Over 6,500 students from all nine of the City's elementary schools, all three of the middle schools, and the two high schools were invited to celebrate the Massachusetts Walk and Bike To School Day on May 7, 2014, by walking either to or around their respective schools. Because of MCAS testing, some schools had to delay their walks. At the Silvia Elementary School, Physical Education Teacher Terry Mahjoory made a special day of walking in her classes by having students pose for photos with their feet in a circle and then viewing a series of signs related to walking as they walked the perimeter of the school athletic field. "Terry always does an extraordinary event to motivate the children about walking," stated School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard who helped to organize the events along with school officials. The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program promotes healthy alternatives for children and parents in their travel to and from school and educates students, parents and community members on the value of walking and bicycling. Click here to see a two-minute video of the event and click here for photos of the other schools walking. For more information contact School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard at 774-319-0107.

(Top row) Physical Education Teacher Terry Mahjoory organizes several classes of children for the walk. (Row two) Students are invited to sign their names on a large sneeker that will be posted on a school wall to remind them that they took part in the event. (Row three) Terry takes photos of students with their feet arranged in a circle before they head out to the school athletic field. (Bottom row) Terry leads students around the field where they can read a variety of signs stating facts about walking as part of the learning experience.

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