Kindness at the Cross Walk

Every morning and afternoon, at the corner of Birch Meadow Drive and Main Street, where the crosswalks converge and the walk sign-buttoned pole stands tall, the bustling sounds of the day fill the air.

Cars race by, engines hum as tires screech to a halt. The sharp honk of impatient drivers mixes with the rhythmic footsteps of children heading to school. Parents’ voices yell, as they guide their children, while lines of cars stretch, waiting to turn into the RMHS campus. Other vehicles zip by, speeding toward work, engines puffing smoke into the air. Then, suddenly, all movement halts. A white “Walk” sign illuminates the street, and a clear voice echoes, “Walk now.” Children, both big and small, from elementary to high school, begin crossing the street.

In the midst of it all, a green reflective jacket stands out, a woman stands on the crosswalk. A large red “STOP” sign sways gently as she holds it up for all to see. As the last of the children pass, this one figure remains, her smile warm and welcoming. She greets those passing by with a soft wave, sometimes stopping to chat. To most, she’s a familiar face—the crossing guard at Birch Meadow Drive. But beyond the waves and greetings, who is she? Who is the woman behind the job?

This is Linda Burns.

Did you know that being a school crossing guard is considered “one of the most dangerous occupations in local government”?  These individuals, authorized by the police, wield a stop sign with the power to override any traffic law or signal. Every day, they step into the flow of traffic, controlling its rhythm, all for the safety of children walking to school. It’s a job that demands both bravery and attention. A crossing guard must understand traffic laws and signals, and be attuned to the unpredictable behaviors of both drivers and children. The safety of both is in their hands.

Linda Burns became a crossing guard after her daughter Emelia started middle school. An RPD safety officer approached her, offering the position. The job was part-time—only 2.5 hours a day—but Burns saw it as a chance to contribute to her community, and make some extra money. “The rest is history,” she said with a smile, reflecting on the journey she has had so far. Burns works two shifts daily: one from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., and another from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. But her dedication doesn’t stop there. Every morning, she voluntarily extends her shift by 15 minutes, ensuring that even the late-arriving students make it to school safely. “My shift ends at 8:15, but the high schoolers start arriving around then, and there are still kids walking. So, I stay until 8:30 to make sure everyone gets there safely,” she explained. Every week she works around 12.5 hours on the corner of Birch Meadow Drive. 

Ms. Burns is not your typical crossing guard. Her kindness radiates in everything she does. Every morning, as cars approach Birch Meadow, she greets each one with a wave and a smile, sometimes even stopping to chat with familiar faces, asking how they’re doing and wishing them a good day. She takes time to know the children she crosses, forming personal connections with their families. Some families, she shared, have become so close that they exchange Christmas gifts. Linda Burns brings a personal touch to her role, something that goes beyond the uniform and the stop sign.

A Reading resident for 22 years, Linda is a 59-year-old single mother who raised (as she describes) a caring, empathetic daughter, Emelia, who is set to graduate from Smith College in 2027 and plans to become a school teacher. Yet, Ms. Burns’ life hasn’t been without struggle. Seventeen years ago, she slipped on ice, an accident that led to six spinal surgeries and the implantation of her second spinal cord stimulator.

Despite these hardships, she has continued to work, remaining a pillar of strength and resilience—a trait admired by her friends and coworkers. In her spare time, she works as a delivery driver for the Reading House of Pizza, and when not working, she cherishes the moments spent with her daughter, especially when Emelia is home from college.

Linda Burns is a remarkable woman—a vital presence in the town of Reading. Her dedication to the safety of students and families is a testament to her selflessness and heart. We are grateful for her commitment to our community, ensuring that every child walks to school safely.