THE ECHO

By Aliyah Surakat // Reporter

On a typical school morning, students rush through the front doors with questions, concerns, and schedules already full. Phones ring constantly, parents stop by unexpectedly, and emotions often run high. In the middle of it all sits the front office, where secretaries quietly manage the chaos that keeps the school running.

Although their desks may seem like simple check-in points, the front office secretaries serve as the backbone of daily operations. From calming anxious students to coordinating emergencies, their work extends far beyond answering phones or signing passes.

Lee Dornfeld, administrative assistant to Mrs. Garrett and a secretary on the Student Support Team, described the office as a place where students often turn first. “We’re the first line of defense,” Dornfeld said. “Whether it’s a student who needs a moment to themselves, a parent who is upset, or an emergency situation, we’re the ones who figure out what needs to happen next.” Dornfeld also explained that secretaries assist with academic interventions, such as tracking students who are failing and discussing ways to help them succeed.

Emergencies highlight how critical the role of the front office can be. Dornfeld recalled how staff responded during an unexpected fire situation by following procedures, gathering students, and communicating quickly. Moments like these require calm decision-making, something secretaries practice daily.

Anna Dieringer, administrative assistant to Mr. Graham, is one of the newer faces in the office, having started in August. Even so, she has already seen how impactful the job can be. “Helping kids figure out how to fix whatever they need help with is really rewarding,” Dieringer said. She added that many people do not realize how much personal support secretaries provide behind the scenes, along with the paperwork that keeps the school organized.

Balancing multiple responsibilities at once is a constant challenge. According to Dieringer, prioritization is key. “If there’s a student who’s really upset, you help them first,” she said. “You can put someone on hold if you need to, but the student comes first.”

Tabatha Starr, who works with the Student Support Team under Mr. Nelson, emphasized that no two days are ever the same. “Some days are calm, and some days there are lots of students dealing with emotional or behavioral issues,” Starr said. She believes the strength of the office lies in teamwork. “Even if a student isn’t on my caseload, I’m going to help them,” she said.

Starr also shared advice for students who feel overwhelmed. “Find a staff member you trust and don’t hesitate to come down,” she said. “That’s what we’re here for.” For her, the best part of the job is simple. “The kids,” Starr said. “That’s my favorite part.”

Ashley Zeronik, secretary to Ms. Tharp, echoed that sentiment while emphasizing the positive atmosphere the office creates. “I think we are positive and caring, and the kids like coming to us,” Zeronik said. She noted that many people do not realize how many responsibilities secretaries handle, from Lost and Found to transportation questions, all while supporting each other during hectic moments.

Lisa Schneider, who works for multiple administrators including Lucas Klipsch, John Hathaway, and Emily Hjerpe, described the office as a family. “I see all the students as extensions of my family,” Schneider said. She credited teamwork for making the job manageable. “If I have too much on my plate, the other girls jump in and help.”

Across every interview, a common theme emerged. The front office operates as a team built on trust, flexibility, and compassion. While students may only see a small part of what happens behind the desk, the work done there shapes the school experience every single day.

In a building filled with constant motion, the front office remains steady. As Dornfeld described in one word, they are a team, working quietly to ensure that even in the chaos, the school keeps moving.