ESP of the Year
Troy custodian Mel Sledzinski named Michigan School Support Person of the Year
'I'm one of the thousands of people who work behind the scenes in our public schools every day.'
Head custodian Mel Sledzinski started his day on May 1 getting the gymnasium at Wass Elementary School in Troy ready for special visitors and a special student assembly.
State school superintendent Mike Flanagan and State Board of Education members Kathleen Straus and Elizabeth Bauer were coming to Wass to recognize students and staff for their continued outstanding performance on the mathematics portion of the MEAP test.
State Board of Education President Kathleen Straus congratulates Mel Sledzinski, Michigan's School Support Person of the Year.
Little did “Mr. Mel” know that he was getting the gym ready for his own surprise party.
And, yes, Flanagan did commend Wass for the MEAP math achievements, but the real reason for the visit and special assembly was to surprise the recipient of the 2007-08 Michigan School Support Person of the Year, Mel Sledzinski.
Students and staff cheered Mr. Mel when Flanagan made the announcement, and Sledzinski was indeed surprised.
“I feel I am fortunate to work in a place where I’m so appreciated,” said Sledzinski, 43, who has worked seven years at Wass and 23 years in the Troy district.
“I feel I represent so many support staff. I’m one of thousands of people who work behind the scenes in our public schools every day.”
Sledzinski, who owns a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a master’s degree in computer technology from Wayne State University, loves his job.
“I like being here with the kids every day and making a difference every day,” he said.
Students and staff certainly like and appreciate Sledzinski.
“Mr. Mel does a terrific job at our school,” fourth-grader Hannah Schell said.
Says third-grade teacher Jane Austin: “Mr. Mel is a one-in-a-million custodian. The children in my classroom always marvel at his pleasant demeanor and positive attitude as he takes care of business all around the school, inside and out.”
Kindergarten teacher Lauren Fragomeni said Sledzinski does much more than keep the school building safe and sparkling clean. “He is a friend, a mentor and a problem-solver. He’s an outstanding person to represent our state.”
Second-grade teacher Marilyn Papandrea says Mr. Mel serves as much more than a custodian at Wass. “Mel is an integral part of our staff and is regarded as a friend by all staff members. He has a big heart, and we are lucky to have him as a friend and co-worker.”
Sledzinski is involved with kids in and out of school. He coaches youth baseball and accompanies groups of students on many after-school field trips. He co-sponsors the school’s BUDDIE (Building Understanding Develops the Desire to Include Everyone) club, a group of fourth- and fifth-grade students who assist new students and strive to have all students get along.
In 2004, BUDDIE club members collected more than 750 Beanie Babies and sent them to U.S. armed forces in Iraq to give to the children in the war-torn country. Last year, he helped students make bird houses for a PTO fundraising project.
After the assembly, Mr. Mel headed off to the school cafeteria for a lunch in his honor, but he knew exactly what he’d be doing afterward. “I’ll be cleaning up the gym after my own party,” he smiled.
The honor presented for the Michigan School Support Person of the Year brings $1,500 from MEEMIC Insurance Company to be used for the advancement of education at Wass Elementary School.
Updated: February 26, 2009 12:41 PM
