Building on Sanford Pride Elementary's Walking School Bus Program, Carl J. Lamb Elementary has launched its own version of this community-building initiative that's already transforming morning routines for local families.
The program represents a collaborative effort between Carl J. Lamb and Pride Elementary, combining resources and volunteers to serve students in the carefully selected Brook Street and Lafayette Street neighborhood. The location was chosen based on two key factors: the number of students at the bus stop and the walkability and proximity of the neighborhood.
"We decided to join forces and have it be like a combined site," explains Leah Marks, outreach worker from the Sanford School Department. "It's almost equal to Pride kids and CJL kids."
"We are really excited to have chosen the Brook Street/Lafayette neighborhood," Marks said. For Marks, the location holds special significance. "This is full-circle for me as I started working on this program when I worked at Lafayette. Carol Lantagne is our site coordinator from Pride, and what we're trying to do is pull CJL volunteers," Marks said.
The partnership makes practical sense, as Marks notes, "You really do need more adults, but it also makes it easier to get volunteers because there are so many duties that it's hard to get people who don't have a morning duty."
Every morning, volunteers gather students from concentrated neighborhoods like Spruce Street, creating walking groups that promote both safety and community connection. The program serves families with working parents, those managing multiple bus stops and children, and students who benefit from a positive, structured start to their day.
"We have some kids who just have rough mornings, and it's a good way for them to start their day," Marks explained. "We have a lot of working parents. We have parents who have multiple bus stops and multiple kids, but they're super receptive."
The walking component naturally promotes healthy living, but the program goes beyond simple exercise. Students engage in activities like jump rope and hula hooping while waiting, with equipment donated by community supporters. "They can do their jump ropes and their hula hoop stuff, and I get a lot of donations like dodging balls and scarfs and things like that," Marks said.
What sets the program apart is its focus on family engagement. Some parents choose to walk with the group, creating opportunities for school staff to build relationships with families. "As family engagement, I love the parents because it gives us an opportunity to know them," Marks said.