BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Walking School Bus started at Hamlin Park Academy at the beginning of the school year, and Marshawn Goodrum, who escorts the students to and from school, was "behind the wheel" on Friday afternoon.

"I've actually had parents ask me, 'Could you make sure that he brings his homework home?', or 'I didn't understand this, could you help me with that?' I've actually helped a parent understand his child's homework, just on the Walking School Bus because we have that contact, and he knows I'm with him daily," said Goodrum, a teacher's assistant.

Adults walk with students, dropping them off to waiting parents or right at their front doors.

"Part of the issue with community schools was, while we were getting on buses all over the city, the parents didn't feel the community was safe. This is an example where you can see clearly the community is safe, the children are safe," said Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash.

Officials say they eventually plan to put signs at the beginning and end of each of the routes for the Walking School Bus, a program they hope to expand across the district.