As we celebrate Custodial Appreciation Day, it's important to recognize the hardworking individuals who keep our schools running smoothly. Charlene Metzger, a custodian at Anthony Wayne Local Schools for over 21 years, is one of these staff members who ensures that our staff, students and visitors can enjoy a clean, safe and welcoming school environment.
A Longstanding Connection with the District
Charlene started her career with AWLS at Fallen Timbers Middle School, and has since become very familiar with almost every school in the district. She currently works in Anthony Wayne Junior High.
“I think I have worked in every building but two,” Charlene said. “The junior high is special to me, because I like to see how much the kids change between seventh and eighth grade. Their maturity level changes so much and they just come out of their shell.”
Charlene notes that she recognizes the changes in the boys more readily - most likely because they remind her of her son at that age. Her son, now an adult, is an AWHS graduate.
A Day in the Life
Charlene’s typical day is packed with responsibilities that are critical to maintaining an attractive and safe school environment. And with fewer staff members due to recent financial cutbacks, she finds herself always on the go, working hard to clean up the cafeteria, set up for sporting events, then attending to classrooms, restrooms and the main office area.
"We lost one person who worked seven hours a day, and that’s huge," she explains. “I’m now responsible for cleaning over 21,000 square feet.”
Though Charlene has worked many different hours over the years, she currently works on the second shift, coming in just before the end of the school day. It’s a schedule she finds less appealing, because she misses interacting more with the teachers and students.
"When I see students they stop me and say, ‘Miss Charlene - where are you? Why aren’t you at lunch anymore?,’” she said. “They say they miss me. I miss them too - it’s not the same when they aren’t in the building.”
A Changing Workplace
Like many custodians, Charlene has faced an increased workload in recent years, especially post-COVID, as cleanliness standards have shifted.
"When I first started, a lot of teachers had brought in upholstered furniture,” she said. And with the pandemic, it didn’t make sense for a school from a hygiene perspective. There’s definitely been a shift in thinking.”
With more to clean and less staff to help, Metzger focuses on time management and prioritizing tasks to make sure she covers as much ground as possible each day.
"I know I have to get down one side of the hall and back halfway by a certain time. So I’m watching the clock to stay on schedule and get the work done," she explained. “But sometimes that means I can’t clean as well as I’d like, and I’m horrible about that—I want everything to look nice.”
Despite the challenges, Charlene continues to take pride in her work, especially in maintaining the school's cleanliness.
“It makes a difference to staff to have a clean work environment,” she explains. “Students may not notice as much, but some do—‘Look at these floors!’ they say.”
Small Details, Big Impact
One of the things Metzger values most is the opportunity to make a difference, even in small ways - and she has received thoughtful notes from students who appreciate her efforts.
"I got a note in my work closet from a student who said I was kind,” she remembers. “It was because I let him come in and sweep. He earned a General Way ticket for helping me.”
Charlene also notes how students sometimes pitch in to earn community service hours or take responsibility for messes they make, which fosters a sense of accountability and maturity.
Staying Positive Amidst Challenges
Despite the increased demands and reduced staff, Metzger remains optimistic, holding out hope for future changes.
"I’m hoping the levy will pass so things can go back to the way they used to be—with a more manageable workload and better shifts," she said.
For now, she finds joy in the connections she’s built with both students and staff.
"I see students when they are here for sports and they will give me fist bumps when they come in from practice. I want them to know I was kind to them—and maybe a little sassy,” she laughs. “They know I mean business, but they respect me for it and we have a good relationship."
The Quiet Hero of Anthony Wayne Junior High
As Charlene reflects on her time at Anthony Wayne Junior High, her love for the students and pride she takes in her work is clear.
"I do what I have to do," she says, tasks that include pulling the trash, dust mopping, vacuuming and cleaning the restrooms. “If I have time, I’ll go back and do things like wiping desks and dusting."
Her dedication to her work, her attention to detail, and her warm relationships with students and staff make her an invaluable part of the school community.
On this Custodial Appreciation Day, we celebrate Charlene Metzger and the rest of the Operations Team custodians, whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that the students and staff at AWLS can thrive in a clean, welcoming environment. Thank you!