Looking for ways to improve your classroom? Are you looking for a way to get back into the classroom but don't have the time to attend a college. Then distance learning courses can help you out! Since the internet boom, online degrees are becoming  popular in completing your educational goals without having to leave the comfort of your own home. There are many online colleges that can help you either start or continue your goals with online learning. See what Guide to Online Schools can do for you today!

• Teachers often use tape to mark areas on classroom floors. If the proper type of tape is used then damage to carpeting and other flooring surfaces will not be such a problem. I think masking tape is the worse thing to be used especially on capeting. The residue is extremely difficult to clean. When it is pulled up often the carpet is damaged by raveling.
• Tape on walls. Painted surfaces are damaged when tape is removed. Most summer cleaning involves washing walls and most taped, pinned and stapled items are first removed from the walls.
• Preparing your room for summer cleaning by removing posters, pictures, personal belongings, etc is appreciated and will assure that these things are not lost or damaged.
• Industrious carpendry by teachers can sometimes cause damage to walls and can actually be infriging on union/contractual matters as when work is taken from maintenance workers. School district maintence folks also know what products are safe to use in these buildings such as paints and what items can be attached to walls. For instance wall unit shelving brought from home and installed improperly can pose a hazard in an earthquake. In other words...too many cooks spoil the broth!
• Cookie Friday...many teachers do not realize that Fridays are the days the home baked goods are brought in and given to custodial personnel. It's a time honored tradition that has gone to the wayside and should be revived. And soon. Chocolate Chip Cookies being the top choice for many.
• Never park your car in a custodian's parking spot.
• Never borrow tools without permission.
• If you return to the building after security has been done be responsible and make sure your windows and doors are locked and pulled to.
• Furniture from home...a nice sofa makes a classroom homey, but custodians probably will end up moving it(on district paid time using district equipment and supplies for moving and cleaning) So...in the summer when most classroom carpets are prepared for shampooing these large personal furniture items will have to be moved around. There will also be classroom moves when teachers transfer and all this stuff will need to be hauled around by custodians. Extra expenditure happens also during lice outbreaks when this stuff needs to be cleaned. The same would apply to area rugs brought from home. Many custodians believe that if you bring something from home you should be responsible for the cleaning and moving of these items and at the best you should take your belongings home during vacation breaks.
• This one should probably be at the top of the list: If you see a sign that says "WET WAX"...believe it. Some custodians actually think that teachers cannot read. True!
• Like your custodian? Want to be helpful? Here's one: If you open a window, close it before you leave. Thanks!
• Always honor your custodians on the following holidays:
  Worker's Memorial Day April 28th
  
  Justice for Janitors Day June 15th
  
  And
  National Custodial Workers Day is October 2nd!
  
• Never forget Cookie Fridays ; )

A reader submitted this recently:

"I've been a Facilty Maintenance Technician for 3 yrs., & was a sweeper for 4 yrs. I just want to let everyone know, how important it is, to let your Custodial Personnel know how much you appreciate them...It means alot to all of us, even when we are either, sweepers or custodians.. We are there for you, the children & all staff. We do our jobs to the best of out abilities. WE ALL DO THE BEST WE CAN DO JUST FOR YOU & THE WELL-BEING OF THE CHILDREN!!!!
Well, I've said my piece, take note to it...I do praise my sweepers when needed, & I say my piece when they've messed up... But, on this upcoming Holiday Season, I wish each & everyone of them, A Very Happy & Safe Thanksgiving, Christmas & A Very, Very Happy New Year!!!

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL CUSTODIAL STAFF OUT THERE~~

~~~~~~~~~ANNETTE!~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks Annette...well put! ...sitewriter