Walking to school...like in the good old days!

How many of us allow our kids to walk to school on their own?  In our frantic lives, it is often easier to drive our kids to the doorstep of the school, rather than allowing them to walk.  I chose our kids school based on:  1.  It is in the neighbourhood  2.  the boys can walk there on their own 

However, it is only now that they are in grade 5 and 3 that I am allowing them to walk together on their own.  They are ready, and they appreciate that they are being given more freedom and responsibility!

The only reason I have waited so long is not because of the strangers, but because of the traffic:  there is one major intersection where drivers seem to have no interest or concern for pedestrians.  So, I have had to train the boys to be extra careful and cautious as they cross this street.

Teachers (and parents), how do students get to your school? Walking, biking, or driving?  I have such fond memories of walking up the hill to school, skipping along, reading a book on the way, and trying to keep up with my brother!

Yet, how many of our students go to their neighbourhood school?  I think that in our current times, students traverse to schools all over the city:  specialized places that often are not in our communities.  How important is it to have our children attend schools close to home or does that matter?