North Natomas Jibe presents Walk-to-School programs and participation gains to board

Melissa Meng, executive director of North Natomas Jibe, presented the group's long-running Safe Routes to School and Walk to School programs, highlighting local participation and program innovations that support student health and reduce car trips.

Meng described the organization's origins as a development mitigation effort and outlined programs including Walk to School (now daily at 11 North Natomas elementary sites), Project Ride Smart bicycle education for 5th graders, a parent program-coordinator model, a trip-scanner system now called "Scan to School," and a children's book used in assemblies. She told trustees participation at partner schools is over 25%, which she compared with a national estimate of about 11% walking/biking to school. A volunteer, who identified himself as Adam, described Walking Wednesday as a community-building event that reduces parking-lot congestion and energizes students before class.

Trustees thanked the presenters for the partnership and noted the alignment between the group’s outreach and the district's early-literacy and health goals. The presentation concluded with trustees expressing appreciation and noting ongoing collaboration.