During one of the earlier classes of my master’s program, the superintendent teaching the course told us “eager to be administrators” that principals do EVERYTHING! He commented, “You jump in where you are needed, some days you may have to push a garbage can during lunch.” His comment was true, as a principal, I am always jumping into SOMETHING!
For most of the school year, my dedicated teaching-assistant principal and I, have been crossing guards. We have inherited these positions due to unforeseen circumstances. I’ve done everything within my power to secure qualified individuals to fill these positions. The longevity of committed crossing guards has been short termed. Since I had experienced a similar situation last year, I decided to be proactive by hiring 3 crossing guards. All individuals completed crossing guard training. All individuals began their tours of duty and ALL individuals decided the corners were not for them! I know a part-time job that offers 2 hours of pay, lots of rain, frigid temperatures, and blustery winds might run anyone away. I am grateful that my dedicated teaching-assistant principal has battled the elements each day! To be honest, I have a low tolerance for cold but being the crossing guard offered the opportunity to buy a new puffer, with no guilt attached! My teaching-assistant principal and I pick up our red octagon signs and head to our designated corners, 2 times per day. While stopping amid things to run to the corner adds an extra bump in my schedule, it also adds a little happiness to my day.
While standing on the corner, I’ve gotten to know more of my parents, grandparents, and kids. Their faces are familiar; I can make connections among siblings. My parents greet me with a smile or nod as I meander to the center of the cross-section. Sometimes, I remind them about upcoming school events and important dates. If I am running a few minutes behind schedule, there’s a mom that will tell drivers not to park in the crosswalks. I’ve seen her talking with drivers; I always tell her “thank you.” It surely takes a village to keep our kids safe. I have had parents wait until I have finished crossing the kids to ask questions. They have prefaced their questions with,” I know where to find you.” I’ve sensed that it made them feel better, knowing that I am accessible. I’ve received many waves from cars. I’ve had a grandma say, “I like to see a principal that will do anything.” I had a dad who greeted me by saying, “Good morning Dr. Walker-Hood. How are you?” I responded, “Good morning. How are you?” He replied, “Fantastic, since I saw you!” I couldn’t help but laugh. I also have my kids that cross at the corner. There’s a kindergartner that always says, “Dr. Walker-Hood, I like your shoes. I saw you in my room.” There’s the little one that I greet on the other side of the street so she can share what she did the previous night. There’s the second grader that I keep reminding that he can’t run full speed from his house and anticipate drivers to know he is coming; he must stop running before crossing the street. My sixth-grade girls, smile and laugh when they cross, sometimes they tell me that they understand the math lesson that we completed during Academic Block. As the kids cross, they say “Bye Dr. Walker-Hood, see you tomorrow. Thank you.” I say, “YOU TOO!” and they smile.
My 40-minutes on the corner are well spent! Yes, it’s cold and I am layered up, but I am also warmed by the sentiments of my kids and parents. They brighten my day! There’s a silver lining in every cloud, sometimes you just need to look!
