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Schools

Walk to School Campaign Gets Area Students Active

October's 'Walk N' Roll' campaign encourages Tri-Valley students and parents to stay fit while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

On Wednesday morning, students and parents who walk and bike to Neil Armstrong Elementary School will be rewarded with healthy drinks and snacks as part of the third annual "Walk N' Roll to School" campaign.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Tri-Valley Air Quality Resource Team and Safe Routes to School Program are producing the event to encourage students and parents to walk, bike or use other means of transportation to get to and from school instead of relying on their cars.

The organizations hope that enough students and parents will participate to reduce traffic congestion and pollution and make students think about health in the process.

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"This Wednesday, I will be out there greeting the kids," said Darlene Amaral, San Ramon transportation analyst. "I will be set up on the blacktop with water and Nutri-Grain bars for the kids. It's to encourage the children to try a different way to get to school. Not only will it help to reduce the traffic on the road to and from school but it's healthy for parents and their kids. Childhood obesity is a major problem today; it can cause diabetes and other health issues. And driving to school - it causes 20 percent of traffic. A lot of the San Ramon schools are in neighborhoods, so they get congested."

San Ramon's Armstrong Elementary won't be the only school participating. Dublin's Murray Elementary, Pleasanton's Valley View Elementary and Livermore's Junction Avenue K-8 School also will participate in the program, with special events held during International Walk to School Month  through Friday.

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During the month, participating students will track the days that they walk, bike or use alternative transportation to get to school.

Students also can look forward to rewards in the form of gifts and treats during the campaign.

Special prizes will be awarded at the end of the month to the students from local businesses such as Dublin Cyclery, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl, Livermore Cyclery, World of Shoes, Viva Yogurt, Cooleykatz Toys, Cinema West, Yogurtland and Valley Rock Climbing Gym. 

Wednesday's event at Neil Armstrong Elementary will be from 8:40 to 9:15 a.m.

For more information, visit www.baaqmd.gov or call Darlene Amaral at 925-973-2655.

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