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Williamsport Welcomes the Walking School Bus

WILLIAMSPORT — With spring in full bloom, Williamsport Area School District thought it was the right time to kick off a new program that will have kids wa...
walking school bus

WILLIAMSPORT -- With spring in full bloom, Williamsport Area School District thought it was the right time to kick off a new program that will have kids walking to school safely. It's called the walking school bus. While there is no bus driver needed, the school is looking for volunteer walkers instead.

Stevens Primary School in Williamsport doesn't have a school bus. Students either get a ride from mom or dad or they walk.

"Some of our families live about a mile and a half away, so there has always been some concern for kindergarten, first grade, second grade walking that kind of distance," said Jim Ellis.

It's called "the walking school bus." Julie Caringi, a district social worker, brought the idea to school after hearing about it at a seminar.

"We rely on volunteers to help walk the children to school so that actually is a big part of the school bus," said Caringi.

"It's fun because people help you walk to school and you get to walk with friends," said Kayla Johnson.

Members of the school's faculty are helping kick off the pilot program.

"I felt like this was a great program for kids, especially mothers who can't afford transportation, to get their child to school,” said Rakeema Hermon.

The hope now is that the walking school bus program will expand with school-approved volunteers.

"I think it's a great idea. It's definitely something I would have my daughter participate in if it came to the west end of town,” said Janene Jackson.

This program isn't just helpful to parents. It's also kid approved because walking is a lot more fun when you do it with friends.

"When I saw the sign-ups, I asked my mom if we could sign up and she said OK 'cause there would more people to walk to school instead of walking to school lonely,” said Kahziah Rivers.

While the walking school bus may be safer for students like Kahziah Rivers, it's also a time to make a new friend.

Community members interested in volunteering should contact the school at 570-322-7853.

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