“Magic” Maker at the Milton School
I don’t know about you but, if I am not careful, I find it so easy to slip into the doleful view of the world by which we are constantly bombarded in what we choose to listen to, watch, and read. While I don’t believe we should minimize the problems which our world presents, “magic” does indeed exist and, if we are intentional in looking for it, it is often much closer than we realize. In fact, I found it alive and thriving right at Milton Middle School.
One of my gigs of the past few months has been working as an AVID Tutor for 7th and 8th grade Rising Red Hawks. I have always known that Milton has outstanding teachers, administrators, and staff members at all our schools, but being in one of our buildings for a couple of hours two days a week has cemented this notion. While the “magic” exists in a variety of ways, I feel compelled to spotlight a salient example.
My routine at the Middle School starts soon after 7 a.m. I enter the side door from the parking lot and head toward the main lobby. I am barely started down the corridor when a robust greeting from the main lobby is called out to me from the generator of the “magic”. I arrive in the lobby about the time the students are permitted to enter. The “magic” maker checks his watch and then flings open the doors and warmly bids the students to come in. It then becomes pretty much like rush hour at Grand Central Station for several minutes as they enter. The “magic” maker is in constant motion while enthusiastically greeting and welcoming students. With the recent snow and wet, he often has a mop which he employs vigorously trying to keep up with all that is tracked in, while also reminding students to stomp and wipe their feet as well as to be careful because the floor is slippery. All of this is completed in a directive but kind manner which exudes this “magic” maker’s caring for these kids.
As I have observed him, I don’t think he ever stops moving. If he is asked to unlock a door or fetch a piece of equipment, he runs. His positive energy is infectious and many of us pick it up from him. He’s a go-to guy who demonstrates positive, enthusiastic energy for anything asked of him.
While I doubt very much you would find the behaviors and values I have described above in his official job description, this “magic” maker clearly knows what his job is.
He role models enthusiastic work ethic, positive regard for those with whom he comes in contact, and he exudes caring and concern. What a great first morning contact for “our” kids. He inspired me to join him in that morning lobby and I found that supposedly elusive magic right there, right in front of me, waiting for me to step-up.
Head Custodian, Shawn Duhr, you are a true educator, positive role model, a community builder, and a “magic” maker for the students and staff of Milton Middle School. I admire you and I am inspired by you. Thank you so much!
“Polite – Prepared – Productive - Safe”
