As Rifle Middle School gears up for a new school year, it’s not just teachers and administrators putting in the hard work. The school’s custodians are deep in the throes of ensuring the institution is spotless and ready to welcome students.

“I have been in the valley for 36 years. This is my third stint with Rifle Middle School and I have been here for five years during this stint,” says Tammy Wynia, a passionate custodian with decades of experience in the Colorado River Valley.

No stranger to the Rifle community, having moved from Nebraska during her freshman year of high school, Wynia is a graduate from Rifle High School.

“I love the people and I have always loved to clean,” Wynia shares. “They say people are made for certain jobs, and I think I was made to be a custodian. We have to make sure all the classrooms are ready and we clean them from top to bottom.”

Ensuring that the school is in pristine condition isn’t just a job to her; it’s a calling. Wynia’s dedication goes beyond just cleaning. 

“My job is to make sure that everything is nice and clean for the students and staff,” she said. “This job gives me the opportunity to make great connections with students and staff, which I have always loved about this job.”

Aside from the brooms and mops, Wynia said it’s about the connections and bonds formed over the years. 

“Being able to see students grow during their time at the school is something that I think a lot of people in my position take for granted, and I love it,” she said. “I love everything about this job. You get to be around amazing people in this job.”

Wynia’s sentiment captures the essence of what many custodians feel: the students are their driving force. 

“We want to be able to provide the best school possible for anyone who steps through these doors,” she said. “These students are the reason why we do this job. It’s exciting and I love seeing students walk these halls.”

The invaluable work of the custodial team doesn’t go unnoticed by the district either. 

“Our custodial and facilities crew is extremely helpful for us,” Garfield Re-2 Schools Public Information Officer Theresea Hamiltion said. “There is a lot that our custodians do that go unnoticed and we are very appreciative for them. There is definitely a lot more to the job than you see in the description.”

Garfield Re-2 schools are scheduled to return from summer break Monday.