APS students, families, teachers and administrators will thank their Crossing Guards at APS elementary and middle schools around the County on arrival at school on February 8, as part of a week-long celebration.

Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is held each February to raise awareness of the important role Crossing Guards play in supporting students who walk and bike to school. Arlington Public Schools is one of dozens of school divisions across the state that participate in this national and statewide Safe Routes to School event. APS has celebrated Crossing Guard Appreciation Day for the past four years.

About Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
Safe Routes to School events like Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, Walk to School Day, and Bike to School Day promote healthy lifestyles among young people by encouraging walking and biking to school. More activity means healthier students. When students walk or bike to school, drop-off and pick-up traffic and related pollution around schools is also reduced.

About the Virginia Safe Routes to School Program
The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) assists interested localities and schools in the development of plans, activities, and infrastructure improvements to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and appealing transportation option for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. For more information, visit www.virginiadot.org/saferoutes.