Grasslands Public Schools is proud to share that our Walking School Bus program was recently featured in this month’s School Health Newsletter. The feature recognizes the program as a meaningful example of health promotion, physical activity, and community connection in Southern Alberta.
In Brooks, many families living within walking distance were choosing to drive or use busing rather than have their children walk to school. For families who were new to Canada and learning the Alberta education system for the first time, safety concerns were a significant barrier.
After hearing these concerns directly from families, our Assistant Superintendent Katie Graham began exploring ways to support safe, active travel to school. Her focus was simple and student-centred. If families were worried about safety, Grasslands needed a solution that built trust, provided supervision, and helped students gain confidence.
Working alongside an Alberta Health Services health promotion facilitator, Katie helped launch what would become the Grasslands Walking School Bus program.
A simple idea with a big impact
What started at one Brooks school has grown into a division-supported program serving all three Brooks elementary schools, with approximately 170 students now participating. Any kindergarten to Grade 6 student living within the walking zone can join. Families simply register, and the walking begins.
Just like a traditional school bus, the Walking School Bus follows designated routes with regular pick-up and drop-off stops. Routes are led by trained staff known as Grasslands Walkers, who ensure students arrive safely to and from school each day.
The heart of the program: the walkers!
Grasslands Walkers work morning and afternoon routes, building daily connections with students along the way. Many also work in our schools as education assistants, allowing trusting relationships to form beyond the sidewalk and into the classroom. These familiar faces help students feel safe, supported, and confident, and they foster a stronger sense of community across our schools.
Safety, supported
As the program has grown, it is now managed by the Grasslands transportation department. Walking routes are planned using the same mapping systems as bus routes, and walkers are equipped with high-visibility winter jackets, ice cleats, and first aid kits. When weather conditions make walking unsafe, cancellations are communicated through the same processes used for bus routes. This ensures clarity and consistency for families.
Why it matters
The Walking School Bus has delivered benefits well beyond the walk itself. The program:
Encourages healthy, active travel to school
Teaches real-world safety skills, including crosswalk use and traffic awareness
Builds respectful, caring relationships between students and staff
Increases parents' confidence in their child’s ability to walk safely
Helps manage transportation costs by reducing the need for bus routes within walking zones
Looking ahead
Grasslands continues to explore opportunities to expand the Walking School Bus program. Schools in surrounding communities have expressed interest, and plans are underway for a walking mentor program, where older students can step into leadership roles. These students will support younger walkers and build independence over time.
The Walking School Bus is a reminder that when schools listen to families and respond with care, strong community connections follow.
We are proud of the students, staff, and families who make this program possible every day and grateful to see their work recognized beyond our division.
Read the full featured article here: https://schools.healthiertogether.ca/en/get-inspired/stories/stories-list/grasslands-walking-school-bus/