• Bike to School Day

HASLETT - Golden morning sunshine greeted a group of Haslett Middle School students and parents on May 9th as they gathered to participate in Bike to School Day. Wednesday's event was organized by the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, which works to create new, safe routes for children to travel to and from school, and promote health, wellness, and physical activity.

Championing the event locally was Jamie Rahrig, a Haslett mom, who knows first hand how important staying active is to maintaining a healthy life.

"We try to encourage kids to be active, and we know that it can effect how they do academically and how their day starts out. Michelle's daughter, she said that just walking to school clears her mind and she's ready for her tough science class in the morning," said Rahrig.

Though not always possible due to Michigan winters walking or biking to school at the beginning and end of the year is an excellent change in schedule for many students. It offers time to enjoy the outdoors and get the last bit of morning sleepiness out before the school day.

Jamie plans to organize a group to ride again next year on Bike to School Day. Students and parents also participate in a weekly 'Walking School Bus' that caravans to the middle school every Friday.

"Definitely another one next year, for international bike to school day and then if anyone wants to join us on Friday mornings, even if they don't have kids at the middle school can still participate and join us in the walk."