PUSD’s Administrative Assistants ‘do it all,’ building relationships and making a difference
By Tara Fort • Photo by Trisha Shaffer
For Prescott Unified School District (PUSD), the collaborative efforts of its Administrative Assistants foster a unique bond to ensure the success of students, staff, parents and community.
Nothing short of variety, these women are the face of the schools and do it all, allowing them to show leadership and multitasking at its best. With duties such as scheduling staff and athletics needs, overseeing registration, managing the front office and all staff, tracking student progress for graduation, setting up online classes, sending out progress reports, maintaining monthly tuition, submitting weekly money deposits and time clocks for their employees, communicating with families, and “other duties as assigned,” it’s evident that no day is exactly like the previous one.
Yet, along with necessary duties comes gratification and fulfillment of building relationships and making a difference.
Championing the PUSD motto, “Every Child Every Day,” Abia Judd Elementary School Administrative Assistant Susan Weber said, “My main duty is to live and breathe our school culture. We greet everyone with a smile and ensure they all have a smooth day. It’s an honor to provide so many things to so many people.”
Prioritizing interaction and student advancement is demonstrated by Barbara Ouderkirk, Registrar and Secretary to the Principal at Granite Mountain School, who stated, “Everyone has a story to share or a lesson to teach. I am grateful to be a part of the group that goes above and beyond. I try to help in any way I can to offer support that creates a positive environment for everyone.”
Finding joy in her role, Mile High Middle School Administrative Assistant Amber Allen said, “I love that every day is not the same, and I am never bored! I am the Chaos Coordinator for our school!”
LaurieAnn Frank, with 18 years under her belt as the Prescott High School Administrative Assistant, said, “When I have my name tag on outside of work, people ask if I’m a teacher. When I reply that I am the Administrative Assistant at my school, their response is ‘Oh, that is a big job, you must run the place!’”
Indeed, often referred to as the glue that holds everything together, this tribe of women take it next level.
Registrar and Administrative Assistant at Taylor Hicks Elementary School Cindy Johnson said, “I believe the glue of managing our schools is only as strong as the ingredients within—the staff and the administration. With that, you don’t just get the ‘glue,’ you get Super Glue! Our bond is evident at each of our schools.”
Jamie Kasten, Administrative Assistant at Discovery Gardens Preschool agreed that, “…So much goes on behind the scenes to help the schools operate smoothly. It takes a lot of dedication by a whole team of people so that our teachers and staff can put their time and focus on what matters most–our students!”
PUSD advocate Alison Bell, Administrative Assistant at Lincoln School stated, “When I’m having a trying day, there is always a child or staff member who comes up to give me a hug and says, ‘Have a great day,’ or ‘I love you.’ I love being the first contact person for new incoming students and families because I get to welcome them to Lincoln—and to Prescott!”
Although every day is an adventure, the desire to nurture student success is a common thread for all. Nancy MacMillan, Student Support Liaison for the PUSD Everywhere Online Learning Program added, “I like to help students succeed as much as possible. When we see a student who starts out underperforming, it is truly heartwarming to see positive progression with obtainable goals for a stronger future.”
Valerie May, Administrative Assistant for the Director of Online Learning, helps manage Genesis Academy, a program for recovering credits. She said, “When students put in the work to finish their graduation requirements, I want to make certain they enjoy their experience and can obtain their diploma in a timely fashion. It’s an accomplishment they should be proud of and one I ensure happens without issue.”
PUSD Superintendent Clark Tenney honors the dedication of all nine of these women. “Our Administrative Assistants are our heroes! These women ensure that everyone is in the right place, has the information they need, and is taken care of. They are our Superstars!”
For more information about these superstar women and the Prescott Unified School District, visit www.prescottschools.com.