| Candidates | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public School Board Ward F (map) |
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| Forum 1 Info | Wednesday, Sept. 29, 7pm - McKernan Community Hall - 11341 78 Ave |
Information about Joanna Rozmus
| Ward | Public School Board Ward F |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.joannarozmus.com/ |
| Platform | (see website) |
| joanna@joannarozmus.com | |
 http://twitter.com/JoannaRozmus |
| Inquiry (sent on October 1, 2010) | Cycling Issues in Edmonton Schools Questionnaire |
|---|---|
| Response | Hi Chris, Thank you for the email. 1) I try to walk as much as possible. I stopped biking after I broke my elbow. If possible, I walk to my work (25 min. one-way) and at least twice a day I have a lovely time walking with my dog Lola (a rather excitable chocolate lab)!
… (show more)2) I think most of the students in my neighborhood are comfortable cycling but the number of those is surprisingly small. Most of them are driven to school by parents who are dropping-off kids on their way to work. I strongly feel that kids will be comfortable cycling when they see a good role model – somebody wearing a helmet when riding, crossing the road at a safe place, riding in the same direction as the flow of traffic, riding in separate bike lanes, using hand signals, respecting traffic rules (i.e., stop signs, red-lights), etc… Teaching kids that wearing a helmet is both the law and can reduce your risk of serious injuries up to 88%. 3) You are right on the point – increased physical activities have a direct result in better academic achievement. I am not talking only about cycling. School P.E. activities are sometimes boring and senseless – I would like to see more activities added to the curriculum, more specially trained teachers, more sports and outdoors clubs, better use of school gym facilities before and after school. Parents and staff are encouraged everyday to be involved in active transportation: walk to school days are a great initiative; bike to school; and “Let’s Visit Neighborhood Playgrounds on a Bike”; field trips on bikes. 4) Answering thoroughly and informatively your question requires me to review some more information. However, open-boundary program based public school system in Edmonton offers choice. And, one of those consequences of choice is a ride by car, bus, or LRT to school. At least, what should be encouraged is a walk to the bus stop or LRT station. 10 minutes is always better than nothing. 5) YES! By all means. 6) Schools in Ward F have adequate and secure bicycle parking spaces. They are mostly in the front of schools, away from the parking lots and in sight of supervising staff. 7) We already have educational programs that encourage cycling and physical activity (e.g. Health Curriculum). On top of this, I would like to see “professional” (e.g., bike store owners, or more likely, someone from your organization) be involved with continuing education and awareness. 8) Kids can talk to their parents about the pros and cons of arranging alternate travel arrangements to school. Nothing beats a good conversation! 9) Unfortunately I don’t have a recent photo. But, feel free to drop-in and we can all go for a long walk with Lola to discuss these issues as well as any other questions or concerns you feel like addressing. I wish your organization all the best! My warmest regards, Joanna Rozmus, Trustee Candidate, Ward F |
