Ceres families to get walking safety lesson

CERES -- Families in this city will be walking to school this week as part of a push for healthier lifestyles and safer streets.

About 1,000 elementary students are expected to participate in the walks and complete "walkability" checklists identifying areas of concern for pedestrian safety. Assemblies on good nutrition and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists will be held at participating schools.

Blood pressure and body mass index health screenings will be available for parents as part of Walk to School Day events on these days:

• Today: Caswell Elementary

• Tuesday: Adkison Elementary

• Wednesday: Don Pedro Elementary

• Thursday: La Rosa Elementary

• Friday: Sinclear Elementary

On each school's day, groups of kids, parents and community leaders will walk from various locations around each school site. Walking groups will arrive at school approximately 15 minutes after leaving their starting point. Raffle prizes of bicycles, helmets and supply-stocked backpacks will be given to students at each event.

Walk to School Day events are coordinated by the Ceres Unified School District, city of Ceres, Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program and Ceres Partnership for Healthy Children.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339.