Perry Township Schools
Perry Township Schools is blessed with staff members who truly have embraced the philosophy that our first priority is meeting the needs of children as well as serving the community that we embrace.
This past week I received a letter of retirement from a special person who has served this community as a receptionist at the administration building for the past 11 years. Each morning Mrs. Joanne Overton greets the staff, families and community with kindness and compassion and helps us welcome more than 200 3- and 4-year-old children every day.
Mrs. Overton is an individual who is perfect for the position. She has the patience of Job, a warm welcoming smile and a servant’s heart. She will be dearly missed, but we celebrate with her as she enters the next stage in her life.
Many times we forget how important the position of a school secretary/receptionist is and the service that she provides to our families, students and staff.
A school secretary must be orderly, yet flexible. A typical day begins with answering phone calls and inquiries, greeting visitors entering the building and/or directing individuals to the appropriate location in accordance with established building security procedures. If you’ve ever dropped off your children after school has started or picked them up for an appointment, you probably have had an interaction with your school secretary/receptionist.
The following are just a few of the responsibilities of a secretary/receptionist: collects and records student information and enters it into the student database; records attendance; maintains building information and calendars; sorts and distributes incoming mail; and prepares outgoing mail and mailings.
They communicate with custodial staff for areas in the building needing attention, enter maintenance requisitions and order supplies. The secretary/receptionist prepares weekly newsletters, provides information for the school website, replies to emails, performs general clerical functions, operates standard office equipment and has a working knowledge of computer and software programs.
The secretary/receptionist provides clerical support to the principal and assistant principal. Of course they perform other duties as assigned, i.e. covering the clinic, ISS and/or other needs as they arise. Not to mention comforting a child and being a school cheerleader.
In Perry Township, secretaries and receptionists are vitally important positions. Those who serve in these positions are an integral part of making sure the school day runs smoothly with the safety and security of children at the forefront of every day.
The responsibilities are huge, but those who have held this position for decades tell us it is rewarding. Our schools run smoothly and safely because in part of our well-trained, knowledgeable school secretary on the front line in every building. I would encourage you to take a moment to thank these individuals for their care of the children who are placed under our care each day school is in session.
Perry Township pride.