On November 14 in 1960, Ruby Bridges made history when she became the first African American student integrating a White school, William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Every year, school children around the country celebrate this historic day by walking to school.
Here in Cupertino, a group of motivated Eaton Elementary parents organized a local Walk to School Day with rally points, flags and goodie bags for the kids. Thanks go to AAA Insurance through the Ruby Bridges Foundation, for providing the materials to make this day more fun for our students!
Ruby Bridges walks to school in 1960
Eaton Elementary students walk to school in 2025
Children met at three locations to walk together to school: the Cupertino Library, the intersection of Farallone Drive and Bollinger Road, and at the Wilson Park Bridge. Around 100 children and their parents started gathering at 8:00am. Each child was given a flag to wave while walking and a bag with goodies. Our Cupertino Mayor Liang Chao, as previous mayors have done for other Walk to School Days, joined the group at the Cupertino Library.
It was heartwarming to watch the kids talk, laugh, and enjoy being together–instead of being isolated in separate cars–and also to see parents who enjoyed meeting other fellow parents.
A success for everyone…not just those that walked that day
Some parents mentioned to me they had never walked to school before, so this Walk to School Day was a success in showing people that there is a very simple alternative to driving.
Another interesting indicator of success was how quiet the streets around Eaton Elementary were that morning. Eaton’s school day begins at 8:45am for students. Typically, there are many cars waiting and filling the two streets surrounding Eaton, as well as backed up at the Farralone and Suisun intersection. But not on this day. The pictures below show how much of a difference 100 children and their parents made in reducing traffic.
Walking to school quite literally benefited everyone this Friday!
Unlike most days with stressful stop and go traffic, including the infamous crossing between Farallone and Suisun, just a few cars quietly dropped kids without congestion.
Drop-off traffic was significantly decreased. On the left is the street in front of Eaton at 8:36am. On the right is the traffic at 8:41am–usually the peak traffic time!
After arriving to school, children received delicious donut holes, distributed by Mrs. Ho, Eaton Principal.
This was a great day for kids and parents! If you are interested in having one of these Walk to School Days at your local school, contact Safe Routes to School and they will help you set one up. Happy walking!