Some pupils ignored the new crossing guard's warnings Monday.

Some pupils ignored the new crossing guard's warnings Monday.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Of the 530 pupils who attend Sheridan Elementary School, 500 are walkers.
And many of the youngsters who hoof it to and from home from the South Side school each day aren't pleased that they must trek to the traffic light at Auburndale Avenue to cross Market Street, said Superintendent Benjamin L. McGee. Several walkers try, instead, to cross at Avondale Avenue, two blocks north.
"They're not using Auburndale because it's out of the way," McGee said.
Walker struck
It's a concern that members of McGee's parent advisory committee brought to his attention after a walker was struck by a car in the area earlier this month. Injuries were not life-threatening, said district spokesman M. Mike McNair.
The district sent a letter to parents after the accident, asking them to tell their children to walk to the traffic light, McNair said. He said parents and children have been encouraged several times to use the crossing guard.
Parents want to prevent a more serious accident and have suggested that a new traffic light be placed at Avondale, McGee said.
Children are permitted to cross only with the aid of a crossing guard at intersections with traffic lights.
McGee said he's working with city officials to get a new light at the intersection. That could be a long process, however, he added.
In the meantime, McGee said, he has stationed an additional crossing guard at Avondale. The guard's role will be to shuttle pupils to Auburndale, preventing them from crossing at the shortcut.
The guard took to the Avondale post for the first time Monday.
Ignored warnings
As he advised pupils of the proper route Monday afternoon, many walked the extra two blocks to be safe. Others ignored his warnings and crossed at Avondale in spite of them.
McGee said crossing guards make $7.50 to $7.75 per hour. The new guard will work five to six hours per day.
The new guard works with the Auburndale guard during walk hours in the morning and afternoon, McGee said. Sheridan's principal also encourages all pupils to cross at Auburndale.
viviano@vindy.com