In a heartwarming twist to the daily routine of an elementary school custodian, one man’s creativity is transforming the mundane into a canvas of joy for students. At Maplewood Academy in New Hampshire, custodian Jack Thompson has been enchanting young minds with his imaginative carpet designs, crafted during his overnight shifts.
“I thought it would be a laid-back job,” shared Thompson, 60, reflecting on his role at the school, which he took up in September. Seeking to infuse a bit of fun into his nightly cleaning duties, he began to explore his artistic flair. “One day while vacuuming, I noticed the new rugs and thought, ‘There’s so much potential here,’” he explained. Thus, the idea for his whimsical carpet art was born. Each morning, students eagerly anticipate discovering what new creation awaits them. “A teacher told me that the kids rush in every day, exclaiming, ‘Wow, look at the carpets!’” Thompson recalled, noting that parents have expressed their gratitude, with one mother mentioning her daughter talks about it daily when she returns home.
Thompson, a devoted fan of the local baseball team, draws inspiration from the intricate designs found in stadiums. “I like to think of the carpets as my miniature ballpark,” he remarked. From playful characters like Charlie Brown and a cheerful jack-o’-lantern to whimsical designs of a shooting star and a witch on a broomstick, his creativity knows no bounds. For Election Day, he even crafted a representation of the White House for the students. The most challenging design? A dolphin, which he humorously noted was for his boss, a Miami Dolphins enthusiast, despite being a New England Patriots supporter.
His artistic touch has garnered attention from the school community. Vice Principal Sarah Lewis stated that Thompson’s efforts help children recognize the hard work that goes into creating a positive learning environment. “His small gestures emphasize that many dedicated individuals work behind the scenes to ensure a safe and enjoyable place for learning,” Lewis explained. “Though he’s an employee, he takes time to connect with the kids in a meaningful way.”
While the transient nature of his designs means they often vanish shortly after classes start, Thompson relishes the joy his art brings. “I create something fresh every day,” he said. “It’s my small way of contributing to education. It gives the kids something to look forward to each morning.”
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In summary, Jack Thompson has turned his simple role as a custodian into a source of daily delight for students, weaving creativity and care into the very fabric of their school experience.