Wednesday, April 16, 2008

What Is A Custodian?

What is a custodian? Do they differ from a janitor? What is their job like?
Basically, the two words are similar. A janitor often times refers more specifically to the work they do, that of cleaning. A custodian is portrayed as more than just a cleaner. He also maintains and takes care of a building as well as performing cleaning tasks. In a school setting, custodian is the preferred term.
The duties of a custodian differ from person to person depending on their job description, the time of day they work and their skills. They may be required to unlock the building in the morning, put up flags, bring in newspapers, de-ice walkways in cold weather, check HVAC systems and so on. Then there is the exciting world of cleaning! Toilets, sinks, floors, vacuuming, dumping garbage, windows and more. Add to these duties such things as setting up and tearing down tables, chairs, risers and other furniture for special events. And don't forget the sporting events. Cleaning these events requires cleaning the stadium at times, the gyms, locker rooms, concession stand area, bathrooms and more. At times, it can be quite overwhelming and tiring.
Custodial work can also be enjoyable. Having the opportunity to meet teachers, the public, administration, public officials and others adds to our ability to interact with others and to absorb more knowledge. Dealing with outside vendors who specialize in various trades is an exciting way to add to our repertoire of information too. And don't forget the students. What an ideal way to be a mentor and example for our young people!
Custodial work involves much, but much can be given back. Although at times stressful, the benefits outweigh the negatives in the long run!

3 comments:

Ethan Smith said...

As Obi Wan would say, "You've taken your first step into a larger world."

Wow! Just like that, you're blogging. Congratulations. I'm curious did you decide to just do it and create or did you think a lot about who your audience would be, what you would want to write about for their benefit. Blogging is an intersting phenomenon. Some people blog mostly for themselves...it gives them a reason to think carefully and with focus. Some people blog mostly for others...they provide content they think others would find useful. Some blog for a mixture of these two reasons.
I would encourage you to go check out what Mike Maryanski had to say about being a relatively new blogger in this post:

http://seekingsharedlearning.blogspot.com/2008/04/why-blog.html

If you choose to use your blog in this way it could easily become a place where the custodians in the district go for answers to questions, solutions to problems, or to carry on conversations about topics you want people to communicate with one another about. There are a lot of possibilities. Of course one of those possibilities is that you use it just for yourself.

You go Batman!

Anonymous said...

Great job in setting this up. Way beyond my abilities as an old dog. I can be taught new tricks but as you know it takes forever. You are a good son and have applied well what we taught you over the years. You have far exceeded our expectations. For those that have not done so they should read our dept. newsletter AS THE TOILET TURNS which you spearheaded and are the editor of, the JOHHNY MOP STORIES, the WARMCHEW BOOK and the book you wrote SCARED TO DEATH. well worth the read. Keep up the good work.

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