Culver City Observer -

El Marino’s “Walk ’N Roll Wednesday,” Improves Health

El Marino Language Immersion Elementary School is among the leaders academically in the Culver City Community — uniquely offering both Spanish and Japanese Language Immersion Programs — and now the school can boast providing healthy lifestyle choices for its students, too.

Along with offering a healthier menu in the cafeteria and fresh vegetables in its home-grown garden, El Marino now celebrates monthly Walk ’N Roll Wednesdays. The first Wednesday of each month, students, parents, and faculty —including Principal Tracy Pumilia — meet for a safe, escorted walk, bike or skate to school.

The next Walk ’N Roll Wednesday is March 7 and El Marino has two points of departure: US Bank on the corner of Sepulveda and Sawtelle and the Ballona Creek Bridge at Sawtelle. Everyone meets at 8:00am and the fun begins at 8:15am.

Child obesity rates have steadily risen over the past 30 years at an alarming rate, to the extent that First Lady Michelle Obama has made this her primary cause. Children ages 9-12 should be getting at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. Sadly, only 10% actually do. By starting the day with a safe, fun walk or bike ride, the children (and adults), who participate get their day off to a great start.

Since El Marino’s first Walk ’N Roll Wednesday back on October 5, 2011 (coinciding with “International Walk To School Day”), the number of participants has steadily grown. Last month’s Walk ’N Roll Wednesday drew a crowd of 50. El Marino parent and the founder of the Walk ’N Rollers (www.walknrollers.org), Jim Shanman, has set a goal of getting 200 Walk ’N Rollers out each month.