This year, Oregon Safe Routes welcomes many new coordinators. Beth Schmidt recently came on as the Safe Routes to School Coordinator for Salem-Keizer. We asked her some questions to get to know her a bit more, and welcome her to Oregon Safe Routes!
Tell us your name, location and job title.
Beth Schmidt, Salem, Oregon. Safe Routes to School Coordinator.
What made you want to become an SRTS coordinator?
When I found out about this program, I felt like I hit the lottery! I was previously working as a substitute teacher, and this program allows me to still teach students, but also be more involved in the community. I enjoy the administrative components, and interaction I have every day.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year?
I am excited for this new school year and meeting all the students. Mostly, I am thrilled to teach them how to be safe. I want to teach them about their independence and how that plays a vital role in their lives. To also encourage safe and healthy activity in their lives. Its going to be a great year!
Do you have any memories of walking and rolling to school?
Yes, I have memories of walking to school. I grew up in Northeast Oregon, and that means I did walk uphill, in the snow, but just on my way home (not both ways). It was a different time, and a small rural area meant we got to move about much easier. We were expected to walk more, and by ourselves. There were also some years when I rode the school bus, and I just recall freezing while waiting for the bus. I think I made more friends while walking to school through the years, I still can recall the friends that I walked to school with.Welcome, Beth, and thank you for your work! If you would like to learn more about Safe Routes in Salem-Keizer, check out their website.