Forum: What an office manager learned after 30 years in school

Allen Creek Elementary’s office manager reflects on aha moments, co-workers, school funding and the kids.

By Phyllis McCorkle / Herald Forum

I am coming to a close in my gifted career at Allen Creek Elementary in Marysville. I will say gifted because working with hundreds of staff members and thousands of students has been a gift.

Not everyone gets to work with kids, watch them grow and learn. Seeing them have that “aha” moment is one of the best gifts an adult can receive.

I am leaving ACE after 30 years of being a parent at the school when it opened, then to become the office manager. In some ways every year the cycle is the same, but once the staff and students show up, a new beginning starts with eagerness.

I worked in the private sector for almost 20 years. Nothing prepared me for working with other peoples’ kids or the demands of our community. You have no needs of your own. Kids come first. If you are not willing to accept that, don’t work in a school!

The kids, (and their families) teachers, para-professionals, custodians, kitchen staff and administrators become a family. We are a close-knit community and one goal: the Kids. We teach, feed, clothe, comfort, guide and above all, love them. We are blessed beyond measure to have most of them with us for six years.

The principal that opened ACE was Chriss Burgess. She was a force to be reckoned with. I miss her dearly. She respected education, and knew it was instrumental in the success of our kids; not just academically but socially and emotionally. Teaching everyday skills, not just what comes in books. Chriss had high expectations for herself, therefore for her staff and our students. Thank you, Chriss for being an amazing teacher. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to work at ACE.

She educated me on the difference between levies and bonds. A large percentage of our community members do not have a clue on how schools are funded. I am sad to say about a third of our community are lacking in a lesson or two on how we pay for schools. Parents and community members need to take some responsibility for educating themselves on where their tax dollars go and what those dollars are spent on.

Better yet, volunteer at a school in your neighborhood, or go to a school concert or a sporting event. It will educate you on what goes on in a school, what is being taught and the difficulties schools have getting much needed resources.

This is the community you live in; show your support, and learn what our schools have to offer.

The life lessons that I have gained here at ACE have helped me be a better mom, wife, friend and employee. The relationship with people that I have met here can not be replaced. What a good life this has been. If you have read this entire essay, stop and think. How can I help my community? How can I make it a better place for everyone?

The rewards are endless. Kids are endless.

I want to thank every student, family, community and staff member that have given me countless hours of comfort, happiness and the best memories one person deserves.

Phyllis McCorkle is a mom, wife, friend and, for a few more days, office manager at Allen Creek Elementary School in Marysville.

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