b'LEARN Safe Routes to Schools One of the simplest ways to improve the healthH and lifestyle choices of children is to create anHEEAALLTTHHYY environment in which they are encouraged towalk or bike to school. Forty years ago, half of allstudents walked or biked to school. Today, thatEveryone is aware that schools are where our children will number has fallen to less than 15%, and moregain the knowledge that will prepare them to succeed in than 50% are driven to school in a car.the workforce, raise their own families and contribute to the The Safe Routes to Schools Program is a Federalworld. But schools are also where many early health habits Aid program aimed at building sidewalks and safeare formed. A quality school experience should include not street crossings and establishing programs thatonly the best possible education and preparedness for adult encourage their use. Commuting on foot or bylife, but also an introduction to healthy eating habits and bike not only improves safety and air qualityencouragement toward an active lifestyle. around our schools, it also introduces exercise intokids daily routines, helping to reverse the currentAn ideal school will have infrastructure around it that makes trend of health issues caused by a sedentaryit safe for students and teachers to walk or bike to school. lifestyle. Students who walk or bike to school mayThe food in the cafeteria will be healthy, and students will also be more likely to embrace alternativelearn about nutrition and health. Physical activity will be transportation options for their work commutesencouraged, both in and after school. Education starts with later in life.quality preschool and kindergarten, and carries rightthrough affordable higher education.Patty Yoerger,This is why I am a Champion . . . Jonathan Daniels SchoolOver the past two years at Jonathan Daniels School,I am passionate about helping children and families make active, we have encouraged students to be more active.healthy lifestyle choices.That is why I am working towards aligning The two easiest ways to be active are walking andthe Symonds Elementary School curricula with our food and physical biking.Through the Safe Routes to Schoolsactivity practices in the cafeteria, in the classroom and in the after program we have promoted educationalschool program. It is crucial that we engage individual citizens in our presentations like NH Bike Smart and bicycle safetyeffort to be the healthiest community.As more and more individuals seminars as well as encouraged participation in themake healthy changes, we will reach a tipping point where the walking club, walk/bike to school days and activeculture will truly change.Beth Corwin, Peterborough living in general. Champion and SchoolPrincipal, Patty Yoerger8'