Custodian Brings Positive Thoughts To School

The best way to start the day is with a smile, just ask Mr. Fred, a custodian and traffic monitor at Bell Oaks School in Bellmawr, NJ.

Fred Moore is the first face that students see when they get off the bus at school, and Mr. Fred, as the kids call him, makes sure to send them heading in to start the day on the right foot, with a smile and fist bump to each student.

A dedicated employee, Moore starts his day at 4:20 a.m. and gets to the school before 6 a.m. When he finishes up with his custodial duties, he goes over to the drop-off area and waits for the students.

Moore has been with Bell Oaks for eight years, and with the Bellmawr Public School District for 14.

Mr Fred says, "We used to do the high five, but then we found it was better to the fist bumps. I guess that's what they do now. The fist bumps and the dabs."

His care goes a long way and is sticking with the students. Fifth-grader Kimora Dobson said, "He's really motivational."

Caleb Messenger, an eight-grader at the school says, "Kind of reassuring because you know if you have a bad day, Mr. Fred will try to cheer you up."

Not only is he having an impact on the students, but the Principal too.

"Any time you talk to him, he's always positive, has something nice to say," Principal Anthony Farinelli states.

Keep it up, Mr. Fred!

Source: 6abc