STUDENTS at the Dolbeare School celebrated Massachusetts Walk to School Day on May 13. About 300 children and their parents participated by walking and biking to school that morning. Special guest walkers included Principal Phyllis Dubina, who joined the Vernon Street "walking school bus" and Ben Hammer from MassRIDES who joined the Lowell Street bus. One unusual participant was Nibbles the guinea pig, owned by the Ritchie family. Walkers were greeted at the Dolbeare by kindergarten teachers Mrs. Corbett and Mrs. Parris who waved pom poms and cheered everyone on. Physical education teacher/facilitator Maria Caruso and grade three teacher Suzie Harte met participants at the school entrance where the students received Safe Routes to School bracelets and signed a poster decorated with feet. The event works to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasizes the importance of pedestrian safety, physical activity and concern for the environment. (Courtesy Photo)