When students enter The School at Springbrook each morning, they might not notice the floors that have been cleaned, the surfaces that have been sanitized, the classrooms that are ready for learning. That is the work of Springbrook Schools’ custodial team, and it is the foundation for everything else that happens in the school building.
This School Custodian Appreciation Day, we are taking a moment to recognize the people who keep the school clean, safe, and welcoming, and to share what their work means to them.
For the custodial staff, the job goes far beyond cleaning. It is about protecting the health and well-being of every student and staff member who comes through our doors.
As one member of the team put it, “We’re here keeping the school clean, and to keep everyone safe from sickness and viruses. It feels good to help make sure that the students stay happy and healthy, especially during cold, flu, and COVID season.”
That care matters especially at Springbrook. Many of the students we support are more susceptible to illness, which makes thorough cleaning and sanitizing essential to their health and to their ability to be present and ready to learn.
The custodial and maintenance staff see themselves as part of a larger team. By keeping the environment healthy and comfortable, they help teachers, therapists, nurses, and support staff do what they do best: teach, care for, and encourage each student to grow and reach their individual goals.
Many members of the custodial team have been part of the Springbrook community for years, and the relationships they build with students are a big part of why they stay.
“I’ve been here 20 years and am attached to a lot of the children,” shared one team member. “You come to care a lot about them, and you want to make sure everything is healthy and safe for them.”
Often, it’s the small moments that mean the most. A cheerful “hi” in the hallway from a student who is always happy and smiling can brighten the whole day. Larger milestones stand out too. Student Brayden Butler was awarded the Triumphant Life Award, which he accepted with a speech. Brayden exemplified how far our students can go with the guidance and support of the people around them, including the custodial staff.
Every school day has its challenges, and the custodial staff would be the first to say the work is not always easy. But they choose to hold on to the good moments and to appreciate the many hard-working people who make Springbrook what it is.
Thank you to every custodian, cleaner, and maintenance professional at The School at Springbrook. Your work is often behind the scenes, but its impact is felt in every classroom, hallway, and smile. You help create a school community where every student feels safe, supported, and valued.
Please join us in celebrating our custodial team this School Custodian Appreciation Day and every day.
Deborah Carey, Regina Brightman, Deborah Staats, Evan Kehoe, Michael Lynn, and Makenzie Burk-Kehoe
Written by: Sophia Root, Marketing Associate
