After 13 years of dedication, Sheri Derksen is stepping down as the beloved crossing guard supervisor at École Morden Middle School — but she’s not going far. Sheri will continue her role as an Educational Assistant (EA) at the school, leaving behind the flags but carrying on her daily commitment to students.
A morning ritual that’s meant the world
Sheri’s passion for patrolling started with a simple but powerful goal: keeping kids safe and giving them a friendly start to their day.
“I guess to keep the kids coming and going from school safe and maybe to make their morning start off by saying good morning to them,” Sheri shared. “Some kids come from places where maybe there’s nobody at home when they leave in the morning. So, good morning might be something that makes their day.”
That personal connection hasn’t gone unnoticed.
One student said, “The second bell will ring, and that’s when the morning patrols are supposed to come in. She’ll just stay out there if she sees someone until everybody’s across safe.”
Another added, “It’s really nice to see someone cares about us that much because she’s missing her classroom time to help kids.”
“There’s nothing Sheri doesn’t know about patrol guarding”
For many students and staff, Sheri has been the heart and soul of the patrol program. Natasha Klassen, an EA who has patrolled for three years, said:
“She knows everything about patrol guarding. There is nothing that Sheri does not know. It’s been really neat to see her talk about the influence she’s had on the kids. We’re the first people they see in the morning, so it’s important to be ready and out there.”
Sheri’s leadership also helped students adapt to changes, like switching from two flags to one.
One student recalled, “She gave us tips on how to hold your flag, showed us videos, and just made it a lot easier to transition.”
Through rain, cold, and snow — True dedication
Standing outside in Manitoba weather for over a decade hasn’t always been easy. Sheri admitted, “The hardest part has been standing out in the cold and the rain. I don’t know if it’s worse to be cold or soaking wet.”
The students, however, were quick to vote cold as the toughest challenge!
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But even on tough days, the highlights kept Sheri going.
“Having kids who never spoke to you say ‘Good morning’ back — that’s a good feeling,” Sheri said. “There’s actually one little guy I’ve said good morning to for the last three years, and finally, the last couple of days, I got a wave.”
Filling big Shoes: The future of the Patrol Program
With Sheri stepping back from crossing guard duties, Grade 6 teachers will take over the patrol supervisor role next year.
Charmayne Brook, a Grade 6 teacher, acknowledges the challenge:
“These are some pretty big shoes to fill. It will be a challenge to live up to what she’s done, but she’s set a really good example. We’re going to keep this patrol program going because it’s so important for our community and it builds leadership in our students.”
A lasting impact beyond safety
Sheri’s commitment goes beyond managing traffic; it’s about connection.
“A friendly greeting in the morning can change a child’s day,” said Brook. “You don’t know what their morning’s been like. A nice hello and a friendly smile go a long way for these kids.”
For Sheri, those moments are priceless.
“The good mornings with the kids — that’s what I’ll miss most,” she reflected.
Tips from Sheri for drivers in school zones
Before signing off, Sheri shared a few helpful reminders for drivers passing through the school zone:
“Make sure you are aware of the stop signs and let the patrols get back to the sidewalks before you go through the streets. Slow down and maybe leave home five minutes earlier so you’re not rushing when you get here.”
Sheri Derksen’s 13 years of unwavering dedication at École Morden Middle School has left a lasting impression on students, staff, and the entire community. Though she’s retiring from patrol duties, her spirit of care and safety will continue to inspire.