AJR41

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman GORDON M. JOHNSON

District 37 (Bergen)

Assemblyman JOSEPH CRYAN

District 20 (Union)

Assemblyman BENJIE E. WIMBERLY

District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)

Assemblyman PAUL D. MORIARTY

District 4 (Camden and Gloucester)

SYNOPSIS

Designates “Crossing Guard Appreciation Day” in New Jersey.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel

A Joint Resolution designating “Crossing Guard Appreciation Day” in New Jersey as the day on which International Walk to School Day occurs annually in October.

Whereas, Crossing guards work to ensure the safety and welfare of students of all ages as they travel to and from school, by directing traffic and signaling the safe crossing of dangerous streets, intersections, or railroad crossings, and educating students and others about school safety policies and enforcement procedures; and

Whereas, Crossing guards must be able to communicate clearly and exercise good judgment as they are called upon to intervene in potential emergencies, and are charged with monitoring students and reporting observations about accidents, fights, or other dangers to facilitate follow-up by appropriate personnel; and

Whereas, State law requires that crossing guards meet certain qualifications, complete classroom instruction and supervised field training, and be provided with an identifying uniform, to include a safety vest; and

Whereas, In carrying out their duties, crossing guards brave difficult and sometimes dangerous weather conditions and in a state as densely populated as New Jersey the hazards of vehicular traffic are particularly significant; and

Whereas, As of May 2010, approximately 5,390 crossing guards were employed in New Jersey, the fourth highest number in the country; and

Whereas, The number of schools located in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in the State is one reason for the State’s high concentration of crossing guards, and in recent year increased numbers of students walk or bike to school making crossing guards even more important; and

Whereas, Increased numbers of students walking and biking to school demonstrates the success of International Walk to School Day, which started in 1997, and is now observed annually in October, to encourage safe walking and biking routes for all so that children benefit from increased physical activity, and neighborhoods become more interconnected, safer and cleaner, and to date communities from all 50 states and more than 40 countries have participated in this event; and

Whereas, Crossing guards dutifully perform their responsibilities in the service of others while putting themselves at risk for injuries or accidents; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper that the hard work and dedication of crossing guards in safeguarding our children and communities be formally recognized; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. “Crossing Guard Appreciation Day” in New Jersey shall coincide with the observance of International Walk to School Day occurring annually in the second week of October, to recognize the vital service and contributions of crossing guards to the safety and welfare of the children and communities of this State.

2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe “Crossing Guard Appreciation Day” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates the day on which International Walk to School Day is observed annually, generally during the second week of October, as “Crossing Guard Appreciation Day” in New Jersey. Crossing guards perform an essential role by ensuring that students who walk or bike to and from school safely navigate vehicular traffic and other hazards. In addition, they communicate information about accidents or other dangers that they observe to facilitate appropriate follow-up, and educate students and other pedestrians about safety policies and the possible consequences of noncompliance. Crossing guards put themselves at risk of physical injury as they perform their duties in severe weather conditions and heavy motor vehicle traffic in the service of school children and other pedestrians.

It is fitting that the valued contributions of crossing guards to the safety of our communities be acknowledged annually.