Lewis Elementary School fifth-graders Halie McIntosh (left) and Julia Kohn-Brown enjoy being crossing guards — except, Julia notes, “when it’s really hot or really cold.”

From the PPS Pulse e-newsletter:

"Rain or shine, they direct traffic each day to ensure the safety of their fellow students. This week, Portland Public Schools safety patrol students get a thank-you for their before-and after-school efforts with a trip to Oaks Park.

More than 2,300 safety patrol students from PPS, Parkrose and David Douglas school districts visited the Southeast Portland amusement park this week, enjoying rides before lunching on hot dogs, apples, Rice Krispies Treats and ice cream bars, all washed down with Capri Sun drinks.

The year-end treat is a tradition that goes back more than 30 years, according to Sgt. Tom Perkins, school resource officer coordinator with the Portland Police Bureau and one of the event organizers..."

Read more at the PPS website.