Tuesday was a special day at Scott Elementary School in Naperville. The atmosphere was festive with upbeat music playing from a portable speaker. Staff and students filled the air with the sound of noisemakers and flashed blue-and-yellow pom-poms. Balloons danced in the breeze as everyone gathered beneath a sign at the school’s entrance. Head custodian Dean Baki sat with a crown on his head, declared as ‘The king is back.’
Dean Baki, who had been away on medical leave for six months, received warm embraces from the students. The excitement was palpable as Mr. Dean returned to his Naperville job after facing a severe health challenge. As children arrived at school, they eagerly approached him with hugs, high fives, and fist bumps. Their faces lit up with smiles as they joyfully exclaimed, ‘Mr. Dean is back.’ The celebration was a planned surprise to show appreciation for Baki, shared Principal Tracey Ratner. ‘It’s important he knows how much he means to all of us,’ Ratner expressed. ‘We wanted to ensure it was special and that he felt welcomed.’
In February, Baki experienced a medical emergency, feeling unwell with a spiking body temperature. Without a working cell phone, he drove himself to Edward Hospital in Naperville where he collapsed. Given a low chance of survival due to clogged arteries, Baki spent months in recovery within the hospital and rehabilitation facilities. He described his recovery as miraculous.
At 68, Baki expressed his longing for Scott Elementary during his recovery. ‘This is the place I belong,’ he affirmed, reflecting on his 15-year tenure at the school. ‘This is my home. The teachers, the kids — they are amazing people.’ Baki was welcomed by decorated drop-off scenes featuring balloons and signs around the school displaying ‘Super Dean.’ Scott Elementary staff designed these decorations to make Baki feel cherished.
The students rejuvenate him, Baki remarked. ‘I thought I might retire, but why retire?’ he pondered. ‘Your health is now good. Your heart is good. If the kids need help, I want to help.’ Baki described Scott Elementary as a tight-knit community. ‘Here is a family,’ he stated. ‘They care for each other. They care for the kids. I saw that with my own eyes.’
School officials maintained communication with Baki and his family throughout his absence, Principal Ratner said. Children and staff sent cards and blankets to convey their well-wishes, and students regularly asked about him. ‘He really is the heart of our school,’ Ratner acknowledged. ‘It’s not surface level for him. He inquires about the kids, their siblings, families, and interests. He shows encouragement to kids having difficulties in the hallway. It’s more than a job for him — he calls this his home, cares deeply for it, and takes pride in his work.’
Baki made an appearance as a special guest at an end-of-year assembly in May, inspiring wild cheers and chants of ‘Mr. Dean’ from the students. A veteran, he is also honored at the school’s annual Veterans Day assembly.
The excitement of Baki’s return was felt by both students and staff. ‘We are complete again,’ stated Heidi Ruppenthal, a learning commons paraprofessional. ‘You can’t find a better human being.’ Students carried photos to celebrate Baki’s return, with children expressing their joy. Jeffery Chiros, a fourth-grader, shared, ‘He is so kind and funny. A bunch of kids love him. Teachers respect him. He is well known.’ Another fourth-grader, Peyton Stelzer, remarked, ‘Mr. Dean makes us smile. He’s a mentor to all students. He’s very kind and helpful.’ Daniel Beil joined in with, ‘If we didn’t have him, this whole school would be falling down. I’m really glad he’s back.’