Although often unrecognized, the work of campus safety supervisors around the school contributes significantly to the safety and comfort of both students and staff. They ensure that students feel safe on campus and that everything operates as smoothly as possible.
According to campus safety supervisor and MHS alumni Pulefano Afuola, the security guards begin each day with a brief meeting at 7:30 a.m.
“By 7:50, we’ll all be outside the office roaming campus making sure kids are doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” Afuola said.
When they’re patrolling, they look to see if students have bathroom passes and monitor for students who have been out for longer than they should be, campus safety supervisor Jennifer Kioa said.
“We also look for any visitors that have come on campus and make sure they have a visitor’s badge, that they check in in the office,” Kioa said. “We look out for any suspicious activity from anyone from the outside coming (to MHS).”
A lot of their job also consists of helping teachers out, Kioa said. They open doors when teachers don’t have keys or when students leave things in the classroom, she added.
“We transport injured students to and from class when they aren’t physically able to,” Kioa said. “We help out with the people in the office like our principals or admin. (We’re) basically open to anything anyone needs help with.”
Campus safety supervisors often talk with students, campus safety supervisor Aaron Faagau said. A part of their job is to establish cordial relationships with staff and students, he added.
“We have to be approachable,” Aaron said. “We try to build good relationships with many of the students.”
Afoula loves his job and working around students, he said.
“I don’t say that just to sell you a dream,” Afoula said. “I never thought that I would ever come back here and be able to work in a school setting like this, but I love my job. I have no regrets at all.”
