During School:
After dropping off students, Tran has a 15 minute break before he begins his route for Oak Hill Elementary school. He then goes to his second job until he goes back to Hilltop at 2:15 p.m. to prepare for his afternoon route.
During school, Novelo said the lunchroom staff continues to prepare until 9:15 a.m, so they are ready to serve food when the first group of special education students comes at 10 a.m. As the rest of the students arrive for lunch, Novelo and the cafeteria staff work the register and restock the food as needed.
As with any job, Novelo said she faces challenges within the lunchroom, as she helps students and works with other lunchroom workers.
Despite these challenges, she said she enjoys her job, and said “I like [the students] to be happy when they come in to have lunch and I have fun with that.”
After the lunch periods are over, Novelo said she cleans up the cafeteria and prepares the chips and other snack items for the next day, before leaving school around 2 p.m.
The custodial staff is responsible for cleaning all the lunch tables and putting away all the chairs. Khongmaly said he is appreciative of students who play their part in cleaning up.
“They help cushion our work,” Khongmaly said. “I want them to take care of themselves, not throw food on the floor.”
