In other countries like Japan, Korea, China, students clean their classrooms and schools. However, that is not the case in the U.S. where we have custodians. 

The custodians clean the school at the end of the day, and sometimes during school hours as well. They pick up trash in the hallways and clean the windows and bathrooms. 

William Bishop, a custodian at West Linn High School, works to make the school a clean environment. He has been working at the West Linn-Wilsonville School District since May. 

“It has a really good atmosphere compared to many jobs I have worked in before,” Bishop said.

 Previously, Bishop worked on landscaping and was a custodian at Washington Square Mall.  

“My baseball coach used to pick up trash and he taught me being good with your hands is a good skill, doing this job feels rewarding,” Bishop said. 

The school also employs staff who feed the students daily by preparing meals for those who do not bring food to school. Becky Haggert, the lead in the school kitchen, has worked for the school district for 12 years.

“I love this school, this is my favorite so far,” Haggert said. “The kids and staff are awesome.”

Many others feel the same including Tracy Leblanc, a new team member. Leblanc has been working at the school for a year helping her team prepare school lunches. Haggert has stepped in as the lead to teach Leblanc, focusing on being efficient and manageable.  

“Becky is a great lead, she trusts us to figure it out and it allows me to learn instead of doing something I am being told,” Leblanc said. “I develop actual skills.”

This team starts preparing food at 9 a.m. and must complete it by 11:29 a.m. when the bell rings for lunchtime. The team aims to create a passionate and determined environment during that time. 

“Staff keeps us in check to stay motivated but it’s you guys, it’s the kids,” Haggert said. “You guys are all so polite and we love it.”

Leblanc shares a similar sentiment to Haggert.

“The kids make me want to come back tomorrow and do it all over again,” Leblanc said. 

Aside from the custodians and meal preparers, bus drivers provide students with the option to take the bus to and from school. Some students drive, others get picked up or dropped off, but taking the bus is always available because of the workers. Donald Hamilton, a bus driver, began working for the district 3 years ago. 

“I get to hang out with the cool kids, you know,” Hamilton said. “They bring me a lot of joy and laughter.” 

Although there is not much time that Hamilton spends with the students, he makes sure he creates a positive atmosphere. He walks with a smile and greets students and other bus drivers as well.

“I don’t expect to get recognized with trophies or big medals or anything hanging on the wall. Instead, I feel recognized by awesome students just having a good time with me. That is enough for me,” Hamilton said.

Alongside teachers and administrators, bus drivers, nutrition staff, and custodians also can contribute to the environment we have at our school.