By Dr. Cathy L. Taschner, Schuylkill Valley School District Superintendent
The notifications for possible snow started at 4:30 a.m. Custodians were preparing to ensure the parking lots and sidewalks were safe for staff, students, and families. The potential delay also initiated discussions in food services to ensure students would arrive at school and meals would be available. Secretaries were also on point, sending communications about delay schedules, answering phones and making sure that parents were greeted with a warm welcome.
While support services staff members do not stand in front of a classroom, their contributions behind the scenes are critical to the operations of schools. The new year provides an opportunity to highlight these significant contributions.
Food service
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, ‘In fiscal year 2023, schools served nearly 2.4 billion breakfasts nationwide…” The challenges associated with planning, preparing, and serving meals to entire schools of children is no simple task, yet research reminds us of the important connection between school performance and nutrition.
In addition to the technical aspects of feeding schoolchildren, food service workers also foster a sense of belonging by creating a welcoming environment where students gather to eat while connecting with classmates. Just recently, a food service worker recounted the heartwarming story of a student who enjoyed their meal so much they asked for the recipe! These moments of connection are priceless and contribute to the well-being of students.
Custodians/facilities
Similar to food service workers, custodians assume an essential role in schools. While cleaning is an undisputable job function, custodians do much more than clean. They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave. Custodians are often the first call when an emergency arises, and they must make quick decisions when serious facility issues occur. A custodian’s ability to act rapidly and communicate effectively is paramount in handling situations that can affect the well-being of an entire school.
In addition, and equally important, is the constant presence of custodians in our schools. Students knowing and being known by custodians creates a positive atmosphere in schools.
Secretaries
Much like food service and custodial employees, the importance of school secretaries cannot be overstated. Secretaries serve as the initial point of contact for staff, students and families. They handle communications, anticipate scheduling needs and provide reassuring words to students and families.
Beyond being the first point of contact, secretaries are also irreplaceable in supporting the daily operations of schools. Their assistance in areas such as purchasing, communications, scheduling and transportation keeps schools running smoothly.
Secretaries also play a critical role in shaping the culture of schools. It brings to mind the story of a student who came to the office looking for the principal, who happened to have their doctorate and title of “Dr.” The secretary patiently asked for the purpose of the visit, and the student was quick to show a scrape on their arm. The secretary, in all compassion, offered a visit to the nurse, to which the student replied, ‘If you take a closer look, you will see this really needs to be seen by a ‘doctor’.” This compassionate and teachable moment provides an example of the connections secretaries have with students.
As the new year begins, we honor and celebrate the important work that happens behind the classroom. The commitment and care displayed by food service workers, custodians, and secretaries are a source of inspiration and reminder that when respect, kindness, and gratitude extend beyond the classroom, it creates a sense of belonging that impacts the entire school community.
Article originally published by the Reading Eagle: https://www.readingeagle.com/2025/01/02/superintendents-forum-the-unsung-heroes-behind-every-classroom/