Crossing Guard Appreciation Week

with

Waterloo Region Crossing Guard of the Year

June 2-6, 2025

School Crossing Guards are beloved by our school communities and we think they deserve appreciation from the entire region!

School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week is a five-day event that honours School Crossing Guards for the essential protection they provide in our communities. STSWR is working with area Townships and Cities to create a heightened awareness of our hometown heroes because they help to make active travel an easier choice for Waterloo region families. Use the resources below to show your guard you care, and regard the laws & guidelines that keep them – and children – out of danger.

Waterloo Crossing Guard of the Year

For the first time this year, STSWR’s seven municipal partners have come together to support a Crossing Guard of the Year program. The best of the best will be chosen by committee after evaluating nominations and consulting with Crossing Guard Supervisors across the region. The winning guard gets bragging rights, a custom Yeti mug proclaiming their award, and a Tim Horton’s gift card to fill that mug up.

The way it works:

Anyone can nominate an outstanding Crossing Guard they know, using this Nomination Form by the end of Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, June 6, 12 midnight.
Nominations will be considered along with information from Crossing Guard Supervisors by a selection committee and shortlisted during the week of June 9-13.
A winner will be announced on June 13.

Ideas to Say Thanks! to Your Crossing Guard

Families

Thank your Crossing Guard with a heartfelt greeting one day this week.
Print the card of your choice from the selection below, add a personal message or an artistic touch, and share it with them on the way to school.
Make your own card! Tell them why they mean so much to you.
Bake them something sweet.
Give them a flower.

Waterloo Region’s Winning Art by Kavinaya!

Schools

Print the posters below and hang them around your school.
Make announcements reminding students to thank their Crossing Guard. Use the Guard’s first name for a personal touch.
Use the cards above in a classroom project to shower your Crossing Guards with attention.
Update your external sign with a message like “Crossing Guard Appreciation Week June 2-6” or “We ❤ our Crossing Guard, [name]!“.
Nominate your Crossing Guard for Waterloo Region’s Crossing Guard of the Year Award!
Help recruit your next Crossing Guard (scroll down for information).

Laws & Guidelines Near Crossing Guards

Drivers

Yield until all pedestrians, including the School Crossing Guard, are off the road

Obey School Crossing Guard guidance – they offer an extra “eye” on the small children in the area and may see something you don’t.

Do not stop or park illegally near schools – these regulations are especially meant for the school period. And definitely don’t park close to the school crossing. The School Crossing Guard and students need to have a clear line of vision to cross safely.

Students

Dismount your bike to cross with the School Crossing Guard – It’s the law, and these are usually busier crossings than others. You’ll be helping to keep your friends safer.

Obey the Crossing Guard – they are helping to keep you out of danger

Hold your sports equipment until your crossing is complete – if something bounces or falls into the roadway it could

Schools: Want to help recruit your next Crossing Guard?

Use the municipality-appropriate links below with some upbeat text. Samples follow.

School Day Message and/or Social Media:

Crossing Guards are an integral part of a school community and we’d love it if the right candidate came from our community. Could it be you? Apply at [job link below].

If an external sign is available:

Electronic: “We love our Crossing Guards and we need YOU @ [school]! Check [municipal link].

Static: “Crossing Guard Needed! See [municipal link] post”