Known as a “small town with a large sense of community,” Patagonia, Ariz., is a peaceful, rural town with a population of nearly 1,000 residents. Despite the desert climate, the town is known for its green land and beautiful lake. In addition, the locally owned businesses and restaurants, friendly residents and easy-to-manage traffic are frequently touted as valuable town features.

The Honorable Cindy Matus Morriss, born and raised in Patagonia, was elected in 1989 to serve as a school board member for the Patagonia Elementary School District.  Throughout her public service, Morriss has worked to ensure the district is a safe, unique, and healthy place for children to learn.

Motivated by her participation in the 2007 Healthy Communities Institute, hosted by the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund in Seattle,  and fueled by her own memories of walking and riding her bike to school, Morriss worked with her board colleagues and the Patagonia Elementary School teachers to implement a walking school bus program. 

As a very small, rural school district, many students ride the bus to school. In an innovative approach, the buses now drop the participating children off at Patagonia Town Hall, which is near the center of town.  Accompanied by teachers and some community members, students have the opportunity to walk approximately a half mile to school.  For students who live near the school, designated meeting points have been set up so they may join the walking school bus at various points along the route. In 2007, the program began with “Walking Wednesdays” and averaged 18 students. Because the program has been so successful during the 2008 school year, it will expand to two days a week. 

Through the walking school bus program, students have learned basic safety rules, both for walking and bicycling. Not only do they get exercise, but they also have the opportunity to socialize with each other and the adults along the way. Additionally, more bicycle racks were installed at the school to increase biking to school.

 “We have found that the children walking to school are learning about staying healthy and are learning lifelong safety skills. They also seem more focused and ready to learn when they enter the classroom,” said Morriss.