A Day in the Life of DMS Head Custodian, Ms. Penny Tillberry

When you walk into Decatur Middle School, one of the first things you might notice is the clean and well-kept environment. The dedicated custodial team of 12, lead by Head Custodian Penny Tillberry, takes great pride in their work and is always busy behind the scenes to keep DMS sparkling! You might be surprised at everything that goes into this vital job.  

Penny arrives each day very early and begins by preparing the building for the busy day of school ahead: Lights are turned on, night shift work is checked, walkway doors opened, cleaning supplies prepared, and safety checks complete. If the unpredictable Indiana weather left any slick surfaces overnight, Penny and her team spread salt or shovel snow as needed. Penny then works with her day team to set up for evening events or meetings, handles on the spot clean-up jobs, and completes some maintenance tasks throughout the school. The four lunch periods at DMS are a busy time, ensuring tables are sanitized and floors swept between each lunch period. As the day wraps up, Penny meets with the next shift team, who complete trash removal, room by room and common area clean-up, as well as custodial services for evening events such as athletics.

Custodian Andres Rosales and Head Custodian Penny Tillberry (DMS)

It is clear to see after just a few minutes with Penny, that the relationships she has built at Decatur Middle School are what she loves about her job. “I have a really good team. We work together, support each other, and are a family.” Penny enjoys getting to know the teachers and students and is quick to point out how hard the Decatur Middle School teachers, administration, office and support staff work to support students.  We are Decatur Proud of the DMS custodial team, Penny, and all custodians in the district for maintaining clean and safe learning environments!