For Role Call, we spoke with Nancy Muñoz about her work at a middle school and how it goes far beyond simply answering phone calls and greeting visitors. Nancy’s role as an administrative assistant at the school involves a constant battle against chronic absenteeism, and her dedication to this cause is truly inspiring.
Nancy has been working at the middle school for the past five years and has seen firsthand the impact that chronic absenteeism can have on students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days in a year, which translates to about 18 days. This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up to almost an entire month of missed instruction and learning opportunities.
As an administrative assistant, Nancy is often the first point of contact for parents and students. She handles all incoming phone calls, greets visitors, and assists with various administrative tasks. However, her main focus is on keeping track of attendance and reaching out to parents and students when absences become a concern.
Nancy’s dedication to her job and her students is evident in the way she approaches her work. She is not just a voice on the other end of the phone, but a caring and supportive figure who takes the time to understand each student’s situation. She knows that there are many reasons why students might miss school, and she works tirelessly to find solutions to help them stay on track with their education.
One of the biggest challenges for Nancy is reaching out to parents who might not see the importance of regular school attendance. Some parents might not realize the impact that chronic absenteeism can have on their child’s academic success, while others might be dealing with their own personal struggles that make it difficult to prioritize their child’s education. Nancy approaches each situation with empathy and understanding, and works together with parents to find solutions that work for their family.
Apart from reaching out to parents, Nancy also plays a crucial role in working with students who are struggling with chronic absenteeism. She makes sure to connect with them and understand the root causes of their absences. Is it due to a lack of transportation? Are they struggling with a health issue? Or are they facing other challenges that make it difficult for them to attend school regularly? Nancy works to find solutions and provide support to help students overcome these barriers.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Nancy’s job is seeing the positive impact of her efforts. She has seen students who were once struggling with chronic absenteeism turn their attendance around and become more engaged in their education. She has also witnessed the gratitude of parents who are relieved to have someone who cares about their child’s education and is willing to work with them to find solutions.
Nancy’s work at the middle school is a testament to the fact that every role, no matter how seemingly small, can make a significant impact. Without her dedication and hard work, many students might have fallen through the cracks and missed out on valuable learning opportunities. But because of her commitment to fighting chronic absenteeism, these students have a chance at a brighter future.
In conclusion, Nancy Muñoz’s role at the middle school goes far beyond just answering phone calls and greeting visitors. She is a crucial part of the school’s efforts to combat chronic absenteeism and ensure that every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education. Her determination and passion for her work are truly admirable and serve as an inspiration to us all.
