Ms. Szych

Ms.Szych, the crossing guard at Newport City Elementary School, lives by the quote, "Let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy day." For more than five years, Ms. Szych has assisted Pre-K through 6th grade students as they cross the busy street in front of our school. She is out there in all kinds of weather we have here. Vermont whether is rain, snow, heat or frigid temperatures. She is there with a huge smile on her face. She encourages them to move quickly but safely, to stay inside the crosswalk, to wear their helmets if they are biking and wishes them a productive day in the morning and safe travels home as they leave school in the afternoon. She proudly wears her bright safety vest as she reminds them of safety rules every day and especially on our monthly Walk to School days when she crosses over 100 students.

Ms. Szych particularly has a fondness for our mentally and physically handicapped students. She helps other paraprofessionals with their students who require special equipment and has joyfully worked as a one-on-one paraprofessional with a child who has Downs Syndrome for several years. His parents appreciate Ms. Szych's gentle way with their son.

Ms. Szych also contributes to Newport City Elementary School in other ways including being a valuable member of our Wellness Committee where she promotes Dressdown Days and recognizes staff members who are celebrating life's milestones or need support for illness or loss of loved ones. She also coaches our majorettes which helps our girls who need an activity that promotes their self-esteem. It is for all these reasons and many more that I am nominating Ms.Szych from Newport City School for America's Crossing Guard.