In a delightful twist on the mundane, an elementary school custodian has transformed the ordinary carpet into a canvas of joy for students. At Maple Grove Elementary in New Hampshire, kids eagerly anticipate the whimsical designs left by Charlie Foster during his nightly cleaning shifts.
“I thought this job would be pretty laid-back,” shared the 60-year-old Charlie with Inside Edition, reflecting on his role which began in September. To add a splash of creativity to the routine, Charlie decided to channel his inner artist. “While vacuuming one evening, I noticed the new rugs and thought, ‘There’s so much I could do with this,’” he explained. Thus, his carpet masterpieces began to emerge, and now students can’t wait to see what he’ll create next each morning. “A teacher mentioned that the kids come in daily exclaiming, ‘Wow, look at the rugs!’” Foster noted. “Just yesterday, a parent expressed gratitude; her daughter talks about it non-stop when she gets home.”
Charlie, a devoted fan of the Red Sox, likens his carpet designs to the intricate patterns seen on baseball fields. “I refer to these rugs as my tiny Fenway Park,” he chuckled. His artistic repertoire includes a variety of playful designs like Charlie Brown, a cheerful jack-o’-lantern, a dazzling shooting star, and even a witch soaring on her broomstick. He really went all out for Election Day, crafting an image of the White House for the students. The most challenging piece? A dolphin he vacuumed into the carpet. “My boss is a Dolphins fan, and I’m rooting for the Patriots, but you’ve got to stay in the boss’s good graces,” he joked.
His creative efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, either. Assistant Principal Sarah Johnson told ABC News that Charlie’s work highlights the dedication of those behind the scenes. “It emphasizes how many people work diligently to create a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable space for learning,” Johnson explained. “He may be an employee, but he’s somewhat of a mystery to the kids, and these small gestures forge a personal connection.”
Since the designs are temporary, Charlie’s artwork typically vanishes shortly after the school day begins. “I whip up something new every day,” he said. “It’s my little way of contributing to education. It makes kids excited about coming to school.”
Check out the video below to see Charlie’s celebrated designs in action!
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In summary, Charlie Foster’s unique approach to custodial work has turned mundane carpet cleaning into a delightful experience for students, fostering excitement and appreciation for the efforts that go into creating a vibrant learning environment.