As the founding school of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, Martin Elementary School has been participating in a Day of Dialogue since 2018. Last year, students, elected officials and other community members gathered at City Hall before walking back to school to host student-led presentations on their ideas to improve their school and community. Watch their video to learn more about what Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day means to them.

As a part of their Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day celebration, Burbank Elementary School gathered class representatives from each classroom and hosted meaningful discussions about what it means to make a difference. On the day of their walk, the school elected student leaders to present speeches before walking back to school alongside family, friends and community members. Watch to learn more.

As Ruby’s first namesake school, Ruby Bridges Elementary felt the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day was an important day to honor Ruby and inspire students to create positive change. Last year, the school hosted musical performers at an outdoor assembly and walked past Ruby’s statue back into school. Individual classrooms shared their learning through writing and art that was showcased at the District office.

The Black Student Union at Pleasant Grove High School took charge and advocated for the adoption of the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day at their school. These students presented a resolution at their school board meeting and it was passed, officially recognizing the day every November 14. Last year, they were featured on the local news as their school participated in a “walk in” (vs a walk-out). Watch their video to learn more.

This year marks the centennial of the AAA School Safety Patrol program. The world’s largest school-based safety program has provided students a sense of safety and security when going to and from school. Today, these young changemakers are building safer and more inclusive communities.

AAA applauds the millions of students who’ve contributed their time to this important school safety activity for the past 100 years. Taking responsibility for safety awareness builds confidence, improves communication skills, and teaches the importance of teamwork.

For these — and future — leaders, AAA is proud to support the AAA School Safety Patrol Program!

To take part in the centennial celebration, participating schools are invited to order commemorative pins for their Patrollers. As always, these materials are provided by AAA at no charge – simply sign up today! (Supplies are limited.)

For nearly 100 years, AAA School Safety Patrol has improved pedestrian safety around schools, while teaching millions of students lifelong educational and leadership values. As part of our commitment to safety, we’re now proud to partner with Waymo’s Let’s Talk Self-Driving campaign, and we’re making sure students are at the forefront of our efforts.

Earlier this year, a group of AAA School Safety Patrollers from Martin Elementary School were invited by Waymo to visit its closed-course testing facility to see fully self-driving cars in action. Along with their teacher and AAA School Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year, Deborah Carlino, the Patrollers observed various demonstrations, such as the Waymo vehicle stopping for a pedestrian. The students also got to ride in a Waymo fully self-driving vehicle.

“It’s cool that they can sense things and stop on their own without you having to press the brake, especially if someone is running to cross the street or there is a bike, it would just stop automatically,” said Nathan, one of the students and participants in the AAA School Safety Patrol program.

Prior to visiting the facility, Deborah said her students had researched and discussed fully self-driving cars. “To see the pros and the cons and then for them to be a part of an experience where they get to actually see it and experience it… it is so powerful for them,” she said.

Now, through our free, downloadable AAA School Safety Lesson Plan, you can bring the conversation to your classroom, too. In collaboration with Waymo, we have developed a brand new module all about self-driving cars. Through the lesson, students will be able to think about ways to make driving safer and how autonomous vehicles can reduce unsafe behavior such as texting and eating while driving. This update to the Lesson Plan is available today, so we encourage you to sign up and share it with others.

To learn more about how AAA is partnering with Waymo in this education initiative, please visit the campaign website at letstalkselfdriving.com. Just like the AAA School Safety Patrol program, we’re excited to be working together towards a future where technology is helping create safer communities.

Self-Driving Safety Resources

Download the AAA School Safety Lesson Plan »

Watch the AAA / Waymo Self-Driving Video »

Join the Let’s Talk Self-Driving Conversation »