Since signing up as a Safe Routes to School participant in 2018, Way Finders has supported DeBerry’s Let’s Walk Wednesdays-- a pilot walking school bus which involved parents, teachers, and Springfield College students walking children to school during the 2018-2019 school year.
Based on results of a school wide parent survey and walk audit results, MassDOT developed maps highlighting safe walking routes to DeBerry.
Way Finders worked with DeBerry to launch a before school walking club in September 2019. The Walking Club meets every Monday and Friday when school is in session from 8:10- 8:30. Students gather on the Monroe Street side of the school at 8 am and walk in the DeBerry field or on the sidewalk adjacent to the school with parents, school staff, and Springfield Public School Volunteers. During inclement weather (rain, snow, sleet, extreme cold), the children walk inside the school building.