Safe Routes to School News
Maybe there is a spring in your step as another season approaches. With the warmer weather, students can get out and use some of the safety skills they learned during the Bike Rodeo and Crosswalk Simulation Activity presented by the Safe Routes to School Coordinator and the Takoma Park crossing guards this school year. Students in the fourth grade at Piney Branch and East Silver Spring and the fifth grade at Rolling Terrace enjoyed learning about bike safety and practiced on a cool obstacle course. The first grade and kindergarten classes at Takoma Park and at East Silver Spring participated in the Crosswalk Simulation activity, learning about the best practices for crossing the street in a fun and engaging way.
Here is what’s coming up this spring: Monday, March 14 Together with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition, TP Safe Routes to School has acquired a bike trailer for the purpose of offering countywide bike safety education using the Bike Rodeo model. Anyone interested in using the trailer must complete a training session to become certified. This spring, the certification training is scheduled for Monday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It will be held at the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave., in the Hydrangea Room. A Bike Rodeo will follow at Piney Branch Elementary School, 7510 Maple Ave. from 1:25 – 2:10 p.m. Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 2, 2016.
Sunday, May 1 The Takoma Park Safe Routes to School 5K Challenge, better known as the TKPK5K, will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2016. Registration is now open at www.tkpk5K.com. There are events for all ages and abilities: 5K run, 5K walk, 1 mile run, .25 mile fun run. Sign up before April 18 for early bird registration prices and guaranteed t-shirt sizes. Proceeds benefit PTA programs at Piney Branch, Rolling Terrace, East Silver Spring and Takoma Park ES and Takoma Park MS.
Wednesday, May 4 Bike to School Day is Wednesday, May 4. Students, parents and school staff are encouraged to ride to school together. Check with your school for specific details.
Tuesday, June 7 Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is held on the first Tuesday of June each year. On this day, we take a moment to express gratitude to the wonderful Takoma Park Crossing Guards for another year of service. Watch for more information in early June.
June 27 –July 1 Once again, Takoma Park will host the iCan Shine bike Camp for students with special needs. Maryland residents between the ages of 8 and 14 are invited to participate free of charge. The camp will be held at Takoma Academy, 8120 Carroll Ave., June 27 – July 1, 2016. Visit takomaparkmd.gov/initiatives/saferoutes-to-school for additional information. Riders and volunteers needed.
This article appeared in the March 2016 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.
