By Katelin Johnson
Students and teachers at Marshwood enter into a clean school every morning: floors washed, bathrooms clean, windows crystal clear. How can four night custodians do all of these chores by themselves?
For years budgets have been tough in our district. Many teachers have lost their jobs, programs have been cut, and even the custodians have lost some of their co-workers due to budget cuts. Marshwood’s head custodian Pete Gitschier explained that “because of cuts in the school system, there used to be five night custodians and now there are only four.”
During the school day at Marshwood most students have a study hall or two. Some students cram for exams while others twiddle their thumbs. At Marshwood High School there is no need to be bored during study hall “We can always find something for a student to help us with” said Gitschier.
Over the years students have shown their respect towards the school by helping out with the custodians’ tasks during the day. With students helping during the day with the small tasks like cleaning windows, sweeping floors, and cleaning up trash outside, Gitschier said “it helps the night custodians focus on the larger jobs.”
Students are able to use the time they spend helping out as community service hours for their graduation requirement. Students also have the opportunity to apply for summer jobs with the custodians.
Marshwood’s school resource officer, Jeff Upton, has noticed the impact that this community service has had on the school. Not only does it impact the school, it also affects the students and “teaches them to appreciate and respect their school” said Officer Upton.
Marshwood is a unique. Many schools struggle with vandalism and student behavior, but at Marshwood these troubles are scarce. Students have profoundly represented Marshwood through their actions and have created the quality of this school.
Custodian Pete Gitschier encouraged students “if you’re ever bored, come see the janitors and we will give you something to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your community service hours. There is plenty of work to be done now; help is always needed.”
Students and teachers at Marshwood enter into a clean school every morning: floors washed, bathrooms clean, windows crystal clear. How can four night custodians do all of these chores by themselves?
For years budgets have been tough in our district. Many teachers have lost their jobs, programs have been cut, and even the custodians have lost some of their co-workers due to budget cuts. Marshwood’s head custodian Pete Gitschier explained that “because of cuts in the school system, there used to be five night custodians and now there are only four.”
During the school day at Marshwood most students have a study hall or two. Some students cram for exams while others twiddle their thumbs. At Marshwood High School there is no need to be bored during study hall “We can always find something for a student to help us with” said Gitschier.
Over the years students have shown their respect towards the school by helping out with the custodians’ tasks during the day. With students helping during the day with the small tasks like cleaning windows, sweeping floors, and cleaning up trash outside, Gitschier said “it helps the night custodians focus on the larger jobs.”
Students are able to use the time they spend helping out as community service hours for their graduation requirement. Students also have the opportunity to apply for summer jobs with the custodians.
Marshwood’s school resource officer, Jeff Upton, has noticed the impact that this community service has had on the school. Not only does it impact the school, it also affects the students and “teaches them to appreciate and respect their school” said Officer Upton.
Marshwood is a unique. Many schools struggle with vandalism and student behavior, but at Marshwood these troubles are scarce. Students have profoundly represented Marshwood through their actions and have created the quality of this school.
Custodian Pete Gitschier encouraged students “if you’re ever bored, come see the janitors and we will give you something to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your community service hours. There is plenty of work to be done now; help is always needed.”
