Safe Routes to School
Statewide
• Walk to School Day
• Student Travel Tally Week
• Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
• Bike to School Day
• Grant Opportunities
• Resource Library
• Marketing Toolkit
• Zone In, Not Out
• Other Links / Partners
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
• About • Resources • 2022 Most Outstanding Crossing Guards • Past Most Outstanding Crossing Guard Winners •
|
Meet 2022's Most Outstanding Crossing Guards! This year's winners of the Virginia's Most Outstanding Crossing Guard award have been announced. You can view their profiles below. |
What is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day?
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day (CGAD) is a statewide event devoted to saying thank you to those who help students cross the street safely on their way to and from school. CGAD has been celebrated in Virginia since 2014.
When is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day?
While the Virginia SRTS Program has designated the second Wednesday of February as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, we encourage schools and communities to plan their own Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on any day that works for them to recognize the valuable role crossing guards play in making safe routes to school a reality.
Do you like to plan ahead? Put these dates on your calendar now for the coming years:
- Crossing Guard Appreciation Day 2024 - February 7
- Crossing Guard Appreciation Day 2025 - February 5
How can my school participate in Crossing Guard Appreciation Day?
Whether simple or elaborate, Crossing Guard Appreciation Day events are a great way to acknowledge the value your crossing guard brings to safe travel to school. Your school may choose to say thank you in person and/or promote the work of your crossing guard in local media.
Your community can also nominate your crossing guard for Virginia's Most Outstanding Crossing Guard Award. Crossing guards are honored by VDOT every year for their dedication to student safety. All nominees are sent letters of appreciation, and winners are sent a certificate and small gift. All schools that participate receive an event decal. To earn a banner, a school must participate in two events sponsored by the Virginia SRTS Program. This includes Walk to School Day, Bike to School Day, or Student Travel Tally Week.
More event ideas are available in the Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Learn It. Do It. Live It! which is available for download along with thank you cards, social media graphics, and a press release template below.
Resources
 |
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Logo |
 |
Learn it. Do it. Live it! |
 |
Thank You Cards |
|
|
Social Media Graphic |
 |
Social Media Graphic |
 |
Social Media Graphic |
 |
Social Media Graphic |
|
Local Media Resources |
Meet 2022's Most Outstanding Crossing Guards!
Rushie Woolbridge, Bedford County Public Schools
A long-time resident of Bedford, Rushie has always been known as a protector of children. She only lasted one morning driving a school bus, but Rushie has served as a crossing guard for over 50 years, and her love for the job means she has no plans to retire. She says she wants to stay a crossing guard “until the Lord takes me to heaven.” Rushie even callsthe crosswalk outside Bedford Middle School “home.” The Bedford community is eternally grateful for their dependable crossing guard! Learn more about Rushie’s story in The Roanoaker.
Dina Perry, Belmont Station Elementary (Loudoun)
At Belmont Station Elementary School, Dina manages multiple entry and exit points consisting of the school parking lot and two neighborhood streets. She does an excellent job deescalating conflict at this busy area, and always ensures the safety of families crossing. Students learn a lot about safety from Dina’s example. Dina commands authority amongst the students and parents, and always does so in a respectful manner. In addition to keeping everyone safe, Dina learns everyone’s names and is able to brighten anyone’s day. Dina has been blessing the Belmont Station school community for years
Dorothy Battle, Linwood Holton Elementary School
Dorothy is celebrating her 20th year on the job as a crossing guard for Richmond Public Schools. She served at Patrick Henry Elementary, before its closure and reopening as charter school, and Fairfield Court Elementary before coming to Linwood Holton Elementary, where she has served most of her career. At the intersection of Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road, Holton’s location at the intersection of two state highways provides active transportation challenges for the school community. Families always look forward to seeing Dorothy every day; she is confident, fearless, a joy, and dedicated. Those who nominated Dorothy indicated how grateful they were for her ability to manage a dangerous intersection on their city’s High Injury Street Network. She is our superhero!
Candace Doran, Ferdinand T Day Elementary (Alexandria)
Candace serves as two important roles at Ferdinand T Day Elementary school – school counselor and crossing guard. At a busy three-way intersection with just two stop signs, there have been some close calls at her post, but Candace commands authority to create a safe environment for families crossing. Every morning and afternoon, students look forward to seeing Candace, who is at her post with a smile on her face. Candace is a key part of the Ferdinand T Day community, and they would not be the same without her!
Michael Judson, Southeastern Elementary and Great Bridge Middle (Chesapeake)
Michael handles traffic and students with grace. The intersection at Michael’s post can get congested due to a small shopping center, farmers market, and church and he does an exceptional job keeping everyone safe. He makes sure children can safely cross, and reminds drivers of the presence of those children. As soon as families see him, they know that their morning will be a breeze. Michael has been an essential part of the middle school safety team. Michael goes above and beyond by picking up trash, repainting travel lane lines, and doing it all with a smile. His dedication and enthusiasm are inspiring to everyone.
Stephen Rollins, Seldens Landing Elementary (Loudoun)
Stephen has been a crossing guard for several years, and he has always been kind, respectful, and loving. He makes an effort to learn the names of both kids and parents, and he never fails to greet families with a warm smile. Steven frequently arrives at his post early to chat with parents. Children with special needs love seeing him blow his whistle, which Stephen joyfully does. More importantly, he is attentive and stays alert to ensure everyone’s safety on the school streets. The Seldens Landing community is grateful to have Steven as their crossing guard and friend.