PHOTO GALLERY: Different approach to School

It was the kind of steamy morning that has weather forecasters scouring their heat index records.

But Oct. 7 temperature and humidity didn’t deter dozens of Tommie Barfield Elementary students and their parents who walked or rode bicycles to schools, just like millions of kids and parents worldwide.

The occasion was International Walk to School Day, and it was officially sanctioned by the city, which had teams of police and Police Foundation volunteers out on patrol to ensure safety.

Other benefits of the exercise were to increase awareness of safer walking and biking routes, to assist in decreasing traffic congestion, and to reiterate the fitness benefits of walking or biking, according to a city release.

Upon their arrival at school, students were supplied with drinking water and given bike safety pamphlets.

They were also to follow up with a related art competition, with the best work being featured on the government TV channel.

Young walkers Sophia Bombardelli and her brother Frank made sure they picked up some water upon arrival at school, while Joel Sukonik — parent of student Jolie — said the day had started early and turned out to be something of a family outing.

“It was different, but fun for the kids,” said mom Dawn Vergo.