Adult crossing guards deserve public respect and appreciation Every day during the school year, a small group of adults heads toward the area of schools. Those adults aren't teachers or school staff. They may be parents, but that's not the reason they're going. They're adult crossing guards, on their way to protect students who are going to school, helping them cross streets where heavy traffic makes it difficult. Their job isn't glamorous. They wear fluorescent vests provided by police departments. Their job isn't lucrative. They may work only two hours per day, and it's a split shift, early in the morning and again late in the afternoon. Hardly the work schedule most people would like. The working conditions aren't favorable. Neither rain, nor sleet nor snow will keep them from taking their position along busy streets. Nor will subzero cold. They have to stand out in the street, holding their "STOP" sign while a motorist inside a warm car mutters about being stopped. They risk life and limb, sometimes, trying to stop or slow down traffic. The red "STOP" sign they hold isn't effective protection against a vehicle with a 300-horsepower engine. Road rage is usually identified with freeway traffic in urban areas, but the actions of some drivers in this area aren't much better. Ask a crossing guard, and you'll hear some tales. In the Stevens Point area, the school crossing at Church and Rice streets is a prime example. For years, crossing guards, students and parents complained about drivers traveling in excess of 25 mph through the area, when the speed in school zones when children are present is 15 mph. The city installed flashing yellow caution lights last year, which seem to have slowed traffic. Drivers need to be aware of school zones, and observe the speed limit. Too often, drivers get into a "zone" when they get behind the steering wheel of their vehicles. They become oblivious to their surroundings and courtesy is usually an afterthought. The state designated the week of Jan. 8 to 12 as Wisconsin Adult School Crossing Guard Recognition Week. The crossing guards truly deserve the recognition. But the recognition shouldn't be limited to just one week. Crossing guards deserve it throughout the school year. If you get a chance, thank a crossing guard personally. Even if you can't personally thank a crossing guard, you can also effectively thank them by slowing down in school zones, stopping in traffic to allow students to cross and acknowledging the efforts of crossing guards. - Gene Kemmeter