Walking school bus considered by Wellness Coalition

With a new idea for the community, the Newton Wellness Coalition started discussing the idea of a walking school bus to “transport” children to school at its Wednesday meeting. A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults.

“I think there is a lot of merit in being leaders in something like this, starting small even in one or two pockets of town may be the best way to do it,” coalition member Robyn Freidman said.

The group discussed some of the logistics of starting a walking school bus program including getting volunteers to talk with the children, how many volunteers should be with one group and when during the years would be the best time to implement the idea.

They discussed talking with RSVP participants as well as polling YMCA members to see if they would be interested in volunteering.

“When we move back to K-4 centers next and the 5-6, that might make more sense as far as having kids walking there because right now it seems like we are busing them everywhere,” coalition member Sheri Benson said. “That will also give us more time to be thoughtful about it.”

The coalition is also starting to gather treats to participate in “Skiff or Treat” again this year. As they were wildly successful last year handing out toothbrushes and toothpaste, they have been working to compile the health conscious treats again.

Member Jenny Thompson said she has received toothbrushes from Delta Dental and also has Colgate toothpaste and floss that can be handed out to kids at the Oct. 31 event.

Last year, the group said they handed out more than 1,000 toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to those who attended the trick-or-treat event.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com