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. 17. SGF Yields is providing appreciation materials to school staff and showing special recognition to area crossing guards.
“Crossing guard duty requires real dedication. Rain or shine, hot or cold, our community and our schools depend on crossing guards to be at their posts to help keep our walking students safe,” explains City Traffic Safety Professional Mandy Buettgen-Quinn. “This year we’re working with school principals to provide thank you cards and encourage a connection and relationship between the school and guard.”
The City of Springfield and Springfield Public Schools partner to provide crossing guard services at approximately 26 locations across the city, including Bingham Elementary School. Bingham Principal Adam Meador plans to participate in Crossing Guard Appreciation Day.
“Our crossing guard, Virgil, is an important part of the Bingham community,” says Meador. “He works to make sure our students arrive to school in the morning and get to their homes in the afternoon safely.”
To further show appreciation, SGF Yields installed “Crossing Guard on Duty” pavement decals at crossing guard posts across the city and recognized two special guards for their service:
- John Swanson was recognized as the community’s longest serving crossing guard. Swanson has been crossing kids at various schools throughout the community since 2004. He is currently keeping students safe at Cowden Elementary School.
- Dale Danielson was recognized for perfect attendance at his post over the 2020-2021 school year. Danielson helps cross students at Grand Street and Fort Avenue, a busy intersection near McGregor Elementary School. He greets each of the students he serves each day by first name.
CrossSafe, the contract agency that helps 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 $14.20 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, see the online job posting or call 417-619-2899.
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For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].