'Students Without Motors' converge on DIS

Dyersburg Intermediate School's first observance of International Walk to School Day inspired more than one-fourth of the DIS student body and over 40 parents and community volunteers to take a brisk walk to school on Wednesday morning. Locally named 'Students Without Motors', the event offered a chance to enjoy a beautiful autumn morning, a healthy non-fat ice cream treat for students participating and -- most importantly -- a step toward a healthy lifestyle. The event was held in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School program and the Tennessee Department of Health's Child Health Week.

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Locally named "Students Without Motors", the Dyersburg event was held in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School program and the Tennessee Department of Health's Child Health Week.

Over 40 parents and community volunteers escorted 162 DIS students participating in the event. Groups meeting at seven sites within a mile radius of DIS enjoyed a brisk walk on a beautiful autumn morning and the extra advantage of taking steps toward a healthy lifestyle.

Sites included First Methodist Church, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Dyersburg First Assembly of God (Dyersburg First) Church, Jenny Bell Learning Center, East Dyersburg Methodist Church, the Dyersburg Activity Center and the old Christian Church parking lot on the corner of Troy and Oak streets. Students were chaperoned from each site to the school with many adults on hand to ensure safe crossings.

DIS students, educators, parents and community volunteers complete the last leg of their walk to school on Wednesday morning. As many as 162 students and over 40 chaperones joined together to begin their day with healthy activity.

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Educators at the event said teachers notice calmer, more focused students when the youngsters begin their day with exercise.

In addition to a fun start to their day, students participating in the walk received a sticker treating them to a free non-fat ice cream treat, courtesy of Dyersburg City Schools Coordinated School Health.

Local organizations participating in the Students Without Motors event included the Pioneering Health Communities Dyer County Steering Committee, Dyersburg City Schools, Coordinated School Health, University of Tennessee Extension, the YMCA of Dyer County, McIver's Grant Public Library, City of Dyersburg Parks and Recreation and Dyersburg Regional Medical Center.