Washington Elementary walks to school for a healthier lifestyle - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

To show kids some easy steps to get a little exercise in their days students at Washington Elementary in Sioux City laced up their tennis for National Walk To School Day.

The Sioux City Community School District took part in the day to encourage kids to stay healthier. Instead of getting dropped off or riding the bus, kids walked to school in groups or with their parents.

Washington Elementary School teachers and staff prepared the students for the morning by teaching traffic safety. It's also a good way to burn off a little extra energy before class.

"the fresh air will keep their minds sharp on their way to school here and its just a good way to stay active and there's been research done that shows that physical activity helps students learn better when they get to school," says Washington Elementary School Principal Dawn Stansbury.

"It's awesome to get outside because you can get fresh air and it's better not to be inside and just play on the TV or whatever and get outside and walk," says Raileigh Edwards, a fifth grader at Washington Elementary.

Also this morning, the students had an assembly about stranger dangers and what to watch out for when walking to school.