FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City’s SGF Yields pedestrian safety program is partnering with Springfield Public Schools to celebrate Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on Thursday, Feb. 16. SGF Yields is providing appreciation materials to school staff and showing special recognition to area crossing guards.
“Being a crossing guard is more of a calling than a job. The work hours are spread out and even in extreme weather crossing guards are dedicated to keeping our walking students safe,” explains City Traffic Safety Professional Mandy Buettgen-Quinn. “This is the second year that SGF Yields is working with school principals to help foster a relationship between the school and guard,” Buettgen-Quinn adds. “We also hope that parents and residents will also take the time to say thanks to their local crossing guards.”
The City of Springfield and Springfield Public Schools partner to provide crossing guard services at approximately 24 locations across the city. This year, SGF Yields plans to highlight two exceptional guards for their service:
Carolyn Cantrell
Like many other crossings guards is an unsung hero that supports our community in a big way. She helps students cross Golden Avenue at Westport Elementary School and has been a crossing guard for 11 years. Cantrell makes a point to remind students to double check for traffic before crossing. “The best thing about my job is to see the kids every morning and to get them across the street safely,” she says.
Debbie Prothero
Prothero is a crossing guard at Boyd and Weaver schools, pulling double duty. She is known for waving to drivers and neighbors have come to love her friendly welcome. But it’s not easy being a crossing guard. “It can be hard when it is extremely cold out. I wish that drivers would slow down, especially in bad weather and when it’s still dark out in the mornings,” Prothero says.
“Reckless driving near schools is an issue we hear about frequently,” explains Buettgen-Quinn. “Therefore, the Springfield Police Department has created a new report form for crossing guards that allows officers to investigate school-related traffic offenses after the fact. If a crossing guard or bus driver can provide the license plate number and identify a suspected driver who failed to stop or yield, the negligent driving behavior can lead to a conviction even without an officer present.”
CrossSafe, the contract agency that helps the City manage crossing guards, is still in need of crossing guards and substitute guards to fill a handful of open crossing locations. Crossing guard shifts are typically 55 minutes in the morning and 35 minutes in the afternoon on all days school is in session. Guards are paid $15.41 per hour with training provided. Those interested must have a willingness to work outside in all weather conditions and have the ability to stand for 1-2 hours at a time and hold a stop paddle.
To learn more and apply, call 417-619-2899.
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For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at [email protected] or 573-819-3713.