Support Staff Inspire Students Daily

Mrs. Sandy is an amazing part of the community at Independence Elementary School. Read her story below:

I have been with Independence Elementary for 7 years as a split custodian. My day starts in the cafeteria and when school is out I am responsible for cleaning the second grade pod and the rooms down 200 hallway. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many students. I enjoy talking with them, joking with them and just being there for them.

Last year I had one of Mrs. Kelly’s third grade student wanting to start up recycling in the cafeteria. Rylie L wrote up a speech and her and I presented to Mrs. Pavia who approved the idea. Due to the recycling catastrophe in China with recycling we were unable to continue to recycle in the cafeteria.

I was in a meeting with Mrs. Pavia who mentioned she needed someone to be a leader for grounds/recycling and I offered to help out in this situation.

I have 18 students that are on the recycling/grounds committee. There are 3 teams of 6 students each. I have taught them how to be respectful going into a room to retrieve the recycling and we are learning how to use a push broom. I take the students outside when weather permitting and push the mulch back into the playground. The students seem to enjoy doing that. My goal is to teach them to be leaders, respect others and learn responsibilities in a work environment