Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Crossing Guard Appreciation Month

CHICAGO—Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will celebrate the more than 700 crossing guards who help CPS students and families safely arrive and depart schools every day during Crossing Guard Appreciation Month which runs from today through March 14. CPS Crossing Guards are located at busy intersections across Chicago and help both CPS students and private school students cross streets safely.

“Crossing Guards play one of the most crucial roles of our school support staff. Our incredible Crossing Guards ensure students get to and from school each day,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “We thank crossing guards this month and every month for their hard work and serving as a safety role model for our students.”

Nominations for Crossing Guard of the Year open today and nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024. There will be four Crossing Guard of the Year award winners, one from each region; winners will be announced on May 13. Chicagoans are welcome to participate in the nomination process starting today and that includes students, school leaders, and families. Nominations will be judged based on years of service and attendance, among other metrics. Nominations can be submitted here.

The dedication of CPS Crossing Guards has garnered both local and national attention. In December 2022, the Today Show featured Angela Thompson, a Crossing Guard at Fiske Elementary in Woodlawn for close to two decades, for the toy drive she has organized for 15 years. Ms. Thompson won the Red Cross of Illinois “Heroes Award” in the Community Impact category this week and will be honored during a Red Cross ceremony in May.

“The safety and security of the members of our school communities is a top priority of the District,” said CPS Chief Safety and Security Officer Jadine Chou. “Our Crossing Guards work hard to keep our students and families safe each day all across our City. We are excited to recognize our Crossing Guards during Crossing Guard Appreciation Month and to celebrate our Crossing Guards of the Year in May.”