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...

“My happiest memory of this job is being accepted. I was badly burnt out from the other job, [beacause] I had the whole midnight shift. I didn't see much of my wife and family throughout that time. It felt good to have a new prospect. Being on this job for 15 years, day in and day out, [you] appreciate [your] co-workers as well as the staff of the building. It's a humble career. It teaches you how to be patient, how to hold back anger and fear, it teaches you to be human. My biggest struggle is some students not caring for each other. Throw away your own trash. Report your spill. Recognize that if something is not right, let's make it right. If you see something that's wrong, see if we can fix it. I believe this is still one big happy family—if we make it that way.” – Sean Smith, Faculty

Sean Smith

Serena Liu, Editor-in-Chief • April 22, 2022

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....

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,...

A photograph of custodian Sean Smith and his wife is displayed on the GoFundMe page started by a student to help support them as they face medical setbacks. Smith wants to be remembered by students for his smile and positivity. “You’ve all been good to us, and I want to be good right back,” Smith said. “If you need me, I got you, and no matter what you’ll always see me smiling.”

Community comes together to give back to custodian Sean Smith

Susie Seidel, Convergence Media Editor • April 22, 2019

In the early hours of the morning, one car can be spotted in the vacant lots. Already inside preparing for the school day, custodian Sean Smith greets students and teachers as they arrive with laughs,...