From early in the morning to late at night, before and after students attend school each day, one essential group of TCS HS staff members is already present and working. This group is the general service employees, who work tirelessly to ensure that students and every other member at TCS are able to have the best experience in their school and work environment.

The General Service staff at TCS are present at the campus for more than 10 hours a day and at varying hours on weekends depending on the activities scheduled, to ensure that the school is clean and properly maintained. Despite the difficulty in keeping all of the school buildings clean, the staff appreciate the work environment. 

“Although it is hard, working in this school is very different from working as a cleaner elsewhere, we are very happy doing the work, at least I am the happiest. I like what I do, the treatment I receive, and helping others,” Gloria Martinez, a general service employee, said. 

The daily routine of the five general service employees of the high school is full of responsibilities. One shift is from 7 am to 5 pm and the second is from 10 am to 7:15 pm.  

Each of them, Gloria, Diana, Claudia, Lucia and Yenny has an area of ​​focus to divide their work. High School 1 consists of the rooms at the back of the first floor, from counselor Ana García’s office to Emily Buttersworth’s room. High School 2 is the laboratories, corridor, bathrooms, and María Teresa’s office. High School 3 consists of the technology rooms, the office, and the kitchen. Finally upstairs are the remaining two sections: High School 4 and 5 are divided just as the first floor. 

“I have been working at the school for 15 years in maintenance. My day starts at 4:30 am, and I arrive at school by 7:00 am. I start with morning chores like making coffee, preparing for teachers’ needs, and overseeing areas for colleagues on the second shift. I am always attentive to others’ needs and ready to help,” Martinez said.

The group of general service employees at TCS have a variety of different jobs which they work together to complete, some of these jobs being easier and more desirable than others. 

“Organizing the cafeteria used to be chaotic, but it has improved. We no longer mop the cafeteria, Serviexpress takes care of it. In the past, we dealt with more than what was acceptable due to school policies and professional risks, and the burden was extreme. Today, our work is challenging but manageable,” Diana Arango, General Services Employee, said. 

In addition to working during the school week, TCS staff often need to work during the weekends to help assist with other events and extracurriculars being held at the school.

“As a Columbus school student, I believe that the maintenance staff is an essential part of our school. Even though we may not see them every day, the work they do is crucial for the school to function as we find it every day,” Martina Jaramillo, Grade 11, said.

TCS students leave at 3:15 pm when the real work starts. The designated areas are covered and then our heroes begin to wash corridors, ramps, and stairs. 

“We allocate tasks every week, starting with washing corridors, ramps, and other areas until 7:00 pm. We continue where we left off the next day. This night schedule is a new approach implemented since Catalina, our new boss, came in October. Despite being tough, it has resulted in better outcomes, which is our top priority,” Arango said.

Despite daily challenges, many HS General Services staff enjoy their positions. The environment, benefits, and interactions with other staff and students at the school contribute to their happiness and contentment, as reported by several employees.

“The treatment we receive from the teachers is excellent, and the relationship we have is good, just as the relationship between us five. We are a team and always support each other at work,” Arango said. 

Often overlooked and underappreciated, these cleaning ladies are the unsung heroes who play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and productive work environment for TCS employees. 

The general services staff is managed by Andres Montoya, Elkin Montoya, and Catalina Correa. They are all committed to the work and most importantly have positive experiences. However, a common petition was made to the students. 

“If I may request students, please refrain from making a mess in the cafeteria. It would be greatly appreciated if they could leave it in the same condition as they found it by returning chairs and tables, clearing their dishes, and disposing of trash properly. This allows us to clean and fulfill our responsibilities efficiently,” Martinez stated.

The hard work and dedication of the cleaning staff at TCS may often go unnoticed, but their contributions are highly appreciated. Many employees acknowledge the crucial role these cleaning ladies play in maintaining a clean and healthy work environment. They express gratitude through kindness, respect, and appreciation toward them.

“I urge students to be more aware and empathetic, to throw away their trash, keep things organized, and behave appropriately. The school is often littered, and initiatives to help keep it clean are crucial. It’s the treatment our cleaning staff deserves,” Maria Teresa, Grade 10 Counselor, said.

The TCS cleaning ladies go beyond their cleaning duties, creating a welcoming atmosphere by greeting employees with smiles, engaging in small talk, and offering assistance. They are always willing to help with tasks such as moving furniture, setting up events, and locating lost items, making them an integral part of the school community.

“They are always willing to collaborate, with the best attitude to do their jobs to the best of their ability, and they are a great help to the school. Always smiling and friendly, they are essential because they are in everything, always there for us and whatever we need,” Natalia Giraldo, HS Secretary, said.

Many people believe that TCS cleaning ladies are unsung heroes who deserve recognition for their hard work, dedication, and contributions. Their commitment to cleanliness, friendly demeanor, and willingness to go the extra mile make them indispensable members of the TCS community.

Maintenance staff faces challenges in their physically demanding work, including heavy lifting, furniture moving, and exposure to cleaning chemicals. They take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential health hazards.

“I think they are great and probably the hardest workers at the school. They keep the school together and look nice, helping a lot of teachers. My relationship with them is good, though they are constantly changing. It’s tough to see them go, but they are all wonderful, nice, friendly, and hardworking,” Brian Summers, AP Human Geography teacher, said.

It is widely held by many that it is important to recognize that the cleaning ladies of TCS, like other unsung heroes in the corporate world, deserve equal recognition and opportunities. TCS members state that their contributions should not be overlooked or undervalued based on their work’s nature and for instance, should be treated with respect.

“Our work would not be the same without them. They help us with everything they do, keeping the school beautiful, and organized, and with patience and love. Some of them I have known since I was a student, and my relationship with them is super good. I appreciate them a lot,” Summers said.