Grandville — National School Custodian Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on October 2, but at West Elementary, “Mr. Brett” Davis is honored daily. A printout of his school picture has proudly displayed next to the “Employee of the Month” sign in the main office for 37 consecutive months, a testament to his incredible impact on the school community.
“West wouldn’t be West without Brett, really,” stated third-grade teacher Heather Smith, highlighting how Davis not only fulfills his custodial duties but goes above and beyond to foster a warm, inviting atmosphere for students and teachers alike. With eight years of service at West, Davis has become an integral part of the school’s culture. He proactively addresses maintenance issues, anticipating needs before they arise, and often suggests improvements that enhance the learning environment.
Smith emphasized, “He just notices everything, so much more than his job requires.” His dedication to supporting the students extends beyond mere cleaning; he greets children each morning alongside Principal John Wondergem and engages with them throughout the day, offering encouragement, high-fives, and even help with their schoolwork.
Davis’s charming personality and love for serving children are evident in his unofficial role at the school. Wondergem expressed, “He’s always positive and very much in tune with what’s going on here.” This interaction contributes to a positive school experience, as Davis builds connections with nearly every student, creating an approachable and lively atmosphere.
One of the most unexpected ways Davis has made a lasting impression is through his artistic talents. With a background in art, Davis originally envisioned a career as an art teacher but instead found his calling at West Elementary. It all started when he casually doodled in the staff workroom, eventually leading to Principal Brian Mulder suggesting he showcase his art in the school hallways. Now, Davis creates drawings of beloved characters, bringing joy to students as they watch his creations come to life.
During lunch, he has been known to craft tinfoil roses for the children, further demonstrating his commitment to bringing smiles to their faces. Davis describes his role as that of “a fun uncle,” hoping his art can brighten a child’s day or even help alleviate their worries during tough times.
The West staff have embraced Davis’s role in their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) plan, offering drawing sessions with him as a reward for good behavior. This initiative has quickly become a favorite among the students. Smith noted, “They want him to teach them how to do an origami piece or how to draw a certain character.”
The impact of Davis’s kindness is particularly evident in the transformation of students like third-grader Avah Sheldon, who has flourished since first grade. Avah, who was once shy and withdrawn, found comfort in Davis’s friendly mentorship, stating, “He’s a very good drawer and very nice to everybody here.” This positive reinforcement has helped her thrive in her school environment.
In addition, Davis’s spontaneous teaching moments have left a remarkable imprint on students. For instance, he once brought the original blueprints of West Elementary to a classroom during a vocabulary lesson, offering a real-world context that engaged students in learning.
The knowledge that every role in the school is valuable is reinforced through Davis’s actions. “When our students see Brett working with me, with our teachers, with our parapros, it teaches them so many great things,” said Wondergem, illustrating how Davis embodies the spirit of community.
Despite his humble demeanor, Davis takes pride in the joy he brings to the students, remembering excitedly, “I can leave here every day thinking, ‘Hey, I made quite a few kids smile today,’ and that’s pretty cool.” His hope is that if students remember him for his art and kindness, that legacy will be “the icing on the cake.”
The heartfelt contributions of Mr. Brett Davis showcase the profound impact one individual can have within a school setting, emphasizing that every effort, big or small, truly matters in shaping a positive educational experience.