Connections
@GardenGerty (169477)
United States
May 17, 2023 4:09pm CST
I do not know how it is in other schools, but in our school the two custodians monitor the lunch room during all three shifts and pass out the things on the cold food bar.
The kids love them.
I am there usually when the youngest kids are. They think it is funny to try to fool the custodians into "opening" their already open milk.
The children share all their "life events" with Greta and Mr. Reyes. Greta knows many of their parents and grand parents. Reyes coaches baseball for the younger players. So he even sees these out at the diamonds.
Do the connections make the kids perfect? No. . . but just maybe it makes them respect the hard work of the janitors and of the kitchen help.
It also helps them feel safe.
This is a small community, and a small school, but it has a really big heart.
10 people like this
9 responses
@DaddyEvil (174482)
• United States
18 May 23
When I was in school, the custodians and the lunch ladies all knew my family and treated my friends and I like their family. I didn't realize how nice that was until Pretty started school here. The custodians and lunch ladies all knew me and treated Pretty and her friends like family.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
It often feels as if everyone here is connected, and that is a good thing.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (174482)
• United States
24 May 23
@GardenGerty It definitely can't hurt. 
2 people like this
@celticeagle (189874)
• Boise, Idaho
19 May 23
It is good for children to know and appreciate the work others do. It is also good for kids to know their grandparents and understand life from different aspects.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
As the kids get older they volunteer to "help" by holding dustpans and wiping tables.I often hear little voices thanking the kitchen crew as they leave.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98004)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
17 May 23
That sounds like a great environment to go to school in, I am glad they all get along,
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
We try hard to teach about positive values, and show the kids how to act, not just tell them.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (122171)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
17 May 23
Custodians in elementary as well as other schools are very good persons for students to be friends with since I have shared stories on this site saving the lives of many students who choke on their food during lunch.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
Yes, they are there for emergencies as well as little mishaps like spills. They get reminded of safety and also of manners. It gives them more adults to trust.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (122171)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
24 May 23
@GardenGerty You have a good point there.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
We have made conscious efforts to make the kids feel at home.
2 people like this
@RubyHawk (99367)
• Atlanta, Georgia
24 May 23
@GardenGerty Kids can’t have too many people to care about them.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
18 May 23
Your school sounds so different from some of the out-of-control schools of today. I'm glad that the kids respect the custodians.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
Small town values are very important. Our principal has made it a habit to come see every kid during the day as he passes by. He is promoting to superintendent, but I am sure we will have a good new principal.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (120757)
• United States
17 May 23
Our local news highlighted the Custodian of the Year contest last year as I guess one from a school in Oklahoma was nominated. I went on the site to vote, and was reading everyone's stories. It's truly incredible how some of these adults fit into the lives of the children. And, I don't think it's that common anymore so I'm glad to know you have that at your school.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
I think it is much harder in bigger schools.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
Custodian is the same as janitor. . . or housekeeping and maintenance. They mop the floors and clean up spills and run the sweeper and sanitize and keep us safe.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169477)
• United States
24 May 23
For the most part it really is. I know the staff certainly care about the kids.
1 person likes this
