We cannot miss backto- school slogans, promos, and advertisements everywhere at this time of year, when it feels like summer break only lasted a week. Students may be excited to see their friends, parents of firsttime students could be thrilled, and teachers begin (re)decorating their rooms. Truth be told, even before we all got busy and hyped, many hands had already started working behind the scenes to get schools ready.
Our district’s custodians and support staff worked all summer. While everybody was away, it was the best time for thorough cleaning, minor repairs, moving furniture, repainting, and preparing restrooms and hallways. I had a meaningful time asking them what they do to brace for the upcoming school year.
Mr. Ronnie Sigue, a custodian at Grants High School (GHS), recounted that over the summer, he deep-cleaned and prepared classrooms and common areas. He added that one part of his job that people might not notice is checking and fixing small things, such as lights and door locks. He hopes the students and teachers have a great start to the school year and that they feel at home in a newly freshened- up school. His companion at GHS agreed that giving each classroom a deep clean while the school is empty is a must, along with weekly maintenance of the school grounds, which includes cutting weeds and picking up trash.
As we move from hallways to offices, it’s clear that the work never stops there either.
Ms. Bernadette Cheromiah, secretary and registrar of Early College High School, juggled calls and emails, managed files, coordinated high school and college courses for students, and assisted students with grade checks and teachers with printing learning materials. Honestly, she did practically everything with grace! Just seeing how smoothly she runs the heart of the school’s operations makes me admire her dedication and attention to detail.
Mrs. Naomi Hickman, head secretary of Los Alamitos Middle School (LAMS), made sure that students had school supplies, teachers had what they needed, buses and meals were scheduled for fall sports, new students were registered over the summer, and administrative support was covered.
“I’m excited for a new school year, and I hope we all have a great year,” she said. She is assisted by Ms. Lorenza Martinez, who keeps the office running smoothly and handles daily services with care.
In the counseling office at LAMS, the prep began even earlier.
According to Mrs. Linda Sanchez, school counselor, their planning started as early as January. She explained that they spent months reviewing schedules, working with administration, and registering incoming students from elementary schools.
“We double and triple check that our students are in the right classes,” she said. In May, the team visited feeder elementary schools to help 6th graders choose their electives and register for 7th grade. As the year begins, she wants students and staff to remember that the counseling team is ready to support not just their schedules, but also their emotional and academic needs. “You got this!” she said with a smile when I asked about her message for new students and teachers.
Not far from the school sites, the Teacher Resource Center (TRC) quietly started getting busy by mid-July.
Ms. Arlene McKinnon handled the bulk of printing, binding, stapling, and laminating for many schools. I’ve always been amazed by her organizational skills: replying to emails, sorting printouts by school, and getting things done. I wish she would see where I placed the posters, which she laminated for me. Some of them I used last year, but she helped make them last longer. She is always full of energy and sunshine, making everyone’s to-do list feel a little lighter.
Our custodians’ and support staff’s sense of pride shows in the smallest things. Behind every polished floor or labeled folder is someone thinking about how to make a student’s first day brighter. Some of them even know every kid by name.
I remember when I first went to Los Alamitos Middle School; I was wondering where my classroom was, where the library was, and where the restrooms were. I was always looking for directions. I have the same questions now that I’m being transferred to Early College High School. School maps might not show who opens the doors or plans class schedules, but our custodians and secretaries are the real guides, already there before the bell rings. As I continue finding my way this academic year, I can say that I’ve met the kindest non-teaching coworkers who are dedicated to creating space for students and teachers to succeed. They’ve been there all along, ready and smiling.