August is National Back to School Month. For many students in Orange County, this will be the first time in more than a year that they have set foot in a traditional classroom.
Due to the fear, isolation and changes brought by the pandemic, returning to “normal” will be challenging for students, families and schools. During the pandemic, kids lost access to places and activities (both in and out of school) where they could find social connections and physical activity.
Safe Routes to Schools can help by providing active transportation tools that address health and safety challenges while enabling easier access to community destinations and resources. OCTA and the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) have partnered to deliver Safe Routes to School programming to eligible schools through the OC STEP (Safe Transportation Education Program) with FREE resources to encourage families to walk, roll or bike to school safely and more often.
Safe Routes to School programs can help kids cope with stress, improve academic performance and learn how to get to school safely, among other benefits.
Learn more about Safe Routes to School and OC Step here. For additional information, contact Peter Sotherland at OCTA: psotherland@octa.net