Evanston-Skokie School District 65 to Celebrate National Walk to School Day Oct. 7

Submitted by the City of Evanston

Evanston students, parents and teachers are encouraged to walk or bike to school Wednesday, Oct. 7, in celebration of International Walk to School Day.

The annual, global event celebrates the many benefits of walking and biking, and involves communities from more than 40 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

In conjunction with the global event, Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl signed a proclamation officially declaring October 7, 2015 “Walk and Bike to School Day” in Evanston, encouraging all community members “to consider the safety and health of our students today and every day.”

Officers from the Evanston Police Department will be present at the following schools and locations to greet students, parents and staff, and ensure safety while walking to school:

• Chute Middle School, 1400 Oakton St.
• Dawes Elementary School, 440 Dodge Ave.
• Dewey Elementary School, 1551 Wesley Ave.
• District 65 Preschool, 1500 McDaniel Ave.
• ETHS, 1600 Dodge Ave.
• Haven Middle School, 2417 Prairie Ave.
• Kingsley Elementary School, 2300 Green Bay Rd.
• Lincoln Elementary School, 910 Forest Ave.
• Lincolnwood Elementary School, 2600 Colfax St.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School, 2424 Lake St.
• Nichols Middle School, 800 Greenleaf St.
• Oakton Elementary School, 436 Ridge Ave.
• Orrington Elementary School, 2636 Orrington Ave.
• Washington Elementary School, 914 Ashland Ave.
• Willard Elementary School, 2700 Hurd Ave.

In 2015, the City of Evanston and the Evanston Police Department in conjunction with Evanston/Skokie School District 65 updated many student bike/walk routes to and from school. Suggested safe routes are available at all District 65 schools and also on the District 65 website, at district65.net/saferoutes.

All students are encouraged to complete the Illinois League of Bicyclists’ bicycle safety quiz challenge, at bikesafetyquiz.org. Chute, Haven and Nichols Middle School students who bike to school on October 7 and present a copy of their completed quiz certificate to their school’s main office will receive a free bike light, provided by the City of Evanston (while supplies last). Any student who completes the quiz may also present their certificate at Evanston’s Doc’s Popcorn, located at 1613 Sherman Ave., to receive $1 off a bag of popcorn through Sunday, November 1.

For more information about International Walk to School Day, visit walkbiketoschool.org.