Behind the scenes, staff members experience the same school in different ways, shaping the day from places students often overlook.
At Pattonville High School, some of the most valuable people on campus work behind the scenes, moving through the same hallways as students and staff while remaining largely unseen. From cafeteria workers to custodians to office aides, these employees help keep the school running every day, often experiencing the building in ways most people never notice.
The school’s hidden work starts early and continues all day, with staff members handling everything from safety and cleaning, to meal service, and student support. Though their jobs may look different, each one reveals a separate perspective on the same place.
“You don’t realize just how much is involved,” said Jeff Garmon, a cafeteria worker who spends much of his day preparing food, restocking, cleaning, and helping make lunch time run as smoothly as possible. He said students often only see a full serving line, not the work that happens before and after they walk away.
That behind-the-scenes exertion is just as present in the front office, where staff members juggle private concerns and the steady flow of students and families.
“People don’t realize how busy the front office is, by being in the middle of everything,” said Terry Olishile. Between students, parents, and administrators, she said the office is constantly handling confidential issues and helping students through difficult moments.
While the front office feels like the center of everything, other staff members spend their days watching the building from a different angle, noticing behavior and routines that students may never think about.
“It might appear that I’m not doing nothing, but really, I make sure everyone’s just in order,” Steve Smith Jr said. He explained that he watches for patterns, helps keep students on track, and works to maintain a positive environment.
Some of the most overlooked work is also the most physical, with custodial staff moving through the school long after students stop noticing the space around them.
“We basically take care of you guys, just making sure the restrooms are clean, all the areas are clean,” said Jimika Reed, describing how custodial work keeps the building running from day to day.
The school also looks different through the eyes of an officer on campus, who spends the day noticing student routines and behavior that most people never see.
“I think because of what I do, I have to deal with kids that aren’t necessarily cooperative, so I think that kind of gives me kind of a poor perception of how the school is and how it’s functioning on a daily basis,” said Mark Storer.
