The traffic at the end of a school day at Kairos Public School could be described as a nightmare on Elm Street.
At the center of it all, managing the line of cars and helping each child cross the road safely, is Campus Safety Specialist Sandy Gale.
“I’m at the busiest end and actually that’s just really fun,” Gale said. “You get to know a lot of parents there. I get a lot of hugs in the crosswalk from children, which is just so special.”
Gale is one of five finalists for this year’s Solano County Hometown Hero from Vacaville, nominated on by readers of The Reporter. Other finalists will be revealed on following Sundays, followed by the Vacaville and Vallejo winners on May 4.
Gale, who worked in pediatric dentistry for 26 years, knew she wanted to continue working with kids after she retired in 2021. After spending three years homeschooling her grandchildren, she started working at Kairos in 2024.
“It’s really God’s plan that I am here with children again,” Gale said. “Just helping them never forget what it’s like to be a child.”
In addition to helping children cross the road, Gale looks after students of all grade levels during recess, monitoring their emotions and their actions.
“The funniest thing is recess and watching them run, scream and play because that goes away so soon,” Gale said. “Their energy is just amazing. I leave here and my day is over in a moment.”
Shelly Hunt, who nominated Gale for the award, said she’s seen how students connect with Gale when she picks up her daughter.
“They want to show her what they made in class, their new shoes, or they share exciting news with her,” Hunt said. “They’re excited to see her and she returns that excitement with each child.”
Hunt said it’s important to her to have people that she can trust at her daughter’s school.
“I have no doubt in my mind that she would do anything for any of the children,” Hunt said. “That’s what means the world to me.”
Gale said her favorite part about working at Kairos is helping children be children.
“I get to be a part of that,” Gale said. “It helps you remember to run and scream and have fun.”
While Gale’s three grandchildren attend Kairos, Hunt sees her as a grandmother to all who attend.
“She associates with the children more than a school staff,” Hunt said. “She’s kind of like the grandma to everybody.”
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