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Walking School Bus Project

 Summary

This spring Siouxland District Health Department received a grant from the Iowa Department of Public Health to fund two WSB programs in the Sioux City Area. Irving and Liberty Elementary School in Sioux City were selected as the two walking school bus sites.

A walking school bus coalition was formed to plan the two walks; it included representatives from SDHD, Sioux City Community School District, IPHA AmeriCorps HealthCorps, SIMPCO, City of Sioux City, and Healthways/BlueZones.  The coalition developed WSB policies and procedures and performed a walking route audit to ensure safety of the walking route and bus stop locations.  The coalition was also in charge of obtaining WSB signs, safety vests, incentives, and recruiting volunteers.

The walk at Irving took place from May 6-10 and had 58 elementary school students participate and a total of 32 volunteers.  Liberty Elementary School’s WSB took place May 13-17 and had 62 student walkers and 29 volunteer helpers. At each school participants received small incentives throughout the week. Items such as a water bottle, bracelet, back pack tag, pencils and bike reflectors, and a rain poncho were given to the students. On the Friday of each walk, students who walked all five days were included in a drawing for a bike and a helmet.  One lucky student from each school won the grand prize.

To read the full report and receive more information about the Walking School Bus project click here.