Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, December 5, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Dressed in shiny vests and warm clothing, a group of Mildred Hall students headed out to Franklin Avenue this week as NWT's newest crossing guards.

The school has joined 550 schools across Alberta in implementing the Alberta Motor Association (AMA)'s School Safety Patrol Program, that has student volunteers help their peers make their way across the street safely.

Tori Banner, 12, left, Shandelle Kenny, 14, and Janis Thrasher, 14, get ready to start helping stop traffic for pedestrians on Franklin Avenue as Mildred Hall school implements a School Safety Patrol Program Dec. 3. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

As of Dec. 3, students have started patrolling both sides of the intersection at 54 Street and Franklin Avenue.

" We just wanted to make sure kids are safe crossing the streets, especially in the dark winter nights," said Yasemin Heyck, the school's principal. Jay walking is a serious problem in front of the school, and Heyck said she hopes the crossing guards will help cut down on these unsafe practices.

" We're hoping it makes people more aware of safely crossing the street," she said.

RCMP Const. Roxanne Dreilich said the crossing guards should help increase pedestrian visibility, as the school sits on the city's busiest street.

Steve Giesinger, a representative from AMA, said that the patrol program is useful on any street, as the traffic of parents, students and staff can really add up.

" At the beginning and the end, there's five to 10 minutes where it's really busy, even on a quiet street," said Giesinger.

While Mildred Hall decided to use Grade 7 and 8 volunteers, Giesinger said it's usually Grade 5 and 6 students who step forward.

" Grade 5 students are the keenest. It's not as cool for older kids," he said.

Most of the Mildred Hall volunteers were keen to get started on their first day.

" I want to help kids cross the street to make it safe," said Janis Thrasher, 14. " Some drivers aren't really paying attention to what they're doing."

Tori Banner, 12, said she stepped forward to be a leader in the school.

Jordan Morrison gave an honest answer of why he volunteered.

" I only did this to get out of Math class," he said.

To get ready for their duties, the students underwent a 45 minute training session in early October. Around 15 Grade 7 and 8 students were trained, and Giesinger said the school may train Grade 5 and 6 students next time.