By: Patricia L, Day Porter, GSF USA Illinois
When people think about keeping schools running smoothly, they often think of teachers, administrators, and students. But behind the scenes, service operators like me play an important role in making sure classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias are safe, clean, and ready for learning every day.
I usually start my shift early in the morning, before the students arrive. The building is quiet, and that’s my time to prepare. One of the first things I do is make sure the restrooms are stocked with soap, paper towels and toilet paper. Kids go through supplies quickly, so staying on top of them is key. From there, I disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and handrails because those spots are where germs spread the fastest.
By mid-morning, the school is alive with energy. That means I’m checking classrooms to make sure trash cans are emptied, spills are taken care of, and supplies like tissues or sanitizer are where teachers need them. Sometimes I’ll get a call to handle a mess in the hallway or cafeteria – kids drop things, accidents happen and it’s my job to make sure everything gets cleaned up quickly so learning can continue without distraction.
Lunchtime is one of the busiest parts of my day. Between wiping down tables, sweeping the floors, and making sure the trash is taken out before the next group of students comes in, it’s nonstop. I know how important it is. A clean cafeteria means kids can focus on eating and recharging for the rest of their day instead of worrying about sticky tables or messes.
Some days are extra fun, especially around the holidays! Once, the students had a project where they made little racing carts. They took all of us on a ride around the school in the carts – it was such a fun bonding moment with the class.
What I like most about the job is knowing I’m making a difference, even if most people don’t always see it. Teachers and students rely on us to keep the environment healthy and welcoming, and that gives me pride in the work I do.
At GSF USA, we say We Care About Clean, and for me, that’s more than a slogan, it’s how I approach every task, every shift, every day. Whether I’m restocking supplies, handling an emergency cleanup or just keeping the building running smoothly, I know my work helps create a better place for students to learn and grow.