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In this column, Regan discusses North Middle School's office manager, Peggy Baker
Staff highlight: peggy Baker
Staff highlight: peggy Baker
By Regan Snyder
By Regan Snyder
North Middle School, one of District 7’s two middle schools, has been around since 1965. Over the course of its existence, the school has been upheld by an array of incredible staff members. So many teachers, administrators and classified staff at North do their best to be there for students and uphold school cultures. One of these staff members is Peggy Baker, the school’s office manager.
Mrs. Baker has been working at North Middle School for a total of 29 years. Her job as office manager entails leading and directing five different secretaries, supporting school staff and principals, giving students required medications, and tending to minor injuries. These jobs are essential to the organization and function of the school. Her favorite part of her job is interacting with the kids, as well as the sense of camaraderie she gets from the NMS staff. She loves the school’s culture, which in her own words has “always been great.” Having a good sense of community is a crucial part of a positive work environment, which seems to be one of North’s strong points.
Image of North Middle School, credits to KTVL
Mrs. Baker grew up in California and had an excellent school experience. She excelled in her classes and went on to further education at Rogue Community College in Oregon. She initially intended to be a legal secretary. However, when she was referred to North Middle School by a friend, her plans changed. She left her job as a loan officer and obtained a spot in North’s office ecosystem. Although her career is different than she once imagined it would be, she has found her job at North to be fulfilling and within her area of interest.
In terms of pivotal moments in her life, Mrs. Baker feels that there is not one, but many. Every day is a new experience and an opportunity to learn and grow. This is a mindset that is particularly useful for a person who works in a school environment. Although Mrs. Baker takes pride in her job, her greatest accomplishment has been raising her son. She stated that “raising a good human being” has been an impactful experience for her, and she is deeply proud of it.
Mrs. Baker acknowledges the struggles that modern students are facing and how difficult it can be for them to thrive at school. Currently, the poverty rate in Grants Pass is at 16%, as observed by The Grants Pass Tribune. The national average is around 11%, which Grants Pass is far surpassing. This means that many students do not have safe or comfortable places to live, nor adequate resources, such as clothes or food. Mrs. Baker advocates for giving these kids grace and showing them empathy. Her advice to current students is to stay in school and not give up, regardless of how hopeless things may seem.
Office Manager Peggy Baker has been doing incredible work at North Middle School for 29 years, impacting the lives of students and staff alike. Thanks to people like her, North is a more welcoming and positive space. Her contributions certainly do not go unnoticed.
Sources
Sources
Interview with Peggy Baker
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