niles elementary pta

Committee Chairs

Jovy Abad, Cynthia Beck

Event Date

Year Round

Committee Responsibilities

Here’s a list of responsibilities for a Safe Routes to School PTA Committee focused on organizing the Golden Sneaker Contest, Walk and Roll to School initiatives, and monthly Walk and Roll Friday events:

1. Organize the Golden Sneaker Contest

• Plan Contest Details: Set the dates and structure for the Golden Sneaker contest, typically a month-long event where students compete to walk, bike, or roll to school the most.

• Coordinate with Teachers and Classes: Communicate with teachers to explain the contest, encourage participation, and track daily results for each class.

• Secure Prizes: Work with local businesses or sponsors to secure prizes for the winning classes or individuals, such as Golden Sneaker trophies or eco-friendly rewards.

• Track Progress: Create a system for students to record their daily participation (walking, biking, scootering, etc.) and compile the data for each class or grade level.

• Promote the Contest: Use posters, flyers, and school-wide announcements to promote the contest to students and parents. Collaborate with the PTA communications committee for social media posts and emails.

• Award Prizes: Plan a fun prize ceremony at the end of the contest, recognizing the winning class or participants with trophies, medals, or certificates.

2. Plan and Promote Walk and Roll to School Initiatives

• Annual or Bi-Annual Events: Organize larger, school-wide Walk and Roll to School days that coincide with National Walk to School Day or Earth Day to raise awareness of sustainable transportation.

• Plan Routes and Safety Measures: Collaborate with local law enforcement or crossing guards to ensure safe routes for students. Mark suggested walking or biking routes and coordinate with parents or volunteers to act as chaperones.

• Engage the School Community: Partner with school administrators, teachers, and student councils to promote the event, encouraging as many students and families as possible to participate.

• Environmental and Health Messaging: Emphasize the benefits of walking and biking to school, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving physical health. Use educational materials to share with families.

• Involve Local Partners: Coordinate with local bike shops, environmental organizations, or city transportation departments to provide safety tips, free bike checks, or helmet giveaways.

• Logistics and Permits: Ensure that any necessary city permits or school permissions are obtained for larger walking or rolling events that involve street closures or special supervision.

3. Coordinate Monthly Walk and Roll Friday Events

• Regular Engagement: Plan monthly Walk and Roll Fridays to keep the momentum going throughout the school year, encouraging students to adopt walking, biking, or scootering as a regular habit.

• Create Fun Themes: Add fun, seasonal themes to each Walk and Roll Friday (e.g., “Crazy Hat Day,” “Bike Decorating Day,” or “Costume Walk”) to make the event exciting and attract more participants.

• Volunteer Coordination: Recruit and organize parent or teacher volunteers to greet students at designated meeting points, help manage crossing areas, and ensure students arrive safely at school.

• Tracking Participation: Set up a system to record the number of students who walk or roll to school each month, and provide recognition or incentives for regular participants, such as small tokens or certificates.

• Partnerships and Rewards: Work with local businesses or sponsors to offer monthly rewards like stickers, water bottles, or healthy snacks to students who participate in Walk and Roll Fridays.

• Publicize Events: Promote the monthly Walk and Roll Fridays through school newsletters, morning announcements, posters, and social media to increase participation.

4. Environmental and Health Advocacy

• Promote Sustainability: Educate students and families about the environmental impact of reducing car trips to school, and how walking or biking contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet.

• Health and Fitness Focus: Highlight the physical and mental health benefits of walking or biking to school, such as increased fitness, improved focus, and reduced stress.

• Collaborate with School Wellness Programs: Work with the school's physical education department or wellness committee to tie these events into broader health and fitness goals for the school community.

• Work with City Officials: Advocate for safer pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure around the school by communicating with city transportation departments, traffic engineers, or local government officials.

5. Volunteer Recruitment and Management

• Build a Team of Volunteers: Recruit and manage a team of parent volunteers to help with planning, promoting, and executing events. Ensure they are well-informed and trained to assist with tasks like student supervision, setup, and managing participation data.

• Create a Volunteer Schedule: Assign volunteers to specific duties, such as leading walking groups, assisting with bike check stations, or greeting participants at the school entrance.

• Volunteer Recognition: Thank and acknowledge volunteers who contribute their time and energy to making these events successful, through public recognition, thank-you notes, or volunteer appreciation events.

6. Partnerships and Sponsorships

• Community Partnerships: Build relationships with local businesses, health organizations, or transportation groups to support your events. Seek out sponsors for prizes, snacks, or safety equipment.

• City and School Partnerships: Collaborate with local city officials and the school district to promote safer streets, bike lanes, or crosswalk improvements around the school.

• Bike Safety Education: Partner with local bike shops or safety organizations to offer bike safety checks or provide educational materials on safe cycling.

7. Evaluate and Report on Initiatives

• Track Participation Data: Keep detailed records of participation rates for all events, and track improvements in walking, biking, or rolling participation throughout the year.

• Gather Feedback: Collect feedback from parents, students, and teachers to assess the success of each event and identify areas for improvement.

• Report to PTA: Provide regular updates to the PTA board and school administration on the progress of the initiatives, highlighting successes and offering suggestions for future improvements.

These responsibilities ensure the PTA Safe Routes to School Committee promotes healthy, eco-friendly, and safe commuting habits for students, while fostering a strong community and raising awareness about sustainability and fitness.

Volunteer Opportunities