To celebrate National Custodial Worker's Recognition Day on October 2, the Sandy Hook Elementary School PTA oversaw a collection of letters and food to honor the school's custodial staff.

PTA Co-President Heather Franse said her grandfather was a custodian so she wanted to do something to honor the school's custodians. The four custodians, she said, are "family" in the school. It was the first time the school has participated in National Custodial Worker's Recognition Day.

For the day, PTA members made or brought in brownies, chopped fresh fruit, and other food to share with the custodians. Students from across the school also made handwritten cards, which were piled on a table to surprise the custodians. The cards were made out to school custodians Kevin Anzellotti, Rick Thorne, Andy Spencer, and Gene Schaniel. While Mr Schaniel was not present for the afternoon surprise, cards and snacks were set aside for him.

One letter read, "Dear Mr Anzellotti, Mr Thorne, Mr Schaniel, Mr Spencer, Thank you for cleaning our messy school and classes. It takes a big heart to be a custodian. You are all the best. I appreciate you guys." The card was complete with drawings of the men in blue uniforms and with their arms outstretched.

Another letter had a broom and a cleaning bottle drawn on the cover, and it read, "Thank you for your service. You are awesome."

One large letter that was signed by multiple kindergartners read, "Thank you for cleaning the whole school every day and night, and thank you for always being nice. You are important to us."