It’s time for another Staff Spotlight!
School custodians are the eyes and ears of the building. In addition to being keepers of school cleanliness, they are key partners in creating the best spaces for learning. In many ways, school custodians are like superheroes!
Our teachers rely on custodial staff to help move furniture and transform classrooms into creative spaces that allow students to soar! Our school custodians also partner with the LRES PTA on the proper setup and breakdown of events during and after school and even on weekends. They have also been known to tie a few loose shoelaces and wipe a few tears, too.
From spills, leaks, smells, and everything in between, custodians are an important and respected part of our school community. We are excited to profile our new Head Custodian, Mr. Johnson, in the latest faculty and staff spotlight. Find more information about Mr. Johnson below.
1. Welcome to Laurel Ridge! How long have you been working for Dekalb County Schools? Thanks for the warm welcome. I have been with DeKalb County Schools since 2018.
2. What were your favorite subjects when you were a student?
I had a few favorite subjects when I was in school. I was a big fan of social studies and I also enjoyed English.
3. If you could meet a person from history, who would that person be and why would you want to meet them?
The one person I’d like to meet from history would be Martin Luther King, Jr. I’d want to absorb his knowledge and learn more about how he approached his work so that I can mimic some of what he did to make a difference in the lives of others in my own way.
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love to cook and fellowship with others.
5. What do you love most about working at a school?
Laurel Ridge has been a great experience. I enjoy seeing the positive attitudes every day from leadership, faculty, staff and students. I hope I am doing my part to make the school better and even more positive.
6. What words from a quote, poem, or song inspire you and why?
I believe listening is the art of learning, so I am inspired by words that teach us to build strong relationships by being a good listener. “Swift to hear, slow to speak” is from the bible and it means that we can show respect for others when we take time to listen instead of just speaking our opinions all the time.
Then there’s the saying “two ears and one mouth” from a Greek philosopher that means we should listen twice as much as we speak. 7. What advice would you give parents and students on how to better take care of our building & grounds?
School is home away from home for all of us here every day. I think that all of us have a role in taking care of this environment- inside and around the school building- like it’s our own. Just like our real homes, we want the school to be safe, clean and secure.