CAPE GIRARDEAU, Missouri (KFVS) – With the start of the school year, there is a lot happening in every building to prepare for the new school year.

The janitorial staff at Clippard Elementary knows every square inch of the school.

It is a task that is often overlooked.

“A lot of people don’t notice,” said Matthew Ashworth, the chief caretaker.

But Ashworth has been part of Clippard’s janitorial staff for 19 years and has done things that most people probably don’t enjoy.

“I always joke that I put a lot of miles on this building,” Ashworth said.

The days start early.

“I take care of the cleaning areas in the morning,” Ashworth said.

And then the fun begins.

“I like to joke with the kids and have fun with them,” Ashworth said.

To the students and staff, he is more than just the guy who cleans the school.

“We help supervise the kids on everything from opening their packages to their behavior. We try to make sure they’re feeling good if they’re upset in the morning and try to cheer them up,” Ashworth said.

Although this is not in the job description, it is important to Ashworth.

“I remember a kindergartener coming here and saying, ‘This is the best day ever.’ It’s fun to see them, all their smiling faces,” Ashworth said.

But when the summer months come, things get quieter at school.

“I’m always thinking about life,” Ashworth said.

So he is using the time to improve things and hopes to give teachers a fresh start in the coming school year.

“In the summer, we clear out all the furniture from all the rooms. We start with the lamps from top to bottom. But our floors are the most important thing we focus on and try to get them clean and shiny,” Ashworth said.

He is proud of his work.

“This is my home. I feel like this building is my second home. I know every square inch of it, have touched every corner and we try to take care of it like it’s my home,” Ashworth said.

But besides all the cleaning supplies, it’s the students at Clippard who are his reason.

“At the end of the day, we’re here for the kids,” Ashworth said. “It’s always a good feeling to get to this place.”

It is a place you can never miss.

“Because I know summer is coming to an end, and I love fall when the kids come back,” Ashworth said.

You always remember it.

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