Schools

Safe Routes to School

KMM offers a comprehensive Safe Routes to School outreach and education program in Middlesex County. We deliver walking and biking safety education programs to elementary and middle school students, and we organize events and contests that encourage responsible walking and bicycling. In addition, we work with schools and towns to create a plan to improve the walk or bike to school – this may include street fixes, educational programs, and police enforcement. This School Travel Plan is a blueprint for making improvements over time – and enables towns and schools to apply for supporting grants from the NJ Department of Transportation. Our program is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Transportation with funding from the Federal Highway Administration, so our services are free.

3rd and 5th Grade Bookmark Contest

KMM provides an annual bookmark contest for 3rd and 5th graders.  Given a theme, the students are asked to create a bookmark which is later judged by a select panel of judges. Winning bookmarks are printed and distributed to elementary schools around Middlesex County, New Jersey.

The 2023 third grade bookmark contest is now CLOSED! Special thanks to Provident Bank for sponsoring this year’s bookmark contest! Stay tuned for the winners of this year’s bookmark contest!

Walk and Bike to School Events

Walk and bike events, like International Walk to School Day in October, are a great way to introduce an SRTS program and get families excited about walking to school. KMM works with organizers to plan the event, map a suitable route and provide support materials.

Walk Safety Assembly

Crossing the street, traffic signals, crosswalks, and more are covered in this 45-minute interactive program ideal for first and second graders. The presentation uses slides and short videos. Giveaways include bookmarks, stickers, and glow-in-the-dark bracelets

Bike Safety Presentation

KMM presents a 20-minute program on bike safety including helmet use and fitting, basic traffic rules, and parts of the bicycle. Ideal for grades 4-6.

Bike Rodeo

This bike skills course helps students learn the basics of safe bicycling on a fun off-road course. Rodeos can be run during school, at an after-school program, at a summer camp, or during a community festival. KMM will plan your bike rodeo, layout a safety course, direct the event, and train volunteer.

Walking School Bus

A walking school bus is a group of students walking together to school on a regular basis. Parents often take turns “driving” the bus, walking with the students, and providing supervision. KMM will help plan a route, assist in developing policies and procedures and provide a safety orientation to volunteers.

School Travel Plan

KMM works with schools and towns to create a plan to improve the walk or bike to school – this may include street fixes, educational programs, and police enforcement. This “school travel plan” is a blueprint for making improvements over time – and enables towns and schools to apply for supporting grants. KMM will prepare the plan with the participation of the Board of Education, municipality, parents, and community leaders.

Sustainable Jersey/Sustainable Jersey for Schools

SRTS programs are eligible for points toward certification in the municipal Sustainable Jersey program and the new school-based Sustainable Jersey for Schools. KMM will assist your team in preparing the documentation needed for this program.

NJ SRTS Recognition Program

Communities that implement SRTS programs are eligible for recognition in the statewide program at First Step, Bronze, Silver or Gold levels.

Video

Watch KMM explain the importance of Safe Routes to School programs:

Resource Links

Learn more about SRTS and get ideas from these sources.

For more information, please contact dpicchio@kmm.org.