalks and signs at the Kevin K. Coleman, Fifth Avenue and the middle schools, Ruscetta said.

One program goal, Ruscetta explained, is to establish Walk to School Days at all city elementary schools.

Walking alongside the pupils on their inaugural walk were police Lt. Todd Boisvert and Patrolman Dave Chattman. Patrolmen Thomas Bergeron and Matt Richardson used their cruisers to block intersections to provide safe passage to the young walkers.

Also accompanying the pupils were Marc Garceau, director of instruction and administration for city schools, and five senior Woonsocket High School athletes, football team captains Luis Heredia, Shawn Harris and Brian Doire, Nicole Boucher, basketball, soccer and softball player, and Lauren Masse of the basketball team.