GRAPEVINE, Texas — No matter the day, every day here at Heritage Elementary in Grapevine begins on a high.
School custodian Doug Barnes started greeting students with high fives shortly after he started working at the school five years ago.
Mr. Doug, as the kids call him, said many times the high five is the highlight of the students’ day.
“You never know what a kid’s going through,” Barnes said. “Some days they have bad days and you wouldn’t know it, but that high five might make a difference.”
“When I was in first grade, on my first day of school, he made my day by giving me a high five,” said fifth-grader Adee Beam.
“I like giving him high fives,” first-grader Samson Drye said.
“I think he’s awesome,” said first-grader Maddie Dang.
“He’s just amazing and I don’t think that any janitor can be better than him,” said third-grader Emerson Parsons.
He has been fully embraced by the students.
“Kids are looking for connections,” principal Jill Hemme said. “They’re looking to be seen, to be recognized, and that is what he does.”
Hemme said that’s just the beginning of his commitment. On his days off, Barnes often goes to students’ soccer games and other activities to show support.
All the while, kids are taking notes.
“I’ve learned loving others can make people’s day or it can make them smile,” Beam said.
“I’ve also learned just how to be a good person because of Mr. Doug,” Parsons said.
That’s what makes the last day of school bittersweet.
Barnes is retiring and moving to Kansas to be with family. He may never see these kids again.
“That’s the hard part,” Barnes said, fighting back tears. “Like I said, I’m just going to miss the kids.”
Before he goes, this week, students and staff said farewell the Mr, Doug way, with a celebration of high fives and hugs. Students made signs, cards and lined the parking lot to say thank you.
“A lot of people don’t get to receive their flowers when they’re alive,” Barnes said. “I’m receiving them and I’ve been receiving them for five plus years.”
That’s why he said there’s no greater feeling than sowing seeds of kindness and watching them bloom.