SPANISH AND VIETNAMESE NEWSLETTERS

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Thank You for Celebrating International Walk to School Day! 

On October 2nd and through October, schools across San Jose took part in International Walk to School Day, and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who made it such a success! This special day encourages students and families to walk, bike, or roll to school, helping to reduce traffic and keep our communities safe. 

A huge thank you to everyone who supported and participated, especially:  

• Our Walk n' Roll schools, families, and students who showed up with enthusiasm, ready to walk, bike, or roll to school.

• The San Jose Department of Transportation (DOT) staff and volunteers, who passed out prizes and made meaningful connection with the school community.

• Councilmembers and City Staff who supported the event and continue to help make our schools and streets safer.

• Schallenberger, Katherine R. Smith, and Grant Elementary Schools for celebrating with a Viva EscuelaSJ event. Your participation made the day even more special!

Even though International Walk to School Day has passed, we encourage everyone to keep walking and biking to school whenever possible. Together, we can continue to make our neighborhoods safer and healthier places to live. We look forward to seeing more of you walking and biking throughout the year! 

Stay Safe with the Time Change: Walking and Biking Tips

As we get closer to the end of October, it’s important to remember that Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end. On November 3rd, the clocks will "fall back" one hour, which means it will start 

• Be Bright, Be Seen: When the sun sets earlier, it’s important to make sure you’re visible to drivers. Wear Bright or reflective clothing to stand out more in the dark. Adding reflective gear to your backpack, jacket, or bike can help drivers see you better.  

• Use Lights: If you’re biking, it’s the law to have a front white light and a rear red reflector when riding after dark. Even if you're walking, carrying a small flashlight or attaching a light to your backpack can make a big difference. 

• Be Extra Cautious at Crosswalks: With less daylight, it can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Always wait for cars to come to a complete stop before crossing the street, and never assume a driver sees you.  

• No Distractions: Keep your phone in your pocket and avoid wearing headphones. You need to be able to hear traffic and be aware of your surroundings at all times. 

• Leave a Little Earlier: Mornings will be darker for a while after the time change, so it might take a bit longer to get to school safely. Plan ahead so you don’t have to rush.  

The time change affects everyone, including drivers. Remind your parents to be extra cautious, especially when driving near schools or through neighborhoods. Slowing down and watching for pedestrians and cyclists can help avoid accidents in low-light conditions. By being aware and prepared for the upcoming time change, we can all help make sure everyone stays safe on their way to school.  

Poster Contest for Grades 1st – 6th

The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI), in partnership with San Jose State University, invites all students in Grades 1st – 6th to enter the Elementary Poster Contest! The theme is "Get Going, Go Green!" Use crayons, paint, pens, pencils, and markers to create artwork that inspires the community to use environmentally friendly ways to get from one place to another. Judges will award gift cards to the top entries (four for grades 1 - 3 and four for grades 4 - 6), and the winning posters will be displayed at MTI's Banquet at SJSU in June.  

The deadline for entries is December 13, 2024. Please visit MTI's web page for contest rules and instructions on submitting your entry: https://transweb.sjsu.edu/workforce-development/elementary-program  

Good luck!