Physical Wellness

Walking School Bus Registration Form

A Walking School Bus (WSB) is a safe, healthy, and fun way for children to walk to school with adult supervision — just like a school bus, but on foot!

Here’s how it works:

• Each "bus" follows a set walking route with one or more responsible adults leading the way.

• Children meet at a designated location each morning to join the group.

• The WSB operates every morning school days, rain or shine!

The Walking School Bus (WSB) program will begin on August 12th and will run every morning when school is in session, ending on the last day of school.

To participate, students must be registered in advance. Space is limited and will be based on a safe student-to-adult ratio, so early registration is encouraged.

Daily Drop-Off Details:

• Location: Meyer Park

• Drop-Off Window: 7:05 AM – 7:20 AM

• Line-Up Begins: 7:18 AM

• WSB Departure Time: Promptly at 7:20 AM

• Important: Please do not drop off your child before 7:05 AM, as supervision is not available.

Let’s make the walk to school fun, safe, and active — together!

For more information contact:
Kim Pennington
Email Message

There are so many great reasons to join the Walking School Bus at Gulf Shores City Schools!

Skip the Car Line
Avoid the stress of traffic and get to work on time — or even early!

Built-In Exercise & Play
Kids enjoy fresh air, movement, and social time with friends before the school day begins.

Improved Focus
Walking helps students feel calm, alert, and ready to learn — many say they feel less rushed and more prepared for class.

Prizes & Recognition
Students can earn rewards and be celebrated for their participation in the program.

Fun Fridays
Special guests and activities make Fridays extra fun and a great way to wrap up the week.

Walking to school isn’t just healthy — it’s smart, fun, and rewarding!
Join us on the path to better mornings!

• Safe & Supervised: Kids walk with trusted adults and practice road safety along the way.

• Healthy Start: Walking boosts physical activity and helps kids feel more focused at school.

• Eco-Friendly: Reduces fuel costs, car emissions, and traffic congestion in school zones.

• Builds Community: A great way for students and parents to make new friends.

• It’s Fun!: With themed days, special guests, and activities — every walk is an adventure!

The Walking School Bus is more than a commute — it’s a movement toward healthier, happier mornings!

Please review these rules with your children before they start the WSB.

Health & Safety:
1.   A first aid kit is always carried by a WSB staff member.

Arrival:
1.   Each child is required to check in at their designated attendance area upon arrival. The WSB closes attendance at 7:15. 
2.   Every child needs a visible tag with their name on their bookbag for identification purposes.
3.   Acceptable drop off methods are:
Use the car line drop off on East 24^th Street    
Park & walk with your child to the site location. (Please park in public parking only rather than any private parking areas)
4.    Students should not use devices (personal or school issued) after arrival at WSB.
5.   Children need to stay within established play boundaries during free play. 
6.   When the whistle blows, students gather their belongings and line up on the sidewalk. This is the time for friends to find each other if they wish to walk together.

During the Walk:

1.   No one is to pass our lead teacher(s) at the head of the walk. An adult will be the caboose. Students must stay between the line leaders and the caboose adult at all times.
2.   Stay on the sidewalk & walk single file or 2x2. 
3.   Absolutely no running at any time.
4.   Do not pass anyone once the walk has begun. Children need to arrive on time to get in line with a friend when the whistle blows.
5.   Our goal is to have a continuous line of walkers with as few gaps as possible. When there are gaps, it often leads to students running rather than walking. Encourage your child to walk at a steady pace and try to avoid creating gaps in the line.
6.   Walking parents are to walk next to the road with students to the inside of the sidewalk.
7.   No cell phone (adults or students) use once the walk begins.
8.   There are several adults who supervise WSB, and any one of them may intervene if a child is violating one of the rules or engaging in an activity deemed unsafe. Students are to be respectful and obey safety requests from ALL the adults on the WSB.
9.   Dogs that will be walking with the WSB must be on a leash and child friendly. Be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog immediately. 

Arrival at GULF SHORES ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL:

1.   The WSB stops at the end of 16^th Avenue.
2.   Goodbyes & hugs need to occur before we reach end.
3.   No parents are allowed to cross onto the school property crosswalk with their children.

Please make sure your child understands the rules. 
Let’s roll with a safe school year!

Frequently Asked Questions - Walking School Bus at Gulf Shores Elementary and Gulf Shores Middle

• Who walks with the children? GSCS teachers and adult volunteers. Parents are always welcome to walk, as well.
• When does the WSB begin and end? It begins on August 12th and ends on the last day of school. The WSB operates every day that school is in session.
• What grades are eligible to participate in the WSB? K-8 are eligible.
• Does my child need to be registered?  If parent/guardian intends their child to walk regularly, they should be registered.
• How is attendance handled for the WSB? Attendance is taken daily. Your child should immediately “check in” at their station as soon as they arrive.
• Does the WSB walk on rainy days? Yes, we walk on rainy days, but not if the weather is severe.
• What is the dress for the WSB? Your child must be dressed appropriately for the weather. Umbrellas or raincoats are needed for rainy days and coats, gloves, & hats are needed for cold days.
• What is the time frame/location for dropping off my child? Drop off is from 7:05-7:20am. Children are not to be dropped off before 7:05am. The WSB begins to “line-up” by 7:18am and takes off promptly at 7:20am. Drop off is at Meyer Park.
• Acceptable ways to drop off your child: 1.) Drive through the horseshoe and drop your child off in front of the pavilion.  2.) Park and walk with your child to the site location. (For safety, do NOT allow your child to cross a street or walk unattended to the WSB site.)
• What does my child do if they arrive early? Most children play in the grassy field; others read or visit with friends.
• Does my child have to walk every day? No, but most children prefer to walk daily.
• Can I walk with my child and bring a younger sibling? Yes, however, the parent is responsible for the safety of the sibling.
• What if my child is running late? The parent will need to take the child to school.
• How am I kept updated about changes that may occur with the WSB program? Changes will be communicated to registered students via ParentSquare.
• Which GSCS teacher(s) walk with the WSB? Kim Pennington at kpennington@gsboe.org
• What if I have other questions about the WSB program? TBA or Stephanie Harrison at sharrison@gsboe.org