Overlooking the ocean in the heart of Park Avenue stands Thurston Middle School (TMS). Visitors are often greeted by a friendly "Aloha." At the front of the school, you'll often find Todd Foote—wearing his custodial uniform, sunglasses, and hat, with a trash can in one hand and a water canister in the other. He has served as TMS’s dedicated custodian for 35 years.

Todd knows every corner of the campus. He can point out the plants that have been there since the school’s early days, even before the 1993 Laguna Beach Fire. He’ll tell you about the watering schedule, meticulously clean up any litter, and wash away the smallest spots on the ground. But what truly sets Todd apart is his remarkable ability to connect with students.

Between classes, during breaks, and at lunch, you’ll hear students calling out, “Hey Todd!” “What’s up, Todd?” or even jokingly asking, “Todd, is a camera crew following you around?” What’s more impressive is Todd’s genuine interactions with the students. He knows them by name and engages in meaningful conversations. Whether it’s approaching a student sitting alone on a bench, checking in with someone having a tough day, or kindly reminding a student who dropped trash, “Hey man, let’s clean up after ourselves,” Todd builds connections.

Todd Foote is more than a custodian; he’s a friend always ready to listen and a cherished part of the TMS family.

Check out our Q&A with Todd Foote.

What first inspired you to begin your career path?

After working in my early 20s in all aspects of the construction industry, my wife encouraged me to find my calling, something that would provide a future for the family we wanted to have and something that I would be happy doing for the long term. Having substituted for the Saddleback School District previously as a custodian, I knew that was the route I wanted to go, and I am forever grateful to former Principal Cheryl Baughan for taking a chance on me and hiring me in July 1990.

After 35 years at TMS, you've witnessed many changes. What is one constant thing at TMS that you truly value?

The smiles and happiness of all of the kids. Year after year, I have enjoyed seeing all of the kids come back and then, many times, have the opportunity to re-engage with them as they get older. After 35 years, there are many whose children have now come through TMS, and that's amazing. I have also enjoyed all of the amazing friendships I’ve made with the incredible Thurston staff— you are all amazing— thank you for all you do for the kids!

What impact do you hope to have on students, staff, and families?

I try to treat all of the kids the same and treat them as I would want to be treated, respectfully, and make sure they understand there are rules and boundaries we all need to abide by and they seem to be able to work with that. I try to keep things light and make the kids laugh. Everyone has different things they’re dealing with and they need to feel safe and comfortable. 

What keeps you motivated to come to work, even on challenging days, especially after so many years?

Besides the fact that I have an inherent need to stay busy; the kids, their smiles, and the aloha they give me. They keep me feeling young and I want to see them happy and succeed. Not all kids are the same, they need to be treated as individuals. I “see” them and want them to succeed and have a great school and childhood experience. 

What is the most powerful feedback you’ve received from a student, parent, or staff member that has changed you for the better?

In general, I have had parents come to me saying that I had an impact on their child (or themselves if they were students). Just having the kids respect me as the school custodian is the most powerful feedback I could ever receive. There was even a group of kids who, during the Battle of the Bands competition, called themselves the Todd Foote Band— haha, my claim to fame.