Describing them as “students’ first line of defense,” APS Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall paid tribute to the district’s school crossing guards at an awards ceremony held in the Brewer building today. The event marks a weeklong celebration of National School Crossing Guard Recognition Week.
In 2008, APS became one of the first districts in the country to introduce a certified school crossing guard program. Not only do these dedicated individuals help students cross Atlanta streets safely, most also have been certified in CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator.
We thank them for their hard work on behalf of our students.
Talk Up APS 
I appreciate the hard work of the school crossing guards. I serve each of you with pleasure. I also appreciate Ms. Willis for her leadership and dedication to the program. Happy school crossing guard week- 2012!
Sincere regards,
Marquenta A. Sands
I just found this video and it’s so powerful. the Atlanta Public School System is truly blessed to have this program of dedicated individuals trained to maintain the safety of their children in a city where the School Zone lights are sometimes ignored by drivers.
I can’t wait to be a part of this army.
I’m always happy to see our diligent crossing guards at schools I pass in the morning and commend them for their care for our children.
However, I was a little surprised this week to see that cars were being stopped at a green light for students to cross a very busy street. Wondered if that was protocol? Seemed a little risky, as maybe cars would see the green light before seeing the crossing guard…
Just a note of concern.
Thanks!
HI.i think it is good that u always celebration for the crossing guards.and the bus drivers ,so what about the custodians,maintance department.we all are very much so the rigth hand of the schools.its not fair for you all down town donot have a day for the faciltiy department{.sincere a just want to no}
I do understand that everyone is surpose to be important in APS, but the School Bus Driver has been apart of this company for many years, and not one time have the superintendent given recognition for celebration doing National School Bus Driver Week.
We never know what we will encounter in the course of any day but we as crossing guards show poise, strength and love for all the children we come in contact with. keep up the good work.
We never know what we will encounter in the course of any day but we as crossing guards show poise, strength and love for all the children we come in contact with
My mother was a school crossing guard in Savannah, GA for 22 years. She was one of the first black school crossing guards in the City of Savannah in 1955. I always show respect to the school crossing guards.
Hi Mr. Hood,
I just read your above comment. I wasn’t aware you were “volunteering” your time; Hmmmm, we’ve been submitting time sheets for you since the first day you started working (Jan 5, 2011). Should I stop sending in paid time for you?
Please let me know…Thanks!
CWillis
404.802.3537
This year’s SCG Recognition Week was more than special because of visits from super special guests: Dr. Beverly L. Hall, Mr. Larry Hoskins, Chief Marquenta Sands, Mr. Elbert Stringer and Investigator Brad McWhorter — all helped us celebrate the commitment and dedication of APS School Crossing Guards, all 85 of them.
It has been a pleasure working with such wonderful employees who put their lives at risk each and every day — all for the sake of child pedestrian safety. My hat goes off to all APS Crossing Guards…you are truly a special group. I will never forget you and feel honored to be the program’s first supervisor. !
Would like to show GREAT appreciation to Mrs. Willis!!! Thanks Mrs. Willis for the opportunity for allowing me to serve my much needed time to the students of Atlanta Public Schools!!!! The kids are wonderful and amazing and so is the staff at Bethune Elementary!!
I WOULD TO LIKE THANK ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOL and MS.WILLIS,WHICH IS A GREAT PERSON TO WORK UNDER FOR GIVING ME CHANCE TO BECOME AN ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD.I`VE ENJOYED MEETING,HELPING THE STUDENTS AN OTHER SAFELY CROSS THE BUSY STREETS.AGAIN THANK YOU!!!
I enjoy volunteering my time, helping to make sure that Atlanta’s future generation get’s safely across the street.