Crossing guards are important role models in our community
Published on April 05, 2023
Crossing guards are important role models for pedestrian safety, and help build community through welcoming students into school each day. Menlo Park celebrated during Crossing Guard Appreciation week March 20–24, 2023. Caregivers, school staff and students were invited to celebrate their school crossing guard and tell us how special they are. We received many testimonies of how important these persons are for their families. Below are some stories we collected.
“Cassandra waits for me even if I am a little late for school. She doesn’t leave and makes sure she is still there when I arrive to cross me safely.”
“Azola is an island of stability and calm in the madness that school start and end can be. She is patient, kind and caring; always looking out for kids and able to stand down aggressive drivers. I am sooo grateful that my kids were watched over by Azola for so many years.”
“Ms. Unique has a big smile on her face and waves so kindly at everyone on the way to school. In addition to helping us cross, she is a reminder of the good people in the world and it’s nice to see every morning before school.”
“Rene is always ready with a cheery hello, a funny remark and focused on the students. Despite the rain, power outages and loss of heat at his home, he is still present and friendly. All that you hope for in your crossing guard. And it gives us peace of mind for our kids to bike and walk to and from school each day. Haven’t driven once yet this year!”
“Michael, the crossing guard at Olive and Santa Cruz Avenue is truly amazing. We actually drive our child to school most days and this gentleman is there EVERY SINGLE DAY, RAIN OR SHINE early and stays far later than any other guard I've ever seen - usually at least 15 minutes after the bell has rung to ensure that anyone running late is still safely seen across the street. He wears bright clothes and truly takes the responsibility of his job to heart, always looking out for every child crossing the street.”
“Our crossing guard Cassandra is the best. She has been protecting bikers and walkers crossing at the Middlefield/Encinal crosswalks for over three years. She is consistently on our corner welcoming students and parents safely to school. Cassandra always has a smile on her face and greets students (and parents) by name. She is fearless too. She guards the crosswalk and kids coming through it with her life. I have personally watched her stand in between students and cars who are trying to turn (and scoot around her). She also watches to see kids biking up to the crosswalk and gets the light ready for them. She always has a positive attitude and a smile on her face. I believe that her positivity helps start the day off on a good foot for our kids. She also is very friendly with adult bikers and dog walkers who pass by her corner. Rain, shine or wind...Cassandra is out on the corner. We love her and appreciate her hard work.”
Crossing guards are an important piece of the community. They contribute to making travels to school safer and warmer, rain or shine! The Menlo Park Safe Routes to School program thanks all of our crossing guards, school staff and community members that help get students and families to and from school safely.