We're Walking to Andrews Elementary

It was barely dawn, and the air was chilly at 7 a.m. this morning — and I was still a little sleepy — but I perked right up when I met students and staff from Andrews Elementary School in northeast Austin. It's International Walk or Bike to School Day so we're walking!

Head Custodian Maria Frausto

Our departure point was an apartment complex a few blocks from school. Our group quickly grew to about 40 children who regularly form a "Walking School Bus," led daily by Andrews Head Custodian Maria Frausto. Ms. Frausto is Andrews' coordinator for the Austin Safe Routes to School program.

Principal Laurie Barber

Principal Laurie Barber joined us too, and off we went in a happy little line, down the sidewalk, staying out of the street, and crossing at the designated crosswalk. Safety first!

I like that students are getting fresh morning air and cardiovascular exercise at the beginning of the day. This gets their little hearts pumping blood and oxygen to their brains. They'll be ready for any math problem their teachers give them!

We arrived at Andrews and I'd have loved to join the kids for breakfast and visited with teachers, but I had an 8 a.m. meeting elsewhere so had to rush off. Thank you, Principal Barber and Ms. Frausto, for letting me join your walk — and for working every day to keep all Andrews' youngsters safe as they travel to and from school.

As our little troupe observed International Walk or Bike to School Day, I knew that down at Houston Elementary in the southeast corner of AISD, the community was celebrating in a big way. The City of Austin is a strong partner in this initiative to get kids walking or riding their bikes. This morning, staff and students from Houston Elementary School, APD and AISD Police Officers, City of Austin Animal Services personnel, City of Austin Code Compliance Officers and many other community partners walked or rode bikes to school together. The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department organized the walk with Houston for their Austin Safe Routes to School Program. Thank you, everyone!


The Austin American-Statesman has some great photos from this observance at Houston Elementary. Check out this link: http://galleries.statesman.com/gallery/walk-school-day-100610/


If you'd like to learn more about this observance, click here:  Walk or Bike to School Day  Next year, the observance will be on October 5, and I'll be out walking to school, that's for sure!

Happy Birthday, Ann Richards School!

Tuesday evening, I attended the 3rd Annual Birthday Bash of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. The bash is a benefit which celebrates the legacy of former Governor Richards, and marks the anniversary of the opening of this unique all-girls public school. Our hosts were Deborah Green and Clayton Aynesworth, and I thank them for graciously offering their home for this event.

Actress Alfre Woodward with Ann Richards girls

The evening's special guest was acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard, who also visited the school earlier in the day and met with students. Ms. Woodard has won four Emmy Awards and received numerous Emmy nominations for her television performances; was nominated for an Academy Award for her film work; and is a Golden Globe, Grammy Award, Image Award, BET Award, Black Movie Award, and Black Reel Award winner as well. It was an honor to meet such an accomplished artist, and I'm grateful she presented her life and career to our girls as a role model and inspiration.

Students and guests mingled as members of the ARS Governor's Council were also honored for their financial support of the school's enhancement programming. These programs are critical to ensure that girls are prepared to succeed in college, lead healthy and well-balanced lives, and become the next generation of leaders.

The Ann Richards School was founded in 2006 to educate young women and give them the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in college, in their careers, and in their communities. With an Exemplary state rating, it currently serves approximately 530 girls in grades 6-10, and will add a grade each year, graduating its first 12th grade class in 2013. The school's fantastic principal is Jeanne Goka, whom you might have seen recently on the cover of Austin Woman Magazine.

ARS Drumline Performs.

It was an inspiring and uplifting event. "Thank you" to everyone who attended and who supports the Ann Richards School. You are truly part of The Power of Us!

Let's Walk!

Today is International Walk or Bike to School Day, and I was really happy to learn that the City of Austin is a strong partner in this initiative to get kids walking. This morning, staff and students from Houston Elementary School, APD and AISD Police Officers, City of Austin Animal Services personnel, City of Austin Code Compliance Officers and many other community partners will walk to school together. The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department organized the walk with Houston for their Austin Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS).  


Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow me to join the folks at Houston, so — at 7 a.m., about an hour from now — I'm getting together with some students from Andrews Elementary and we're walking together from their apartment complex to the school. This is a regular walking group called a "Walking School Bus," and it's lovingly guided every day by Andrews' head custodian Maria Frausto, who is also the school's SRTS champion. I love this idea! Students get exercise and fresh air — and they're safe and supervised on their way to school.

I want to thank Andrews principal Laurie Barber for setting this up for me. I'll post some photos and write about the walk later today.