Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will celebrate the more than 700 crossing guards who help CPS students and families safely arrive and depart schools every day during Crossing Guard Appreciation Month which runs from today through March 14. CPS Crossing Guards are located at busy intersections across Chicago and help students and community members cross streets safely. “Crossing Guards play a vital role as part of our school support staff,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Our dedicated Crossing Guards help ensure that students arrive safely to and from school each day. They are active members of every community in Chicago. We recognize and thank Crossing Guards this month and throughout the year for their hard work and for serving as safety role models for our students.” Nominations for the Crossing Guard of the Year award open today and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025. Four exceptional individuals will be chosen as winners, one from each region, and their names will be revealed on a date to be determined. Nominations will be evaluated based on factors such as years of service and attendance, among other criteria. Nominations can be submitted at the Chicago Public Schools’ website.