Mrs. Abbey Moore, Mrs. Kelly Bratburd, and Mrs. Courtney Jackson are Oakdale’s front office and AP office secretaries, but what do these jobs entail? Each of them have their own unique set of responsibilities that helps the school run smoothly.
Mrs. Jackson is the assistant principal (AP) office secretary. Jackson describes herself as “central station”, receiving information from teachers about disciplinary actions or other issues and directing them to the proper person.
“My title is 10 month secretary, but my piece of the pie up here is to do sub coverage, classroom coverage,” Mrs. Bratburd shared. “We both answer the phone, we answer the door, so we vet visitors and help all of you guys when you need it.”
Mrs. Moore expressed that her role is to do the Weekly Bear News, change the sign outside, and handle attendance, lunch detentions, and early dismissals.
When asked about their average day, the consensus was that there really isn’t one, each day is a new adventure. Still, there are some tasks and responsibilities that are done daily. For Jackson, this includes bus arrivals, dealing with discipline emails, parking permits, student of the week, and staff member of the month.
Moore works with students who come in late or leave early, writing the necessary passes, as well as entering lunch detentions, while Bratburd is responsible for sub coverage. Both Moore and Bratburd are responsible for answering the phones and the front door, as well as helping out students, staff, and parents who come to the front office.
All of them work closely with each other, as well as other secretaries such as Mrs. Jennifer Nelson, secretary to the principal, and Ms. Jordan Rosendall, the attendance secretary. They also collaborate with admin and the school resource officer (SRO), Deputy Seth Pilarcik.
Moore and Bratburd in the front office also have student aids who help with delivering early dismissal passes and lunch detentions to students. While not always working directly with teachers or the guidance, they still provide support whenever needed.
Moore, Bratburd, and Jackson all described their favorite memories as having to do with the students they get to see and all the fun events going on at Oakdale. Jackson noted the joy she gets seeing the pre-k students, as well as planning prom this year.
Bratburd mentioned one of her favorite memories this year was “the hilarity [that] ensued when we played volleyball at the staff polar plunge fundraiser, that was ridiculous.”
“Just having a relationship with the kids this year. Every day is a great day,” Moore added.
Jackson, Moore, and Bratburd work together to ensure our school runs smoothly every day. From working behind the scenes to helping students, staff, and parents who come into their office, they are a key part of our school and contribute to the supportive environment that is Oakdale High School.
