Every day, the staff at Perry Meridian help create a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

This does not only include the teachers. It also includes instructional aides, cafeteria employees, and even the police officers who patrol the halls. But often overlooked is the custodial staff, who stay after to clean and prepare the school for the next day. 

“Recently with all the new changes and the size of the building, I feel like we could use more help,” custodian Justin Motley says.

Some students recognize everything that they do, and some take advantage of them

“I have been working here for eight years,” custodian Charlene Bailey says. “In a way, it is like you guys are all my grand babies.”

 Even though students seem to have recognized what the custodians do, they don’t necessarily think about some of these things at times.

“If I could say something to the students,” Bailey starts. “It would be for them to be considerate of the mess that they are making so that I can clean it.”

Over the summer, new carpet was installed. However, some students have already managed to make messes and ruin it, not even trying to clean up afterward. Some even leave their food in the hallway and trash lying around the bathroom floor. 

The staff enjoys being recognized, but they enjoy students taking the time to help out even more.

“There needs to be some sort of change to make them feel more appreciated and organized,” says junior Shae Bruce.