Students, families, and staff across the Mountain View School District took to the sidewalks on Friday, October 10, for the district’s annual Walk to School Day. The event, part of a national campaign promoting safe routes and healthy habits, brought together hundreds of participants from each MVSD campus in El Monte.
Community Steps Toward Health and Safety
Organized by the district’s Student and Family Support Services Department, the walk encouraged families to begin the day with exercise and connection. El Monte Police officers and crosswalk staff joined in, helping students travel safely to school.
“Walk to School Day is about more than just the walk—it’s about building healthy habits, strengthening connections, and helping students learn how to be safe pedestrians,” said Jaime Ortega, Director of Student and Family Support Services. Ortega coordinated the event for the first time this year and praised the enthusiasm from families and staff across the district.
For many participants, the morning served as a reminder of the importance of community. One second grader from Baker Elementary said she enjoyed walking with her family. “I liked spending extra time with my mom and brother this morning,” she said.
Building Traditions and Community Engagement
MVSD’s annual Walk to School Day has become a cherished tradition that unites schools and neighborhoods. Parents, teachers, and students gathered in small groups before sunrise, some meeting at designated corners or nearby parks, then walking together to campus.
District leaders say the event reflects MVSD’s broader focus on student well-being. “We are committed to educating the whole child,” Ortega said. “Events like this give students a sense of belonging and teach them lifelong habits.”
Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom
The Mountain View School District serves preschool through eighth grade students in El Monte, emphasizing academic success, emotional growth, and community responsibility. The district provides programs in STEAM, Spanish Dual Immersion, Mandarin Enrichment, Visual and Performing Arts, and college readiness initiatives such as AVID. MVSD also offers after-school care, summer enrichment, and access to school counselors and mental health professionals at every campus.
As one of only four Los Angeles County districts recognized as a Disney Imagination Campus District, MVSD continues to invest in innovative and inclusive learning opportunities that prepare students to be critical thinkers and creative leaders.
For more information about district programs and community initiatives, visit mtviewschools.com.
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