Dawes students walk, bike and roll their way into the school year

Dawes Elementary hosted its first Walk, Bike & Roll to School event last week! With help from the Evanston Police Department, students practiced safely crossing at crosswalks and a stoplight, putting into action what they’ve been learning in physical education. Swoop, the school mascot, even joined in for a dance party on the front lawn to celebrate!

The event is part of a broader district wide effort to help students build the skills and confidence to walk and bike safely, supported by an Illinois Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School grant and partnership with the City of Evanston. Schools across District 65 will participate in Walk, Bike & Roll days this school year. Additionally, fifth graders at Dawes and Oakton will take part in a pilot providing access to bikes for on-bike learning at school. The initiative will also provide bikes, helmets, and locks to students who need them, helping more students safely put their learning into practice in their communities.

Special thanks to Heather Shaffer, PE Department Chair, our physical education educators, Karen Bireta, Sustainability Coordinator, and the City of Evanston for their continued partnership!