At our school 6 hardworking custodians dedicate their time cleaning our messes and they don’t get much appreciation in return. Every day they get here before school opens and start their jobs. They restock the bathrooms, clean the bathrooms, they clean spills, throwup and blood on the daily. Without them the school would quickly deteriorate as they do everything behind the scenes. Here is what the janitors have to say about it.
Lonnie Winfred has worked at the school for 13 years and before this he served in the army for nearly 30. He works the day shift and arrives at 5:30, opens the school and works until 4pm. On the other hand Matt Dalton started working at the school in july. Matt arrives later in the day and leaves at 6:30 after making sure everything is in order. Despite the difficulties of their job they strive to keep the school clean and safe.
Everyday he and the other janitors deal with students’ messes like spills and throw up and also the occasional broken tool like paper towel and soap dispensers. Both custodians have acknowledged that their job isn’t easy.
“I think there’s bad days and good days but it could be alot better than it is,” Matt said.
Everyday he and the other janitors deal with students’ messes like spills and throw up and also the occasional broken tool like paper towel and soap dispensers.
Lonnie has worked here at Karns for longer and has seen many changes in his time. He’s seen the school through hard and easy times and without him the school would have suffered.
“The administration won’t agree, but at least towards me, the kids now are better.” Lonnie said “ They’re more respectful, and when you’re trying to do something, they get out of your way.”
They both feel respected by both the staff and students and felt welcomed ever since they started working at the school. Matt is younger but he has a lot of wisdom and advice for students.
“Keep doing what you’re doing, don’t give up, just keep trying even if you feel like it’s harder cause it’s always going to be harder just keep going further.” Matt said.
Even on breaks, the janitors are hard at work. During the summer they work to make sure the school is clean and ready for the return of students. Their dedication towards their jobs make a safe and healthy learning environment possible. You can start by cleaning your own spills and throwing away your trash; you can even say hello or thanks whenever you see them.
