Welcome back to Doodle Caboodle, the series where we sit down with the people who shape everyday life at Nysmith. This episode features Mr. Lamon, Nysmith's Director of Facilities, the man behind the scenes (and sometimes the rooftop units) who keeps the building running for students, teachers, and families every single day. 
More Than Tables and Toilets
Ask most people what a Director of Facilities does, and they'll picture someone fixing what's broken. Mr. Lamon's job covers far more ground than that.
"I'd classify it as anything physically related to building operations, from literally plunging a toilet to working on rooftop units. Yesterday we lost six VAV box motors, which is a big task to get out, but other than that, it's just the day to day operations that I enjoy."
That range was on full display in the school's newest addition, a bright, glass and aluminum space that Mr. Lamon managed from start to finish, bringing it in on budget and ahead of schedule.
The Small Moments That Matter Most
For all the behind the scenes work, Mr. Lamon's favorite part of the job comes down to something simple: the kids.
"When they get to know me and they get to call me by name, it's really encouraging. A locker's stuck, 'Mr. Pete, can you get my locker?' Not a problem. They get so happy, and it's simply by pulling the latch because it was stuck with a belt or a backpack strap."
Thermoses included. It's a small thing, but it adds up to the kind of environment where kids feel looked after by everyone on campus, not just their teachers.
A Decade of Growth, Onsite for 25 Years
Mr. Lamon is marking his tenth year at Nysmith, a milestone that caught even him a little off guard.
"I look at myself and it doesn't feel like it's been that long. Time just flies by so fast."
He also shared some context that comes up often on tours: the school has been at its current location for roughly 25 years, part of a 40-plus year history overall, with Mr. Lamon and his team, facilities, cleaning, and security, working together to keep it looking as sharp as it does.
Flexible, Adaptable, and Always Ready 
When asked what superpower he brings to Nysmith, Mr. Lamon didn't hesitate: flexibility.
"We changed on the fly. Sometimes we have a plan, and the next thing you know we have to change because of something else. Being able to communicate and meet expectations is something I really enjoy, because it's a challenge. Can I do this? Is this realistic? So far, I think we've knocked it out of the park."
That mindset shows up daily, whether it's staging equipment for an upcoming Saturday Social or handling whatever unexpected spill or fix comes up that day. And in case you're wondering about the emblem on his shirt, it's not a local sports team, it's a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, a love that started at age five watching a game with his father.
Experience the Nysmith Difference
More stories from the Nysmith community are coming in future episodes of Doodle Caboodle. But nothing tells the story quite like seeing it in person. We invite you to schedule a tour and experience the Nysmith difference for yourself.
