Spectrum custodians have been working behind the scenes for years, so it’s about time they get some well earned recognition and appreciation from other staff and Spectrum students.

Custodians do more than just clean. They are in charge of taking care of many problems inside the school and outside of it. Mr. Leland, principal of Spectrum High School, says that they also take care of the exterior of the building. They mow and take care of maintenance on top of cleaning up the school for around five hundred students. Not only that, but they take care of snow during the winter and make sure the parking lots are usable for students and staff members alike.

“If a teacher orders tables and desks and things of that nature, they have to put all those things together, those things come in a million different pieces,” said Mr. Leland.

Custodians are in charge of a lot more than previously thought, so keeping that in mind is crucial for proper appreciation and gratitude of the custodians.

Spectrum students have their own views on the custodians. “They make sure that nothing’s dirty and they keep the place smelling good. It helps with the focus of students because it would be different to be in an environment that wasn’t clean,” said Mariana Jasso-Hernandez.

Jasso-Hernandez believes that they help more than students know. It is important to treat them kindly and understand that they are human too. “I just think: be nice. Be human. They’re human. We’re all human,” said Jasso-Hernandez.

Jasso-Hernandez’ mother is a custodian here at Spectrum. Aide Hernandez-Diaz has been working hard at Spectrum for a while now. She works as a custodian and a food service staff member.

Aide Hernandez-Diaz struggles to understand why students don’t respect the custodians as much as they should. “I struggle with and try to understand why people, not all the kids though, but why some kids . . . don’t care about keeping the school clean and they make a mess and purpose,” said Aide Hernandez-Diaz.

Instead of making a mess on purpose, think about the people you are affecting. Find ways to show appreciation to your custodians. It doesn’t take much energy, and a little goes a long way.

“Showing, like, a thank you or tell you that they appreciate what you’re doing,” said Hernandez-Diaz. Say thank you next time you see a custodian. 

You can also show appreciation by becoming a part of the custodial team. Jeremy Johnson, a custodian here at Spectrum, is looking for some help. Find out more information on the school website or email Jeremy Johnson.