WSB Volunteer Leader Training and Orientation Name of Trainer Date of Training Program Summary WHEN? <dates of program> <time of program: before and after school> WHERE? 2-4 routes serving <your elementary school> HOW MANY? 5-10 children per route 2 volunteer leaders per route 1
Outline 1. Background 2. Your Packet of Materials 3. Walking School Bus Routes 4. Policies and Responsibilities Road Safety Cancellations and Absenteeism Tracking Participation 5. Fun Things to Do While Walking to School 6. Contact Information 1. Background Walking School Bus Benefits 1. Improved health and fitness 2. Better behavior and focus in class 3. Positive interaction with a caring adult 4. Less traffic congestion and air pollution around schools 5. Social opportunity for kids 2
Childhood Obesity 1/3 of American children obese or overweight Obesity among elementary-age children has quintupled since 1965 Obesity and overweight lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, depression and numerous other life-threatening illnesses. Regular exercise helps maintain healthy weight. The Vision The Reality 3
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults 1987-2001 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1985 4
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1986 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1987 5
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1988 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1989 6
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1990 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1991 7
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1992 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1993 8
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1994 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1995 9
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1996 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1997 10
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1998 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 1999 11
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2000 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2001 12
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2002 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2003 13
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2004 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2005 14
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2006 Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2007 15
Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults: 2008 Child Obesity and Walking to School 1970 2000 Walk-to-School Rate: 66% 10% Child Obesity Rate: 5% 16% Sources: JAMA, CDC 16
2. Your Packet of Materials Introductory Letter Presentation Handout Route Map and Student List * Policies and Responsibilities (2, to be signed) Safety Cards (3) Tracking Form Fun Things to Do WSB Brochures (3) 3. Walking School Bus Routes Two WSB Leaders will share a WSB Route Leader A and Leader B should confirm rotation and maintain good communication 5-10 children will be assigned to each Route Walking route and schedule will be provided Check route before program starts, preferably with other Leader. 17
Contact with Families By Friday before start date: Leader A contact each family Introduce yourself and other Leader Ask for parent volunteers to walk once per week, and try to fill a weekly rotation Answer any questions Additional Participants: All new families must complete registration form WSB Coordinator must be notified 4. Policies and Responsibilities 4.1 Road Safety 4.2 Cancellations and Schedule Changes 4.3 Tracking Participation 18
4.1 Road Safety Be Visible Walk, Don't Run Stay on the Sidewalk Walk Sensibly (No Horsing Around ) Walk Together as a Group Cross Side Streets as a Group Cross Main Streets at a Crosswalk or Intersection Be Visible Walking School Bus Leader should have BRIGHT OUTERWEAR 19
Walk, Don't Run YES NO Stay on the Sidewalk YES NO 20
Walk Sensibly (No Horsing Around ) YES NO Walk Together as a Group YES NO 21
Cross Side Streets as a Group YES NO Cross Main Streets at a Crosswalk or Intersection YES NO 22
Consequences for children not following rules First Offence: Warning and phone call to parents Second Offence: Suspension for one week Third Offence: Expulsion from program Inform WSB Coordinator of any problems. WSB Leaders may use discretion if offences are minor. Teaching Children Road Safety Take the opportunity to coach kids in road safety: Choosing where to cross Crossing roads at mid-block: Left, Right, and Left again Crossing main roads and side roads Making eye contact with drivers Checking ALL ways 23
4.2 Cancellations and Absenteeism Bad weather Scheduled Leader cannot lead due to illness or conflict Child cannot walk due to illness or other reason Cancellation Due to Bad Weather The WSB Coordinator will cancel all WSBs if: Temperature is below 25 degrees It is raining hard enough to wet children s clothes There is a severe weather warning in the area The WSB Coordinator will call WSB Leaders before 7:15 a.m. WSB Leaders will call families before 7:30 a.m. 24
Scheduled WSB Leader Sick or Unavailable Scheduled WSB Leader should: Try to trade with other WSB Leader for same route Call WSB Coordinator ( ) Please give as much notice as possible. Child Sick or Unable to Walk If a child is sick or unable to walk: Child s family should call WSB Coordinator ( ) WSB Coordinator will call appropriate WSB Leader If a child does not show at the Walk Stop, WSB Leader should call family from school at end of walk 25
4.3 Tracking Participation Each day: Tracking Participation Record which kids walked Note any good or bad occurrences Each Friday: All Leader email WSB Coordinator to give weekly report Program Evaluation: Evaluation form will be distributed later 26
Every Friday: Walking School Bus T-Shirt Day Games: Alphabet Game Animal Game Eye-Spy Letter of the Day Special Events: Guest Walkers 5. Having fun WSB Leader Appreciation Dinner WHO? All WSB Leaders WHERE? <Your Restaurant> WHEN? <Date soon after end of program> 27
6. Contact Information Walking School Bus Coordinator: Phone: Email: 28