Out of paper towels? A spill in the hallway? Garbage full? Locker jammed? These are all things that Custodian Josh Grant may get called for throughout the day … and fixing these things ensures everyone else can do their work and get through their day as smoothly as possible. We’re honoring Mr. Grant at Glens Falls Middle School today as Education Support Professionals week rolls on!
“My job as Custodian starts before anyone else gets here,” Josh says. “Along with Matt, the other morning custodian, we unlock all the doors and turn on all the lights throughout the school. We make sure the building is ready for everyone to come in and start their day. One unique part of my day is when I put the cones out for the buses before the sun has come up. That early in the morning, the campus is very quiet and peaceful. Not many people get to see the school like that.”
Once students and faculty arrive, the school becomes very busy. “At that point my job turns to keeping things tidy and assisting everyone with any custodial needs they may have,” says Mr. Grant.
“Josh is incredibly hardworking and willing to go the extra mile for GFMS!” says Grade 7/8 Principal Carrie Mauro. “He helps with EVERYTHING and makes the Middle School shine for all. He is an essential team player here at GFMS. We love Josh, his positive energy and all he does!”
“I know my job is in the background of everyone trying to get through their school day, but it really means a lot to me when students stop to thank me or help pick up their lunch table,” Mr. Grant says. “It shows me that they appreciate all the hard work that goes into keeping the school nice and clean.”
Josh grew up in Glens Falls, went to Big Cross Elementary, and graduated from Glens Falls High School in 2000. He remembers teachers using black boards and chalk to write lessons. “Teachers would use a VCR to show us movies on an old TV that would be wheeled in on a cart. Now every student has a Chromebook streaming lessons over the school’s Wi Fi connection while teachers use dry erase boards and ceiling projectors to give notes. Somehow, we still managed to get everything done back then, but it feels like the Stone Age when I think back about it,” he says with a smile.
Josh’s favorite sport is baseball, and many of the students in the middle school know him as their Little League coach. “I love teaching kids how to play baseball, and if you spend time at any of the baseball fields in Glens Falls, you’re bound to find me out there helping my kids and their friends become better players,” Coach Grant says. “I see a lot of talented players in this city, and I’m confident that our varsity baseball team has a very bright future.”
Throughout the week, Nov. 18-22, we are highlighting our “school superheroes” whose various careers touch the lives of our students and pave the way for success! Education Support Professionals—our teacher aides, teaching assistants, secretaries, custodians, and many other team members—play a crucial role in every school building, every day. Check back every day this week to read about our superhero team members who are being honored during ESP Week 2024!
