There is busy work everywhere around the school. Most people see the offices, classrooms, and hallways. However, there is a group of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes at New Providence High School to ensure our school and environment are clean and safe. These individuals are maintenance workers, both custodians and janitors, and while their contributions often go unnoticed, they are essential to the functioning of our school. You may see them walking around the halls or in classrooms, maintaining the school and cleaning up after teachers and students.
Maintenance workers such as Pete Pilay start their day early in the morning to prepare other staff and students for their days. Every weekday, Pilay takes care of a number of tasks before, during, and after school to create the best environment for everyone.
Pilay says, “I am here from 7:30 until 4:00, Monday through Friday.”
His work ensures that the school is well-maintained throughout the week, allowing students and staff to focus without worrying about cleanliness or maintenance issues. He is responsible for issues requiring cleaning, repairing, and transportation throughout the weekdays.
Amalia Ayluardo, a janitor at NPHS, agrees that it is a demanding job: “We are always very busy, and there are lots of events.”
Maintenance workers perform many tasks, from sweeping the floors and emptying trash cans to keeping bathrooms and classrooms clean, and making repairs around the school.
Pilay says, “The work changes every single day. I do technology, but I also do bus driving and different things to clean the building.”
The life of a custodian comes with many challenges. The job can be dangerous at times, which is why it’s important to follow safety protocols while performing tasks, especially when around hazardous materials.
Pilay explains, “We pretty much do all the things that we need to do to be safe, like wearing PPE.”
PPE, or personal protective equipment, is essential because it helps protect staff from dangerous work. Equipment such as gloves, goggles, hearing protection, uniforms, protective shoes, and steel-toed boots may be worn by janitors. But it is not only the clothing that provides protection; communication is also important. Communicating and following directions helps make their work easier and safer. Following these rules reduces the risk of injuries and illnesses, ensuring they work in a safe environment.
The work of janitors is vital to our school. Their efforts ensure that our school is clean and safe. Recognizing and appreciating the hard work and dedication of janitors is key, as their contributions are significant to our school but can often go unnoticed.