[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
By Elizabeth S. Leaver and Terri Frank<\/p>\n
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As they say, not all superheroes wear capes. In normal times, your school custodians are widely regarded as important and beloved members of school staff, and these times certainly aren\u2019t normal\u2014they\u2019re doing more than ever.<\/p>\n
With the exception of districts that are fully remote, school custodians right now are working hard to clean and sanitize schools, especially with expanded health and safety protocols. (And when those districts resume, these custodians too will be joining the hero ranks.)<\/p>\n
Custodian Appreciation Day on Oct. 2 is the perfect opportunity to let your school\u2019s custodial staff know you notice and appreciate their (pretty darn heroic) efforts.<\/p>\n
Staff room treats<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a fan favorite among teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week and other times, and custodians will love it, too. It\u2019s easy to manage and can be anything you\u2019re able to pull off, from a catered or potluck lunch to some snacks and drinks.<\/p>\n Coffee and doughnuts<\/strong><\/p>\n Doughnuts always feel like a treat. Add a few boxes of coffee, and your custodians will really feel the love. (Just take care that the powdered sugar doesn\u2019t make a mess for them to have to clean up!)<\/p>\n Messages from students<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s an unusual year, of course, and asking teachers or parent groups to help collect messages or notes from students might not be possible in many districts. But you can consider asking students (or again, asking your parent group leaders for help) for videorecorded messages of appreciation and sharing them with custodial staff. (This was a big hit last spring with kids and teachers expressing mutual love and appreciation when schools abruptly closed.)<\/p>\n Messages from staff<\/strong><\/p>\n Even simple expressions of thanks and appreciation go a long way. If other school staff aren\u2019t aware of Custodian Appreciation Day, let them know\u2014it\u2019ll give them an opportunity to thank their custodial colleagues personally.<\/p>\n Gift cards<\/strong><\/p>\n Gift cards are a can\u2019t-fail way to extend some appreciation\u2014even a card for a lunch or coffee will make them feel happy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other ways to help your custodial staff<\/strong><\/p>\n While custodians deserve \u201ctheir\u201d day, there are plenty of ways throughout the year you can show them you understand the important role they play on your staff.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Custodians are working harder than ever<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":10222,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4208,4213],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n