The back-to-school season is just about here, and students and educators will soon be heading into a new academic year. The Maricopa Government Association (MAG) has been busy training security personnel throughout the West Valley during July, and this will continue into August.
“We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity to assist you,” said Cassandra Johnston, the Transport Education Program Manager for the Glendale Transportation Division. “Since crossing guards often meet students at the start of the school day, we really encourage them to build relationships to earn students’ respect.”
The city’s Transportation Department will team up with MAG to hold a training workshop for crossing guards. Each year, three workshops take place in the West Valley, East Valley, and Central Valley. The next workshop is set for Monday, July 28, at the Rio Vista Recreation Centre in Peoria, followed by another on Tuesday, August 5, at Steel Indian School Memorial Hall in Phoenix.
Students, drivers, and crossing guards all share in the responsibility of keeping everyone safe.
Tips for Students at Intersections
According to Johnston, students should always use designated intersections near school grounds. These spots are the safest places to cross since crossing guards are present to assist. It’s essential for students to wait for the crossing guard’s signal indicating it’s safe to go.
Johnston also emphasized that students need to put away their phones while crossing. Being alert helps them stay aware of their surroundings and listen for any instructions from the guard. “They shouldn’t run in the streets, but moving with a sense of urgency is important,” she mentioned.
“Students should really steer clear of their phones. They shouldn’t play around or run, but they also shouldn’t dawdle,” Johnston added. “They have to follow the guards’ directions closely, look both ways, make eye contact with drivers, and keep a steady pace while crossing.”
For those riding bikes, scooters, or other micromobility devices, it’s crucial to dismount at intersections.
Advice for Drivers
Johnston pointed out that drivers must yield to pedestrians and crossing guards. When students are in a clearly marked crosswalk, drivers should stop. Like students, drivers should maintain eye contact with the crossing guard and await further instructions. Avoiding distractions, like fiddling with the radio, is key.
Drivers cannot proceed until the crossing guard returns to the curb and lowers the stop sign.
“In Arizona, it’s illegal to pass in school zones, especially when the flashing school zone signs indicate children are present,” Johnston stated.
She noted that one of the most common violations at these intersections is speeding. Ignoring speed limits or failing to stop at designated areas leads to doubled fines. Additionally, parents should refrain from dropping off kids near schools in non-designated areas or on major roads.
The overarching goal of crossing guards is to ensure students’ safety while they navigate school zones. Johnston stressed that adults should heed the security guard’s directions, just as children do, to keep everyone out of harm’s way. Some Glendale schools even have traffic officers stationed nearby to help manage crossings and enforce traffic rules.
