The Crossing Guard Chronicles: ‘Change Is The Only Constant’ *

* The credit for this quote goes to a Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who lived around 500 BC. He believed that permanence does not exist, everything is in a state of ‘change’.

Heraclitus was right, I believe. ‘Change’ is a force that moves us to modify our behavior, to adapt. We really have no choice.

The novel Covid-19 is an example of ‘change’ and how we have adapted to new circumstances with new patterns of behavior: the wearing of masks, social distancing, acquiring enough toilet paper for a family of 7 when there are only 2 of us, hoarding.

Schools are adapting to stay on mission, educating our youth, with different methods of teaching: in person, on-line, or a combination of both, a hybrid. The objective is the same but the delivery is different. Educators have a history of adapting, changing to the circumstances, and that’s a good thing.

Heraclitus and his philosophy would have been a great topic for discussion at the ‘Curbside Classroom’, as I waited to cross students along a busy roadway. But a change in my plans precludes me from being a full time school crossing guard this year, bringing the ‘Classroom’ to a close.

There will be a new crossing guard and the kids will have to adapt to the ‘change’, a new personality. They will, kids are resilient, and it teaches them at an early age that learning to deal with ‘change’ in a positive way can be a confidence builder.

Again, I’ll be back as a substitute crossing guard, so, kids, give a shout out when you see me. You made being a school crossing guard a wonderful experience. Have a great school year.

Steve B. (Srbottch.Com)

September 2020

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srbottch

Retired in 2013 after 5 years as an elementary school teacher and 40 years as a sales representative to begin anew as a school crossing guard. SMy essays/stories are a way to communicate through the telling of personal experiences. One reader said about my blog stories, "...these are like a cold sip during a marathon run, simple, real life events". Another offered about my blog, “it brings some sense of normalcy not easily found in the modern world.”

56 thoughts on “The Crossing Guard Chronicles: ‘Change Is The Only Constant’ *”

  2. Steve,
    You will remain in the kind thoughts of many students. That you cared they knew. So when you now you more occasionally see them they will be refreshed and again encouraged.
    Play on!
    Jim Murdock

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    1. Yes, all is well. Thank you for asking. I’ll miss the kids but that’s part of ‘change’, we learn to adapt and grow. It isn’t always easy, especially on the first day of school.

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  8. I will be sad not to read your chronicles and I hope this is not a result of you experiencing ill health. These are difficult times, Steve, and our schools and our teachers, staff, and children will suffer much of the brunt of this pandemic. Stay well – I always look forward to seeing you here.

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    1. No, Maggie, I’m fine. I’ve worked all my career and now beyond. We decided to devote some time to ourselves and do some fall sight seeing around our beautiful New York State. I’ll miss the crossing guard but as the story noted, things change and we need to adjust to it. I’m sure I’ll be subbing plenty after our sightseeing is done. Thanks for your kind words.

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      1. Wonderful, Steve. I can think of few things better than fall excursions around New York State. Enjoy this time – I am certainly embracing the advent of fall this year!

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  9. I know you miss being with the kids and stimulating those brains. Heraclitus was absolutely correct. We are creatures that like our routine and want it to stay the same. I’ve never had 2 days the same and that keeps me on my toes. This has been quite the year and I think most of us are saying we’d like our change a little slower please. 😉 Hope things work in your favor for a bit longer.

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    1. John, that’s the challenge for them. I’ve heard from a few parents who had very nice things to say and I know some of the kids will be very disappointed because we bonded so well over the past few years, but they’ll accept it and grow. Thanks for your very nice words.

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  12. I can’t wait to hear/read about the day you get called in to sub on the Curbside Classroom!! That will be wonderful. Enjoy your semi-retirement, Steve. You have given me some of the greatest reads, ever. I know there will be more down the road (pun intended), albeit new and different. Change is good, and children are resilient. Reblogging tomorrow!

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    1. Thank you, kindly. I will greatly miss my regular crossing post duty because everyday was a challenge to have a positive and meaningful exchange with the kids. My goal was to get them to think and most importantly, to smile. I saw lots of smiles. I’ll have more oops when undo some back up duty. Meantime, we hope to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. I look forward to picking up my writing since I’ve been so lax. Now, Have a great day! (Steve)

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      2. NY has a wonderful history and they proudly display it with historical markers throughout the state. The Erie Canal runs through the area where I live. What a project it was to build it., ‘Clinton’s Ditch’. Do you live in NY?

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  16. Reblogged this on A Teacher's Reflections and commented:
    When I first ‘met’ Steve, he wrote about his school crossing guard mornings, asking children questions at his corner, “Who is Pavarotti?” Really? I was floored. This was the kind of teaching I had always known to be the best – inspiring, fun, and stimulating.

    Every morning at his corner he was ready with a new question. “What is the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celcius?” “Why did Frosty the Snowman tell the kids not to cry?” His relationship with children became strong. His crossing corner became the Curbside Classroom.

    If you want a big dose of inspiration, I recommend Steve’s blog posts as some of the best reads. There are plenty of great stories! He is retiring, as change is inevitable. He will be on the substitute list, so we may occasionally hear more from the Curbside Classroom.

    With thanks for being one of the best teachers, inspiring children and fellow teachers alike. -Jennie-

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    1. Thank you. Bette. On thé one hand, I feel as that I deserted the kids. On thé other hand, this change takes them out if their comfort zone a bit and that’s a good thing. Thank you for the nice sentiments.

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    1. Thank you kindly. I appreciate the sentiments. It’s true what you say, ‘we never know’, but I know in my heart of hearts that I had a positive impact t just aaa they had a positive impact on me. And, yes, it will be a new adventure.

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    1. You know something, I was. And they were in mine. If I was still doing it, tomorrow morning I would have pointed out that Saturn and Jupiter are very visible in the northern night sky and the ISS passed over us last evening. I hope someone else will do it.

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