Bedford Hills Elementary Students Find Delight in Walking to School

The chattering of little voices could be heard all along Babbitt Road as Bedford Hills Elementary School students walked toward school on a chilly fall morning.

A neighbor walking her dog beamed at the group. “Aw, this is always so cute!” she said.

Students were participating in a beloved tradition: Walk to School Fridays.

“Our Annual Walk to School Week, held in May each year, was so popular that, at the request of our parents, we added Walk to School Fridays in October,” Principal Zbyněk Gold said.

On the first three Fridays of the month, staff members met students and their guardians at three different locations in town before walking to school in groups. They picked up more students along the way. Local police were also along the route to make sure everyone stayed safe.

Students greeted each other happily and met dogs and younger siblings as they walked up the sidewalk. When they reached the school, students went up the steps to say hello to friends who had come from different directions while parents mingled below before heading back home.

Two kindergartners, Eloise Escano and Mary Gould, bounded up the steps hand-in-hand.

“We like walking to school because we got to see each other!” Eloise said.

Her sentiment seemed to be one that was shared by everyone who participated.

“We are fortunate to have a community school where about half of our students live within walking distance,” Principal Gold said. “It is a great way to start the day with some fresh air and exercise!”