The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
Wearing a bright smile, custodian Sean Smith sits on a bench greeting students in the morning. Smith believed that if the first thing students see when they enter the school is someone saying good morning, it will make their day that much better. “Now, if you're walking up that walkway with an attitude, I want [you] to see a cheery face that says ‘hey, I'm glad to see you,’” Smith said.

More than a custodian

Ashlyn Gillespie, Deputy Managing Editor-in-Chief • May 20, 2022

A loving husband. An affectionate grandpa. An attentive dad. A devout Christian. A friend to all staff and students. Like all the behind-the-scenes staff, Sean Smith is more than just a custodian. Smith...

At the district level, there are currently open positions for two nurses, four teachers, eight bus drivers, 10 teaching assistants and 22 custodians. Principal Jeremy Mitchell would like to encourage individuals to explore job opportunities in Parkway. “I think in my heart of hearts that we’re a pretty good place that people would want to work for. It’s just figuring out what that looks like post-COVID,” Mitchell said. “Before you say no, or don’t consider it, try to talk to folks that have been here, whether it be students and staff, and try to get their opinion. By having conversations, your opinions of working in the educational system may change.”

The low-down on low staff

Leah Schroeder, Managing Editor-in-Chief • November 8, 2021

With 10.4 million job openings in the United States, 221,266 openings in Missouri and 46 openings in the district, the labor shortage is a pressing issue and one that undoubtedly is affecting our district....

Virtual school has taken away a lively learning environment for most. For several support staff members, transferring online was not an option.

School behind screens changes jobs for support staff

Ulaa Kuziez, News and Sports Editor • September 16, 2020

Walking the almost empty halls at 7 a.m., you might have made a stop at the bookstore before heading to the cafeteria for a morning snack. On your way to class, you may have said hello to a custodian as...

Our school has not been able to recycle properly due to excess trash in the recycling bins.

Editorial: It’s time to clean up

Pathfinder Editorial Board • October 31, 2019

The cafeteria during sixth hour, now absent of laughter and warmth, is completely still at first glance. A second look reveals custodian Sean Smith continuing his daily agenda of shuffling through bins–blue,...

The fund to help Ollie has come a long way, from $150 to 30K in just over a week.

Custodian’s Fund Draws to a Close

Hannah Hoffmann, TECHNICAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • November 13, 2014
Ollie Caruthers and the West staff react to support from the community.
The fund for Ollie raised over $5000 in a single day from teachers, students, parents and alumni all looking to donate.

Altruism goes viral for school custodian

Hannah Hoffmann, TECHNICAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • November 6, 2014
Last week, two students started a campaign to raise money for Ollie Caruthers, and the social media platforms upon which it was presented caused a $5000 to be raised in one day.
During second lunch, Custodial staff member Ollie Caruthers sweeps the floor.

Juniors raise funds for custodian facing health issues

Betsy Wait, MANAGING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • October 31, 2014
Juniors Emily Wind and Shannon Anderson begin a philanthropy campaign for Custodian Ollie Caruthers, who is facing serious health issues.
POW: Keith Brown, Custodian

POW: Keith Brown, Custodian

Allie Collins, Convergent Media Writer • October 25, 2014
“Six years ago I was involved at the Emerson Child Building in East St. Louis for motivational speaking. I talked to them about success over failure. Most of these kids were dropouts, gangbangers, and drug users.”