High Springs Adds Humor To Walk To School Safety Message

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A lighthearted approach is helping spread a serious message about pedestrian safety as High Springs prepares to take part in International Walk to School Day. Firefighter/Paramedic Doug Hope and High Springs Community School Principal Jenni Roberson teamed up to create a pun-filled video promoting the annual event and reminding students of safe walking habits.

The event will officially kick off at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at High Springs Community School, with additional celebrations scheduled at other local schools throughout the week. Organized by Safe Kids North Central Florida, in partnership with the High Springs Fire Department and other community partners, the campaign is designed to encourage students to walk safely while building healthy habits.

The video blends humor with safety lessons, offering students and families memorable tips:

• Always use crosswalks and look left, right and left again before crossing.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible, and if none are available, walk facing traffic.
• “Walk like you own the sidewalk” and “follow the rules like your mom is watching.”

Delivered with a series of puns and jokes, the presentation highlights how safety doesn’t have to be boring. For example, students are asked why a child might bring a flashlight to school — the answer: “because he wanted to be bright in class.” Another playful reminder tells kids to be “toe-tally prepared” and warns of a “roam-a-saurus” when a dinosaur walks to school.

While High Springs will launch the week, other Alachua County schools are also joining the effort:

• Oct. 7 (afternoon): Littlewood Elementary
• Oct. 8 (morning): Stephen Foster Elementary
• Oct. 8 (afternoon): Rawlings Elementary
• Oct. 10 (morning): Norton Elementary

Each celebration reinforces the importance of pedestrian safety, encouraging children and families to practice safe walking habits near schools and in their neighborhoods.

International Walk to School Day is observed worldwide each October, promoting health, safety and community. The initiative encourages students to walk or bike to school, reducing traffic congestion while teaching practical pedestrian skills.

High Springs Fire Department’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to community education and child safety as a proud coalition member of Safe Kids North Central Florida.

The full video featuring Hope and Roberson can be viewed at: youtube/Hr6loDf0fZw.

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alachuatoday.com