West End Resident Guides Children to School

West End Alexandria resident Charlotte Ross was recently featured in the Washington Post in a story about her job as a crossing guard for Alexandria City Public Schools.

For nearly 50 years, Ross has helped children cross the street at James K. Polk Elementary. She is 87 years old.

School crossing guards are part of the police department in Alexandria. Ross, who was formerly a fashion model at a department store, is the agency’s longest-serving member.

Polk Elementary is located at 5000 Polk Ave. and teaches grades kindergarten through grade 5. It was built in 1965.

Renovations in 1994 included a new library, office, music room, wired classrooms and a secured main entrance. In February of 2010, the school celebrated the grand opening of its new gymnasium.

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