State Police Major Leads Walking School Bus

State Police Major James M. Manni led Family Service of Rhode Island’s Walking School Bus Tuesday afternoon, November 12, starting at the Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School in Providence.  It started to get very cold as the children ended the school day and had to begin the journey home.

The Walking School Bus provides routes to and from school led by volunteers.  The initiative ensures that each child, living within a mile of the school, who needs to walk arrives on time and returns home safely, even when a family member is unable to walk with him or her. 

The Walking School Bus is reducing school tardiness and absenteeism. The program also promotes a positive community spirit as volunteers and school children walk through the neighborhoods surrounding the school.

The Walking School Bus is part of Family Service of Rhode Island’s “Providence Children’s Initiative,” based at the school and providing a comprehensive, collaborative program to improve educational and social development outcomes for children and families in the South Providence neighborhood.

Family Service of Rhode Island has invited a number of community leaders to lead the Walking School Bus to raise awareness of the program and to help recruit volunteers.  Anyone interested in volunteering should call 401-331-1350 ext. 3457.