The Apollo School’s Safe Routes to School program is blossoming. School staff were concerned about students’ physical activity levels, and decided to encourage students to walk more often by hosting a Walk and Roll to School Day event in the fall, participating in Walk Across Illinois and organizing Walking Wednesdays in the Spring. The school is also adding Crossing Guard Appreciation Day to the list of events this year.
When the school gym teacher and Safe Routes champion, Carolyn Kosiba, heard about Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, she knew just what to do – lead a walking school bus and have the kids present Lee and Arlene, the school’s two crossing guards, with flowers and balloons. The reason? Their crossing guards man two high traffic intersections that sever the student population from their school. The Apollo School crossing guards go beyond ensuring safe crossings. This winter, Arlene, who has worked the intersection at Dee and Golf Roads for 30 years, knit 15 pairs of mittens for students who would have otherwise gone without.
Crossing guards keep us safe everyday and deserve a big thank you on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. What are you planning to do on Tuesday, May 4? Active Trans has a number of ways you can celebrate. Also, we want to hear why is your crossing guard special. Nominate your crossing guard, and we will feature them in our newsletter.