APS Schools Find a Happy Path During 'Walktober'

Events aimed at encouraging students to walk to their community schools.

The month of Walktober – yes, Walktober – is about a lot of things. 

But safety and community top the list.

Students at a variety of schools throughout Albuquerque have learned all about it this month as the district celebrated a push to get students to walk to their community schools during “Walktober.”

“It really is a community effort,” said Wilson Middle School Principal Matthew Burrows.

Students in several parts of town participated during the month of October, most recently at Whittier Elementary and Wilson Middle Schools, where community groups, law enforcement, and APS staff members escorted students on a walk that emphasized pedestrian safety on designated paths.

Dubbed the “Walking School Bus,” students have traveled short distances by foot twice a week, with school officials hoping the practice will take root in older Southeast Heights neighborhoods eager to build connections between generations.

So far, so good, said Burrows, who was joined by Whittier Principal Dr. Robert Sims on the two-footed school bus.

“You’ll see neighbors come out and say hello,” Burrows said.

Walking to school has become less popular through the years, in part due to traffic and safety concerns. Organizers hope to emphasize that with the right kind of preparation, oversight and vigilance – safety is paramount – walking to school can work.

Building bonds between neighborhoods and schools is critical for community schools, regardless of the part of town they’re located in, said Bryan Garcia, the Community Schools development specialist at APS. He pointed to Wilson and Whitter – but also other schools throughout town – as models.

Other participating schools include Polk, Kennedy, James Monroe, and Truman middle schools, and San Antonito Elementary.

“As community schools, they worked together using their assets in the community to solve a challenge through the establishment of strategic partnerships to create a walking school bus,” Garcia said. “That helped students feel safe and excited to come to school so the learning can begin."