Students thank crossing guards

Several elementary schools in northwest New Jersey held a Walk to School Day with a heartfelt twist: “Salute Your Safety Valentine.”

On Feb. 14, students handed out Valentines, smiles and hugs to show appreciation to the crossing guards who ensure their safe journeys each day.

The celebration is coordinated annually by Avenues in Motion, a local nonprofit organization that implements Safe Routes to School programs throughout the region. Its goal is to get more students to walk and bike to school and make it safer for them to do so.

Students at Durban Avenue Elementary School in Hopatcong, Netcong Elementary School in Netcong and Central Avenue School in Madison colored the Valentines for their crossing guards during their indoor recess.

“There was so much cheer in the air and smiles not only on the children’s’ faces but the crossing guards too,” said Central Avenue School PTO president Shannon Wright.

“The kids are great. I like to greet them every morning,” said Ken Post, a retired Morris County Roads Department employee who is a crossing guard at Netcong Elementary School. ”The kids smile at me and say, ‘Hi, Mr. Post!’ and it is so enjoyable keeping them safe.”

Emily Gates, active transportation manager at Avenues in Motion, said, ”Crossing guards are often unsung safety heroes who children and families interact with on a regular basis. They brave the elements and show up each and every day to make sure students get to and from school safely while traveling on foot or bike.”