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Fifth-graders win annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Day from Portsmouth City Council
Summary
A student petition with 354 signatures persuaded the Portsmouth City Council on April 21 to authorize an annual proclamation: the second Tuesday in May will be Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Portsmouth.
Fifth graders from Portsmouth persuaded the City Council on April 21 to authorize an annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Day after presenting a petition with 354 signatures.
"We want to recognize how much crossing guards do to make sure we get to school safely and happily," Theodore Porter told the council during public comment, identifying himself and saying the petition included nearly all fifth graders in Portsmouth and students from the middle and high schools. "They deserve special acknowledgement for all they do."
Owen Beare, who also spoke during the school-sponsored visit, described daily conditions crossing guards face and urged the council to grant the students' request. The council suspended the rules to hear the students first and, following praise for their organization and public-speaking, moved to authorize the mayor to proclaim the second Tuesday in May each year as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. Councilors thanked the students for the petition and their civic engagement.
Why it matters
The action is ceremonial but publicly recognizes crossing guards' role in school safety and community routine. The students said the petition includes 354 signatures; the council recorded the motion and adopted the proclamation by voice vote. The council directed the mayor's office to issue future proclamations on the designated date.
What the motion does
The council's approval authorizes the mayor to issue an annual proclamation; it does not create a new funding line or require changes to staffing or operations for crossing guards.
