Crossing guards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of school communities, particularly for students commuting to and from school. They guide students and families across busy roads and intersections, ensuring drivers and cyclists are aware of pedestrian crossings.
However, traffic violations in school zones are a constant concern. One dedicated crossing guard who supports students and families near a Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) school decided to take a creative approach to address this issue affecting many schools throughout the province. Jenelle Kunkel, a beloved crossing guard at St. Clement Catholic School, has been witnessing unsafe driving habits in her area for years. Determined to make a difference in the neighbourhood, she collaborated with Toronto Police to ensure the safety of students who travel to and from home on the streets around her school.
Jenelle invited Neighbourhood Community Officers (NOCs) from Toronto Police to watch and observe the frequent traffic infractions. This collaboration led to a stronger police presence around the school, improving safety and encouraging more families to walk to school instead of driving.
Jenelle was recently honoured as one of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guards by Parachute Canada for her dedication to her school community, an organization committed to reducing preventable injuries.
To celebrate her achievement, St. Clement Catholic School is hosted an event on Thursday, January 18, where Jenelle will received her award from Parachute Canada, Desjardins, and the Ottawa Safety Council in recognition of her positive impact on the school community of St. Clement.