School Secretaries Help Start the School Year Smoothly

This has been the most amazing summer. Mr. Sun actually showed his face here in Santa Cruz. That alone put a big smile on many local faces. I was lucky enough to spend time down in Baja, Mexico, teaching physical education to low-income children. And, not to mention, my 16-year-old twins were actually pleasant and fun to be around. This could have had something to do with the “amazing” summer concept. I have no idea.

One thing I do know for sure: My internal “batteries” have been fully charged, and I’m ready for Opening Day this week. In order to be prepared for the 2011-12 school year, I have been sneaking in to De Laveaga Elementary for an hour or two at a time all summer. I know from experience that the worst thing in the education world is to be unprepared. Those little ones can tell when their teacher isn’t prepared, and, boy, do they take advantage. They’re no dummies.

Last weekend I was doing one of my famous drop-bys, and who was there getting ready for the first week? The secretaries! I was moved. Now that’s dedication. They were in the office copying, collating, stapling, organizing, filing and doing whatever it is to get ready for the kids, parents AND teachers for the beginning of a new school year. 

I hadn’t really thought about it before this weekend, but I’m really glad I did. You see, I’ve come to realize that the secretaries at any school (but especially at De Laveaga Elementary) are the super glue that holds everything together. Their job description probably reads, “must type 75 words per minute,” but nowhere in the description does it ask them to “apply 75 band-aids per day, calmly talk-down irate parents, answer more than 100 phone calls, fix the copy machine the impatient teacher jammed …” You get the picture.

The secretaries at any school are the heroes any day of the school year, but especially at the beginning. If you have a question, they know the answer. If you have a problem, they can help solve it. If you’re lost, they’ll help you find your way. If you’re hungry, they’ll pull out a healthy snack from their desk drawer. But, most of all, if you’re down and you need a hug, they’ll give you one, along with positive words of encouragement to help you get through the rest of the day.

The Back to School Rush can be overwhelming, so if you’re standing five deep in a line waiting to talk to the school secretary, take a deep breath and shoot her a smile. Remember, she was probably in the office all weekend, getting ready for all of our first days of school.

Thank you, Carol Maleti, Lori Trebbien and Rosie Ibañez, for your dedication!