The students of Cottonwood Elementary School premiered the musical motion picture “SNAP, Walk’n Roll” at the assembly March 20. This is a new film about walking and biking safely to school presented by the Utah Department of Transportation, Student Neighborhood Access Program (SNAP). Cottonwood Elementary was one of eight schools in Utah selected to participate in this program, because of the walking and biking route map submitted to UDOT by Dennis Jones, principal.
To kick off this premier event, Cottonwood Elementary students joined with parents, school officials and UDOT representatives in the school gymnasium by walking down a “red carpet” aisle and signing a pledge to walk and bike safely. Cherissa Wood, Utah Safe Routes to School Coordinator presented the SNAP program after being introduced by Principal Jones. Wood said “We have a fun assembly planned for you today. We are going to learn about being safe while walking and biking to school. During the assembly, you’re going to learn about a SNAP map. A SNAP map is a map that shows you the safest way to walk and bike to school. Your school has a SNAP map and we will give each of you a copy.”
Walking and biking is a perfect way to get to school. It gets cars off the road and getting exercise helps your mind feel awake. Plus, walking and biking is a great way to spend time with your friends.
Wood said, “Today, you get to be the first kids in your city, county, and the entire school district to see the brand new “SNAP, Walk ‘n Roll” movie. That is so awesome.”
The SNAP, Walk ‘n Roll: The Movie is a free, 30 minute film that employs original, upbeat music and an energetic four-member SNAP team to teach traffic signs and signals, the importance of following the safest routes on a school’s SNAP map, and how to be safe around construction when walking or biking to school.
UDOT SNAP’s goal is to improve the safety of students walking and biking to school. Parents can help their children practice safe walking and biking habits by demonstrating and discussing the following safety tips.
Follow the safest route to school. Use the school’s SNAP map. Walk with a buddy or group. Walk on sidewalks where possible. Look left, then right, then left again when crossing a street. Cross only at crosswalks. Obey directions from school crossing guards, and walk bikes and scooters across crosswalks. Always wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter. Make sure the helmet has a safety certification and fits properly. Wear bright clothing, especially when riding a bicycle or scooter to make it easier for the traffic to see you–or tie a bright handkerchief around your backpack.
Never walk or ride with headphones. They are distracting and keep you from hearing traffic.
Principal Jones said, “We are thrilled to be one of eight schools in the state selected by SNAP to premiere this new educational resource, which is designed to encourage students statewide to walk and bike safely to school. The benefits of developing these habits go a long way. When more students walk and bike to school, there will be less traffic congestion, making the roads around our school safer. Additionally, studies have shown that students who participate in this healthy activity perform better in school and have more energy for learning. Our school has a SNAP map available for you and your parents so you can know the safest way to travel to and from school. We will give each of you a copy.”
The students then signed a pledge to walk and bike safely to school. The coordinators for this program were: Cherissa Wood, the Utah Safe Routes to School Coordinator. Krista Meeks, an Intrepid Public Relations Agency Representative. Dani Tuttle, of the Parent Teachers Association; Dennis Jones, Principal.
“SNAP, Walk, ‘n Roll: safety program
"Students pledge to walk and bike safely."