Kendall elementary students revel in bike ride to school

Photos courtesy of Andy King, art teacher at Kendall Central School

KENDALL – Kendall fourth-grader Carter Cook (in front) and fifth-grader Evan May (just behind him) wore cool helmets at today’s ride to school event which featured about 80 Kendall elementary students and a dozen staff members.

Kendall started the ride to school event last year and about 50 kids participated then.

The students start the ride at the Kendall Highway Garage on Crandall Avenue and then head to the elementary school on Kendall Road.

Students gather for a group photo after the ride. They are offered a Gatorade, fruit snack, and/or applesauce pouch after the ride. Parents pick up their students’ bikes during the day.

Students in grades 3-6 all receive a training with the district’s School Resource Officer, Deputy George Barton, prior to the bike ride. Students learn important safety tips for riding bikes including which side of the road to stay on. Deputy Barton presents to each grade level using a slide show he created.

Parents register their children via a Google Survey. The survey ensures all of the pertinent information is understood leading up to the event (time, date, requirement for helmet, etc).

“Deputy Barton closes off southbound traffic from Kenmore road to our elementary building to ensure our students are safe,” said Kevin Watson, the elementary school principal.

Brennan Wahl rides with his daughter, Avery, a fifth grader. Mr. Wahl is a 4th grade teacher at Kendall.

A Kendall staff member uses a Gator to pace the students, who are reminded “this is a stroll to school — not a race!” Watson said.

The pace car ensures they are safe and not zooming down the road. The Sheriff’s Department ensures students are safe on the right side of the road. The district Buildings and Grounds members also cut off traffic into the school so students can pull in safely after the ride, Watson said.

“I love our community lining up along the streets and waving to the kids,” Watson said. “We have such a supportive community here in Kendall!”

Kendall Elementary School Special Education teacher Sarah Scorse joins the ride with students and staff.

Principal Kevin Watson gets the riders attention at the Highway Department before the ride to the school.

Kendall fifth-grader Emma Pagano enjoys the bike ride.