Rockwall, TX (February 18, 2026) – Today, Charlotte Fieldsmith walks the halls of Rockwall-Heath High School as a senior, but a fourth-grade project recently took her back to Pullen Elementary, where the project began eight years ago.
As a Pullen Panther, Charlotte organized a Crossing Guard Appreciation Day at her campus and learned her voice could truly make a difference.
Jennifer Leal, Rockwall ISD Gifted and Talented Coordinator, explained, “Charlotte’s work grew out of a Type III Independent Study project through Rockwall ISD’s SAGE (gifted and talented) program.”
Type III projects are not typical classroom assignments instead students come up with and dig themselves into problems they feel personally connected to and want to resolve. Through the process, students explore the idea then through extensive research, with teachers acting as facilitators, find and determine creative solutions.
By sixth grade, Charlotte had worked with the district Chief of Student Services to expand Crossing Guard Appreciation Day district wide, and Rockwall ISD saw its first recognition day. In the process she discovered that while other states had implemented school crossing guard recognitions, Texas had not done so.
Now an eighth grader, the project continued to weigh on Charlotte’s mind. She reached out to then-Representative Justin Holland to find out how she could move the program statewide. Representative Holland supported her efforts and filed a bill, and although the bill did not pass initially, Charlotte, buoyed by his support, refused to give up.
A few years later, during the 2025 89th Legislative Session, Senator Bob Hall and Representative Katrina Pierson took up Charlotte’s initiative once again, this time seeing the bill pass both chambers. Signed into law May 29, 2025, by Governor Abbott, Texas now recognizes February 10 as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day!
We recently learned more from Charlotte about how this project found a life – and a permanent place in the state.
What made you think about recognizing crossing guards? Was there a specific moment with your school crossing guard that inspired the idea?
When I was younger, I was fascinated by Mrs. Elaine Watson, a sweet 90-year-old lady that commanded the drop-off line with a smile and a stop sign. Through the pouring rain, snow, or burning sun, she was always there looking out for all of us. In fourth grade my gifted and talented teacher asked us to create a project that pushed the boundaries of a typical school project and worked to better our society. I happened to have the perfect idea. I noticed there were teacher, nurse, librarian, and principal appreciation days but nothing for our crossing guards. Mrs. Elaine deserved her own day to be honored and appreciated for all her work.
What was the hardest part of getting this project implemented?
The hardest part of getting the project started was getting people to believe it could actually happen. When I first spoke with my State Representative’s aide, he tried to discourage me by asking me to do more research. Instead of giving up, I reached out to leaders in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Virginia, where statewide crossing guard appreciation days are already wildly successful. They shared helpful information and offered guidance. I gathered all of that along with my own research and sent it back within days. They decided to move forward and help turn my idea into reality.
Did you have any surprises along the way?
Throughout the process of my research, I discovered the vital role that a crossing guard plays. With distractions such as technology plaguing our communities it is easy for accidents to occur, but it has been proven that crossing guards reduce these significantly. I also found many stories that proved that crossing guards are true heroes. In Rowlett, Texas a crossing guard even gave her life to keep students safe while on duty.
What advice might you share to young students with big ideas?
My advice to young students with big ideas is to never give up on your dreams. There were moments when my idea felt too big or like it was not going anywhere, but pushing through made all the difference. Fourth-grade Charlotte would be so proud of how far this idea has come!
What about this project, are you the most proud?
I am most proud that an idea I had is now actually a law. It still feels unreal, and it is amazing to see something I cared about turn into real change—how cool is that?
Pretty cool indeed! Last week, Rockwall ISD joined together with districts across the State to honor and show appreciation for the role of the School Crossing Guard – all through the efforts of a determined young Rockwall student!
Story by Blue Ribbon News. Photos courtesy of Rockwall ISD.
Persistence Pays Off: School crossing guards recognized statewide through the efforts of one Rockwall ISD student added by Melanie M on
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