Good Patrol Boy Showing The Rest Better Way To Go
My daughter, Malinda, walks to school each morning and I accompany her. We cross the street at an intersection where two or three safety patrols are on a rotation of duty.
Most of the time the patrols are just doing their job. But frequently I see them arguing or in excited discussions, or behaving in other ways that appear inattentive to their task. Consequently, there is potential danger to the children they are supposed to be helping to cross, as well as to themselves.
I also have observed some of the patrols threatening and harassing the other children. It appeared to me to be an attitude of power and control that was being misused.
Instances of rude and inappropriate language certainly did not focus children on the rules.
I heard some children say they would go the long way around to avoid the patrols. My own daughter was fearful of the patrols even when I was with her. I had made up my mind that if that’s what school safety patrols were like, I didn’t want Malinda to be a member when she got older - and it was clear that she didn’t want to be one.
When I was in elementary school, only the students with the best grades and most responsible conduct were allowed into the elite ranks of safety patrol. It sure did not appear to me that such was the case anymore.
Then Malinda and I began to notice Justin. Day after day, he always said something cheerful. Even on some days that were bitterly cold. He was out with the other brave patrols on mornings the thermometer hit 10 below. I bless their souls for that. But especially Justin, for still having a kind word under those conditions.
Justin maintains the rules - the children have to stay behind a certain line - but he guides them with a polite word rather than a rude one.
One day I was not behind the line and my daughter nudged me. Justin said adults don’t have to be behind the line, but I stepped back anyway. He has my respect.
Another day I was walking in the street because the sidewalks were deep with snow. Justin shouted for me to get out of the street. When Malinda and I got up to the crosswalk, Justin apologized and said he thought I was one of the children.
The fact that he saved me from being hit by a bus notwithstanding, I was so proud of Justin for readily owning his error and making prompt amends. What exceptional character that demonstrates to me.
Malinda and I were talking about how the safety patrols have more to their job than helping the other children cross the street. They are also role models. The other children should be able to look up to them as leaders deserving of respect.
The community sees the actions of the patrols as representative of the students at Grant Elementary School and sometimes, even as representatives of young people in general.
Justin is the kind of young person who is up to that task. Grant can be assured that with representatives like Justin, we can be proud. And Malinda wants to be a patrol member after all - with my blessing - just like him.
xxxx