In all weathers, the school crossing patrols ensure that children in this city get to school a little more safely - and they do so on a voluntary basis. Their work, always in close and trusting cooperation with the city council, police and traffic wardens, is a prime example of volunteering in action in the city. To honor those who have shown such exemplary commitment, the city once again hosted a New Year's reception at the town hall this year (Tuesday, January 13). Aachen's Lord Mayor Dr. Michael Ziemons personally welcomed the school crossing patrols, as well as the road safety advisors from the police and members of the traffic watch in the White Hall of Aachen Town Hall. Lord Mayor Ziemons praised the voluntary commitment and cooperation of the various stakeholders for the safety of children: "The safety of our children is a common concern that unites us all. Whether it's stormy or snowing, the school crossing patrol volunteers work with dedication and responsibility to ensure that our youngest children get to school safely. Their commitment is more than just a help - it is an irreplaceable contribution to the cohesion of our city. As Lord Mayor, I am proud to see such exemplary cooperation between volunteers, the police, traffic wardens and the city council. It shows how much responsibility we all share for the future of our children."

In 2025, the routes around 14 elementary school were made safer by a total of 128 adult school route assistants. 51 of them have a fixed location with fixed times. At six schools - GGS Am Haarbach, GGS Am Höfling, KGS Auf der Hörn, MGS Eilendorf, KGS Hanbruch and GGS Malmedyer Straße - a total of 77 parents in four parent groups have taken on and divided up this important work on their own initiative.

Schools for schools
However, it is also worth noting that pupils from secondary schools help the younger children at elementary school. 57 pupils from Anne-Frank-Gymnasium are working for the neighboring GGS Laurensberg. Marion Rösner-Jumpertz, middle school coordinator at Anne-Frank-Gymnasium, is responsible for the coordination. Eight pupils from Luise-Hensel-Realschule look after GGS Am Höfling in the mornings, coordinated by teacher Sabrina Leenders. Stephanie Schüller, head of the trial level, and Patrick Biemans, head teacher, coordinate the duty rosters of the two pupils at St. Ursula Gymnasium who act as guides at GGS Am Lousberg.

Cooperation with the police
It doesn't work without professional instruction: that's why a total of seven road safety advisors from the Aachen police are on hand to instruct the school crossing patrol assistants at the start of their work. Werner Birken, Alex Dorschu, Barbara Höbig, Yannick Jungen, Ina Nikolaou, Dirk Schmitt and Valeria Vasilcin are also available later on for any questions and problems relating to "Safe routes to school".

Having the right equipment for the job is also important. This has always been ensured by the Landesverkehrswacht, which was represented at the reception by Michael Günter, Chairman of Verkehrswacht Aachen, and Norbert Karl, Managing Director of Verkehrswacht Aachen.

Note to editors
Attached you will find a photo of the reception in the town hall, which you can use free of charge in connection with your reporting. (© City of Aachen/Greta Zieger)

Caption: A big reception at Aachen Town Hall: Lord Mayor Dr. Michael Ziemons welcomed the school crossing patrol volunteers and all those who ensure that this voluntary work runs smoothly.