Getting to Know the Amazing Security Guards at Galileo Elementary School

Keeping our students safe at school is an extremely important job. Thankfully, we have phenomenal security guards across the District. Not only do these professionals promote a strong sense of safety and security, they also go the extra mile to build relationships with students and other members of their school communities. 

Galileo Scholastic Academy is a great example of a school with phenomenal security guards. Ms. Bertha Sisson and Mr. Brandon Hurt work tirelessly to support their students and school community. They do everything from organizing assemblies to coaching cheerleading. Fun fact: Ms. Sisson has worked there for more than 30 years! 

We connected with both of them to learn about what they love most about working at Galileo. Get to know them more below.

What keeps you coming back to Galileo year after year? 

Galileo is nothing but welcoming. The students and staff make it a great environment. At some schools, it feels like people barely speak to each other, but, at Galileo, it feels like a community from the second you walk through the door. Everyone is extremely friendly and always wants to make sure that you are doing well. 

What qualities are most important to being a successful security guard? 

Safety has to come first because that’s our job. Beyond that, you have to connect with the students. We always tell them that we take our jobs seriously, but not too seriously, because we want to be able to joke and laugh with them. Sometimes, you don’t know what they are dealing with outside of school, and school might be their safe haven, so you have to be very supportive. 

What are some of your favorite memories at Galileo? 

Coaching cheerleading has been amazing. In our very first year, we made it all the way to the championships. The school celebrated us, which felt great. And, when you’ve been here for so many years, you start to see that some of the students you’ve gotten to know also have parents who attended Galileo and remember you. That is always a reminder of great memories. 

What is one goal you have for this school year? 

Starting an after-school mentoring group that focuses on seventh- and eighth-grade students. We want to make sure that they are ready for high school and want to remind them not to let anyone stop them from accomplishing their goals. 

What message do you want your students to remember for the rest of the school year and beyond? 

Keep going; be yourself; and don’t try to fit into a crowd, especially if it’s made up of people who are not helping you be your best. Also, don’t be afraid to reach for the stars. You can be anything you want as long as you put your mind to it.