Thankful for Theresa. School crossing guard retires after almost 16 years

If you have driven down Belvoir Road or Plymouth Road during school drop off and pick up, you have likely seen Mrs. Theresa Watkins, the beloved crossing guard for Colonial Middle School and Plymouth Elementary. She has been keeping our kids safe for fifteen and a half years but her tenure came to an end on Tuesday, November 23rd as we bid her farewell to enjoy retirement.  

While it was bittersweet as she loves her job and is excited for all the wonderful plans she has for retirement, she shared that she felt so blessed to be a part of the Plymouth Township Police Family and noted that Sergeant Costello was such a great leader and always made her feel part of the team. She also thoroughly enjoyed visits from Officers Jeff Conrad and Joe Epright, who would often be assigned to help at busy times and when unassigned would pass with a wave and a smile.

Anyone who knows Ms. Theresa, as the kids lovingly call her, knows she does not like to be the center of attention. When she announced her retirement, the CMS community rallied to send her off with love but without an over-the-top flair that she deserved for her extensive service to our school community. The CMS Student Council created car signs for parents to decorate their cars on her final day, presented her with goodbye videos on a Flipgrid from students and staff, and gifted her with flowers and a balloon. Parents also participated in the festivities by stopping with cards and sharing fond memories.  

While she will be missed, we hope she enjoys walks in the warm Florida sun, coffee breaks, swims, sleeping beyond the early hours of the morning, baking, and the leisure of retirement.

Article and photos shared in celebration of Ms. Theresa by her friend and parent pickup partner, Meg Penrice.