Pentucket Spotlight on Excellence: Donaghue, Sweetsir Schools Partner with MassDOT Safe Routes to School Program
Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Stephanie Dembro share that the Merrimac Schools have partnered with Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program to promote safe, active transportation methods to students.
MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program is a free, federally funded program administered by the MassDOT that works to increase safe walking, biking, and rolling among public elementary, middle, and high school students. The program centers its services around the “6 E’s” – Education, Encouragement, Engagement, Evaluation, Engineering, and Equity.
As part of the partnership, Merrimac schools will participate in three flagship days to promote sustainable transportation and safety practices.
The first flagship day – International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day – was held on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Students were encouraged to use active forms of transportation to travel to and from school.
Students arrived by walking, riding bicycles and scooters, and rollerblading.
“I decided to ride my electric scooter to school because I have had it for a long time and it’s been something I have wanted to ride to school,” said Grade 5 student Parker. “It felt good to get fresh air on the nice morning.”
Grade 4 student Alana said, “I walked to school with my friend Emma instead of riding the bus because it was a beautiful and nice day.”
“I got a new bike so I decided to test it out today and ride it to school,” Grade 5 student Peyton said.
The Merrimac Schools will participate in two more flagships days during the school year. A Winter Walk will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and Massachusetts Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 1.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program,” said Principal Dembro. “We wish to promote safety and sustainability at Merrimac schools, and our students are very excited to be participating. Our first flagship day was a major success, and we are looking forward to continuing this effort!”
From left, Grade 6 students Dennis Clark and Logan Reiter, and Grade 4 students Nathan Gordon and Peyton Reiter ride their bikes to school as part of International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day, the first flagship day the Merrimac Schools will participate in as part of their partnership with the Safe Routes to School Program. (Photo Courtesy Pentucket Regional School District)
