Every school day, before the first bell rings and long after dismissal, Tyler ISD’s school crossing guards are already hard at work—rain or shine—ensuring students arrive and leave campus safely.
Today, Tyler ISD proudly celebrated School Crossing Guards Appreciation Day, honoring the 35 dedicated crossing guards who play a vital role in student safety and in reducing traffic accidents around school campuses.
Crossing guards do much more than manage traffic. They are often the first friendly faces students see each morning and a reassuring presence at the end of the day. For Linda Porter, Tyler ISD’s Lead Crossing Guard, the role is deeply personal. “I love the kids, and keeping them safe is important to us,” Porter said.
Each morning, crossing guards help students start the day on a positive note, offering smiles, greetings and a sense of security.
“Seeing the kids and giving them that first ‘good morning, have a good day’—and knowing that they feel safe when they see us—that means everything,” Porter said. “I love telling them bye in the afternoons and that I’ll see them in the morning.”
Over the years, those daily interactions have built lasting connections. Porter says some of her favorite moments happen beyond the crosswalk. “There are so many moments, but my favorite is when they see me out in public and they come running up to me,” she said.
To show appreciation for their dedication, Tyler ISD gifted each crossing guard a custom chair featuring the Tyler ISD logo. Guards were presented with the chairs during campus visits, with photos taken to capture the moment of recognition.
“It feels good to be recognized as part of the Tyler ISD team,” Porter said.
As the lead crossing guard, Porter says the heart of the job—and the reason the team is so special—comes down to one thing. “All of our crossing guards love the kids,” she said. “We do it for the kids.”
Tyler ISD is grateful for the care, commitment and consistency its crossing guards bring to campuses each day. Their work helps ensure students feel safe, welcomed and supported—one crosswalk at a time.