At 8:25 a.m., the slam of car doors and the clamor of hurried footsteps can be heard around all of Lynbrook’s entrances. Amid the congested intersections of Johnson Avenue and Lynbrook Way, teeming with the rush of vehicles and pedestrians, figures donning fluorescent vests usher students through crosswalks. These figures are Lynbrook’s crossing guards, working diligently in the early morning to guide traffic. No matter the weather, these staff members take on the taxing job of ensuring student safety and responsible practices on the road by directing traffic flow.
In contrast with all other schools in FUHSD, which employ official crossing guards, Lynbrook’s existing staff step up for street safety. Currently, four faculty members have assumed the role of crossing guards: paraeducator and weight room adviser Tim Wehner, student conduct specialist Thomas Lopez, paraeducator and head JV baseball coach Johnny Roberson and Assistant Principal Tara Grande. Although they already serve in administrative positions, they willingly devote their time and energy to protecting students on the road.
“Traffic control positions came out of need,” Wehner said. “We realized that we need to put people out in front of school because it’s dangerous to have students walking through traffic without some sort of regulation.”
Tim Wehner has been stationed on the crosswalk in front of the school entrance for over 10 years. Originally, admin had asked staff members for help as the previous crossing guard was leaving, and Wehner stepped in for free, striving to help students get to school on time and safely.
“I didn’t need deep deliberation — I was eager to agree to help for 30 minutes,” Wehner said. “It’s now become a part of my routine and a special part of who I am.”
A natural social educator, Wehner not only looks out for students but takes pleasure in connecting with them and meeting new people. From small gestures, like a wave or smile, to conversations on campus, Wehner has developed genuine friendships with the student body.
“I feel blessed for every thank you, baked good or note of gratitude I receive from the students,” Wehner said. “Lynbrook has a great community, and I enjoy learning from and appreciate everyone.”
Contributing further to this community, Lopez has directed the corner between Rainbow Park and Johnson Avenue for four years. His work as a crossing guard allows him to start the day on a positive note — helping students stay safe on the roads. Similar to Wehner, Lopez also prioritizes building that meaningful connection, as it encourages students to view administrators in a positive light.
“We work in education,” Lopez said. “It is good to see students in the morning and let them know that I’m not just here as a student conduct specialist but really here to help the kids by helping them cross the street.”
Overlooking the entrance to the parking lot from Rainbow Drive, Grande also finds fulfillment in greeting students and sparking positivity to start their day.
Before working at Lynbrook, Grande was involved in district safety, creating routes for students to get to school safely. With prior experience in the field, she has been the assistant principal in charge of safety from 2022 to 2024 and has since overlooked the entrance to the parking lot from Rainbow Drive. In her three years, she has observed the numerous risky practices on the road, which have fortified her commitment to securing student safety.
“The roads are dangerous in the morning,” Grande said. “That’s why we’re out there, and why we’re trying to make changes — to hopefully slow everybody down so kids can arrive to class safely and on time.”
Guiding traffic has also heightened each crossing guards’ awareness of traffic conditions as a whole. Whether as a driver, pedestrian or biker, they make sure to stay alert and watch out for other moving obstacles on the road. The new barriers and road upgrades experienced around campus have improved the traffic conditions to some extent. Specifically, they prevent illegal U-turns and protect bikers and pedestrians from oncoming traffic.
Despite these efforts, lack of awareness from drivers, bikers and pedestrians have resulted in unsafe incidents. Roberson, who is a crossing guard for the Castle Glen and Lynbrook Way intersection, remembers a moment a few years ago when a biker hit an open car door because another student was getting out of the car in the middle of the road. A more recent minor collision between a student and a car also reminded him of the dangers of the road and the safety that crossing guards are there to protect.
“Parents are trying to rush to get to their jobs, and the students are trying to rush to school,” Roberson said. “Sometimes people just don’t pay attention, and people get hurt.”
Since 2021, Roberson has juggled the role of being a paraeducator, head JV baseball coach and a crossing guard. Seeing these students daily develops a sense of familiarity between the students and crossing guards. While the connection may not stray much farther from polite greetings, the crossing guards have grown used to seeing the students, even recognizing when some students are absent.
“Usually I can tell you whether or not the students who pass through my intersection will be in class based on whether I see them or not,” Roberson said.
These strong bonds with the students and the challenges they encounter with traffic safety have shaped this unique part of their lives: an amazing contribution to the community.
At 8:35 a.m., a quiet lull on the streets with the occasional sound of a passing car contrasts the chaos of the morning rush that now leaves little trace. After another morning of facilitating smooth traffic, the relative silence is like a breath of relief. As the crossing guards continue with their everyday service, they strive to support students and make an impact in their lives by nurturing a safe and caring school environment.
“We’re essentially there for the students, as safety is always first,” Wehner said. “For all of us, helping kids across the street, greeting them and acknowledging drivers for being patient is a great start to our days.”
