NV In Focus: Maria Guzman Creating Connections Through Cleanliness
The NV In Focus series presents the people who make NV Schools exceptional
When Maria Guzman, head custodian at Nooksack Elementary, opens the doors each morning, she takes pride that she’s helping create a positive place for students to learn. In an added bonus, those students include her own children.
Guzman has served in NV Schools for five years, the first four as a custodian at Nooksack Elementary while this summer she ascended to the head role, a new and exciting step that comes with more responsibilities and opportunities to care for the school. “For me, this job is more than just a job,” she says. “I get to be part of my children’s school community while also helping take care of a place that is important to so many families. That is something I truly appreciate and feel very grateful for.”
Her journey in education started before Guzman’s time at NV Schools. She’s worked with the Opportunity Council and Bellingham School District and volunteered at Bellingham’s Birchwood Elementary. Coming to the Valley, though, allows her to connect with her own children, as she has two children at NV High School and one in elementary school. “As a mother, that means so much to me,” she says. “I get to see them grow, learn and go through different stages of their education while I am also here doing my part for the school community. Sometimes I see my children during the school day, and those little moments mean a lot to me. I feel very lucky that my work allows me to be close to them while they are growing up.”
Guzman enjoys connections with all students and teachers. “Every child has their own personality, their own story and something different going on in their lives,” she says. “Every day brings something new, and that is one of the reasons I never feel like my job is boring.”
In her role, she’s ensuring the school is clean, organized, safe and ready for students and teachers every day. She’s the first one there, opening the doors in the morning. “For me, being a custodian is more than just cleaning and taking care of the building,” she says. “It is about being part of the school community and knowing that the work I do helps create a welcoming place for our children and teachers.”
Over her time in education she’s realized how much a school can meant to a community, so her goal is simple: “Do my very best every day. I want our students and teachers to walk into a school that feels clean, safe, welcoming and cared for.”
Guzman knows that even a behind-the-scenes role like hers is an important part of creating a quality environment for students. “If I can help make their school a better place, then I feel that I am doing something meaningful,” she says.
Outside of school, Guzman spends time with her family. “I believe that being part of a community means caring about the people around you,” she says. “My work at Nooksack Elementary has allowed me to build connections with students, teachers and families, and those connections are something I truly value.”