Dear Channahon 17 Families,
For this edition of the Superintendent Minute, I’d like to take a moment to shine a light on a group of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for every student and staff member: our custodians.
You may or may not know that our CSD17 custodians are hired directly by our school district and are not contracted out. These professionals demonstrate ownership in our schools and take pride in the work they do on behalf of students and our community. While their work is often done quietly and without fanfare, the impact of our custodial team cannot be understated. Long before the first student arrives, and long after the last child leaves, our custodians are cleaning classrooms, repairing equipment, setting up for events, and responding to any number of unexpected events we experience in a school year. Their role is far more than just “cleaning.” They help maintain a learning environment that supports health, safety, and student academic success. The reality is that our schools couldn’t function properly without these wonderful people.
While they do exceptional work in Channahon 17, their real value is in the way they love our team and our kids. They are always ready to greet students with a smile and are quick to lend a helping hand to staff. They go above and beyond in ways that are never requested but always appreciated. They are hard-working and dependable and I am personally grateful for our team and our Director of Buildings and Grounds for always putting our students above all else.
I want to thank each and every member of our custodial team for their commitment to excellence and for the respect and kindness they show to everyone who walks through our doors. Their pride in their work directly supports our mission of providing a world-class education in a place where students feel safe and valued.
It is fitting that October 2 is School Custodian Appreciation Day! If you happen to see a custodian in your child’s school this week, I encourage you to take a moment to say thank you for the ways they take care of our kids and our schools!
Yours in Education,
Nick Henkle
Superintendent
Channahon School District 17