The ‘Yellow Jackets’

Morning School Crossing

The ‘Yellow Jackets’ are laser focused, waiting patiently and watching for their quarry, prepared to act. Their instincts are sharp, with keen eyes alerting them to singles or groups entering their territory.

The ‘jackets’ are confident in their mission and blessed with a friendly demeanor. Then, at the right moment, they engage….

“Good morning, kids!”

These are the men and women of the Brighton, NY ‘School Crossing Guard’ team, recognizeable by their bright yellow coats emblazoned with the words, ‘CROSSING GUARD’.

During the school year, they stand at their posts, like buoys in uncertain channels, and manage the crossing of the district’s school children across the busiest intersections and streets in Brighton, to their respective schools. They do it with enthusiasm and grit.

From the students’ early morning trudge to school, to the afternoon scamper home, these extra eyes wait at their spots to ferry kids along, safely.

In frigid winter temperatures, or in the warm fall and wet spring days, the children have a friendly voice greeting them and sending them on their ways,.

And what is one of their rewards? A common refrain from students,

“Thank you, have a nice day.”

How rewarding and exciting is it to hear that from our young people? Very! Brighton should be proud.

When all goes well, these public servants go unnoticed and unheralded. The next time you’re driving by a ‘yellow jacket’, give a honk and a thumbs up, or a wave and a smile. A simple act sends a heart warming message of appreciation to this important link in the safety of our town’s children.

The ‘yellow jackets’ are a proud group. Like other public servants, they show up every day and serve this community well.

Steve Bottcher 041824

To the Brighton, NY school crossing guards and crossing guards, everywhere.

Follow my ‘S’amusing’ blog at srbottch.com

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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.”

17 thoughts on “The ‘Yellow Jackets’”

    1. Oh, Pete, I’m so glad you mentioned the wasps because I was trying to confuse readers just a little and then surprise them. Can’t fool a California boy ! Thanks for commenting, Pete.

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    1. Thank you, Robbie. Whenever I think that my ‘musings’ are just not very good, I read one of your comments and it recharges me. Thanks for being a motivator.

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      1. The Yellow Jackets can become super heroes on your blog. They can save the day and bring a world of (fill in the blank) to the Curbside Classroom. I thought that might be where you were headed with this post. I know how much you miss being in your element. You’re such a good writer and storyteller; perhaps the Yellow Jackets can ‘take over’.

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