A conversation with Jerry Castelli — A helper’s vantage point

Join me in my conversation with Custodian Jerry Castelli, District 141 parent and alumnus, lover of nostalgic Ottawa eateries, mid-80’s guide to historical downtown, and a genuinely nice guy. There are few professional opportunities we have as adults that provide a deeper sense of fulfillment than working with kids. There is something inherently rewarding about knowing you made a difference in the life of a young person. Fred Rogers, longtime host of the public television program, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, was fond of admonishing his young viewers to ‘look for the helpers,’ “they’re always there,’ he’d say. In a world with countless gauntlets to be navigated between childhood and adulthood, it really does take a village, and people like Jerry Castelli are incredibly instrumental in those helper roles far beyond the language in their job descriptions. A simple smile in the morning can change a kid’s day, a little extra guidance in the lunchroom can help establish good habits, and just knowing there are people like Jerry around who are caring, not only for our facilities but for our kids, gives me hope for a positive future.