East Broadway School Says Goodbye To Two Longtime Crossing Guards

Last Friday was a bittersweet day for Theresa Joseph and Maureen Rheel, two long time crossing guards at East Broadway Elementary School, who retired on Sept. 15. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tonie McDonald, East Broadway administrators, PTA members, students and families bid the two a proper farewell as they moved into the next chapter of their lives.

Joseph, a crossing guard for 28 years who spent eight of those years at the school, and Rheel, a crossing guard who served East Broadway students and their families for 16 years, received a big thank you from the school community once the final bell rang on Friday afternoon.

Both crossing guards, who were stationed on opposite ends of the school, were surprised by Assistant Principal Jami Anspach, PTA members and students who showed their gratitude in the form of student-made posters, cards and balloons. Families also showed their appreciation by giving flowers and cards as a thank you for keeping their children safe.

When asked how they felt about retiring after all their years at the school, Rheel shared her love of the community and how sad she was to say good-bye.

"My heart is broken," she said. "I love the teachers of East Broadway, I love the bus drivers of Levittown and I love these parents. They have become some of my closest and dearest friends. These kids are like my extended family. I love each and every one of them and I will miss them."

Joseph shared similar feelings. "I’m very lucky," she said. "I loved my job."

Photo: Levittown School District