While National Custodians Day was officially celebrated on Monday, Oct. 2, it’s not too late for RHS students and staff to show our appreciation for and recognition of the special team of people who keep our schools clean and running smoothly all year long.

“Every custodian, not only here in Randolph High School, but in the whole district, puts a lot of pride in what they do, and they’re going to continue doing so,” said Gonzalo Perez, the head custodian at RHS. Perez added that the best part of his job was seeing “teachers, administrators, and students happy.”

In addition to keeping our school buildings spic and span, the custodial staff also help ensure “the safety of the children,” RHS custodian Joel Fiqueroa noted.

Perez said that, in addition to cleaning, he and his staff perform a variety of jobs, such as coordinating the set-up of all school events, including sports. The behind- the-scenes efforts of custodians are crucial to the goings-on in general in Randolph schools.

“We appreciate the hard work of our custodians who ensure our facilities always sparkle and shine,” wrote Director of Communications Matthew Pfouts in a district-wide email. “The district appreciates the dedication they provide to ensure our students, staff, and families have the best possible learning environment. Their contributions do not go unrecognized, and we are grateful for their service. Thank you, custodians, for all that you do.”

The annual National Custodians Day was created to celebrate amazing people like Gonzalo Perez, Joel Fiqueroa and the rest of the custodial staff. As RHS students, we can show our appreciation for our custodians in many ways, including picking up after ourselves, reminding others to do so as well and simply saying thank you to the staff when we pass them in the halls.

It doesn’t have to be National Custodians Day to show our gratitude; we can express it all year round. So, let’s remember to thank the custodians the next time we see them for taking such good care of our schools.