Feature Article:
By Abby Harveson Feature Writer 8/31/22 The bell rings as the last pieces of gum get smeared on the bottoms of the desks, scraps of notebook paper get thrown to the ground, and kids finally file out of the school. Many students do not notice or appreciate how much the six hard working custodians do throughout the school. Some silently roam the halls during the day, or stay until the dark of night for the sake of a clean school.
Three custodians spend the day from 5:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. cleaning up the messes of the day. The other five come in at 3:00 P.M. until 12:00 A.M. ready for the next. Anthony Quijas, one of the day custodians, explains his perspective from his job. “Do I feel appreciated here? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. Depends on the day. Students can be more responsible, and that’s a big key. Go by the rules. One time I had to go to a classroom and there was a popsicle on the carpet,” says Quijas. Tay Nguyen, another day custodian, shares what he has experienced. “Oh yes, all the teachers and counselors and staff always tell us how grateful they are for us,” cheerfully replies Nguyen. Though an average day for a custodian is filled with surprised spills and calls, they can always expect to be busy throughout their shift. While following a daily routine, custodians stay open when they are called to clean up whatever at the drop of a hat. “I clean up lunch, then we are assigned to an area,” replies Nguyen as he points to the hallway next to the cafeteria. “I help clean up freshmen academy rooms first then after that it's pretty much do everything in the building. Go down to the welding shop, down to the ag building and pretty much anywhere if they call,” explains Quijas. Students with zero hours and others with night activities sometimes forget custodians are there with them or neglect to notice how polished the school always is. Sometimes, the custodians go above and beyond their listed job for the students’ good. |
“Honestly, the kids that I’ve seen bring back memories because I went to school here. I graduated from Scottsbluff High School. And I see a lot of myself in the kids that are coming in, and I just try to help them out. I direct them in the right way. I try to talk to them so that they can communicate with anybody, then we have a discussion,” exclaims Quijas with a smile.
“They are great! They are really great kids. I mean we all make messes, you know?” Says Nguyen. Overall, most do not notice or respect custodians in many places. To say they deal with more than they’re paid for is an understatement. So, the next time you see a custodian at our school, give them a smile, pick up after yourself, and thank them for all they do. To Miguel Fernandez, Jared Muldrow, Tay Nguyen, Kevin Schaneman, Anthony Quijas, and Jesus Villagrana, thank you for everything |