The Olympia School District board proclaimed October as Walk to School Month, urging families to walk or bike with their children to school.

All five board members took turns reading the proclamation aloud at the Thursday, Sept. 10 meeting, The Jolt News reported. Board President Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo, Vice President Maria Flores and Directors Renee Fullerton, Hilary Seidel and Gilbert Lamont each signed the document alongside Superintendent Patrick Murphy.

The proclamation ties the effort to children's health. It states that a lack of physical activity contributes to rising rates of obesity and diabetes among young people. Daily walking or biking builds activity into a child's routine and can improve readiness to learn in the classroom, the board wrote.

The proclamation also cites environmental benefits, noting that Walk to School events held worldwide each October raise awareness about the advantages of replacing car trips with walking and biking.

The board called on families, school staff and community leaders to join students during Walk to School events throughout the month. Adults who accompany children on those walks can set a lasting example by modeling safe, healthy habits, the proclamation states.

Student representatives Claire Hartzell, Malachi Cardona and Juniper Hummel-Church attended the Thursday, Sept. 10 meeting where the proclamation was read.

What's next for families

The Olympia School District (OSD) made a similar proclamation during the 2024–25 school year. Several elementary schools hosted "Walk N Roll to School" events that fall, according to the district's website.

OSD has not yet published a 2026 event calendar. Families can check the district's website or ParentSquare for updates on school-specific events.

International Walk to School Day falls on Wednesday, Oct. 7, according to National Today.