| The “Bronze Plunger” and the “Golden Spatula” awards may sound strange, but to school custodial workers, they represent sanitized spotless restrooms, clean cafeterias and healthier students.
Felicia Palmer is head custodian of Round Top Elementary School in Blythewood, South Carolina. She created the Golden Spatula award to recognize classes that keep their cafeteria table and surrounding area tidy after lunch. She notes that in a school of more than 700 students, cafeteria turn-around time is short. If students leave a lunch table messy, it takes additional time for the custodians to clean it properly before the next shift of students arrive. Proper cleaning includes the use of hypoallergenic antibacterial solutions to disinfect tables and chairs. Students compete for the coveted award and in the process learn responsibility and pride in their school. |
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Palmer received the Bronze Plunger award in 2008 from Richland School District Two for outstanding restroom cleanliness. That year her two sisters, head custodians at other schools in the district, won the gold and silver plungers for their efforts. Last November the trio was featured in the Neighbor section of The State, South Carolina’s statewide newspaper.
Palmer and her team continuously work on their “cleaning for health initiative.” As an example, door handles and other areas are disinfected daily to reduce the spread of germs. “ I believe our cleaning for health initiative has not only brought positive public attention and recognition to my school, but it has also inspired other schools in the district and state to adopt similar healthy initiatives,” says Palmer. Palmer worked with the student-led recycling team to set up a special station in the cafeteria where students can recycle plastic milk bottles and discard the plastic lids, which cannot be recycled. She helps conduct safety audits and is an integral member of the school’s emergency response team. |
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School principal Jeaneen Tucker appreciates Palmer’s hard work and positive attitude. “I know Ms. Palmer makes referrals to our guidance counselors when she notices children who seem chronically sad or angry. As an administrator, I appreciate and respect this level of commitment and dedication from a custodial employee. Ms. Palmer is truly an integral member of our school family,” says Tucker.
Palmer has worked as a proud school custodian for 11 years. “I know my name is associated with the cleanliness of my school, and I want to be proud of my work,” Palmer said. Before coming to Round Top, she worked at Ridgeview High School and three other elementary schools in the district. A graduate of Spring Valley High in Columbia, Palmer has received previous recognition for her outstanding performance and commitment including the Notable Navigator award for the school’s employees who go the extra mile each day. |
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