MACON, Ga. — Putting their best foot forward, Matilda Hartley Elementary students are on the path to perfect attendance.
They're part of the school's "walk-to-school" initiative, where staff and district officials help walk students to school. It started this month because September marks attendance awareness month.
Before they hit the books, they're getting their blood flowing.
"It definitely helps with exercise, but most importantly, we're making sure our students arrive to school safely," Principal Laquonta Williams-Smith said.
Every step of the way, there's a helping hand.
Some parents wait at the corner with their kids, like Sonya James.
"I live right down here on the end of the street, so i can just walk down here," she said. "It's very convenient."
Others, like Jada Avery, drop their kid off with the grown-ups before heading to work.
"It works out perfectly because on Wednesdays, I go to work at 9, and, usually, I have some time to go back home," she said,
Some are so excited to learn, like Kindergartner Caden, he kicks up the gear.
He said he likes walking to school "because I don't want to be late."
He follows behind his brother and sisters, running to catch up.
School board member Sundra Woodford said she used to take the same route to school.
"Think about what we're seeing on the walk: blight, stray dogs, stray animals, some of the route is not safe for children." she said. "When you have all these barriers and challenges on the way, it can be discouraging."
She knows every step counts.
That's why "we're walking the talk this morning," Woodford said.