The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction declared Feb. 16-20 as Adult School Crossing Guard Recognition Week to celebrate Wisconsin crossing guards helping younger students get to and from school safely.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly said crossing guards assure the safety of children walking in the streets, work in demanding traffic and weather conditions and promote reliability and trust in a proclamation.
Wisconsin crossing guards have been working for over five decades. Madison’s School Crossing Guard Program reminds drivers of the presence of kids and reassures parents their children are traveling safely.
The City of Madison urges residents to show appreciation to crossing guards by simply waving or giving thanks, but most importantly by practicing safe driving. In school zones, drivers should reduce speed, especially in winter weather, follow speed limits and be cautious for students and families.
When a crossing guard raises their stop sign and enters the street, drivers need to stop at least 10 feet back and wait until all children have crossed and the crossing guard has left the street.
Throughout the week, the City of Madison will feature crossing guards’ work and more safety tips on their Facebook page.
The city encourages children to complete coloring pages offered on their website and gift them to a crossing guard to show their appreciation.
