Mariann Collins named
Mariann
is intelligent, hardworking, and dependable. She is so trustworthy, that it would be easy
to take her for granted. During the day, her desk is a flurry of budget pages, memos,
parent letters, accident reports, textbook orders, phone messages, and a hundred other
miscellaneous tasks, and yet, everything is completed in a timely manner. Though she will
smile and thank the student bringing in the attendance, chat with the parent volunteer
passing through, and share a laugh with our School Service Secretary, she doesn't lose
momentum or focus. On those days when there is more than can be accomplished in eight
hours, Mariann stays until the work is done and is often the last person to leave the
school at night. Her work ethic is extraordinary! Mariann juggles much in managing Flora Vista's office. She is
the staff's first contact for their dozens of weekly requests. Whether it means making the
phone call, requesting the information, typing the memo, scheduling the meeting, ordering
the materials, or whatever, Mariann doesn't pass on what she can do herself, even when her
"plate" is overflowing. Perhaps
Mariann's strongest and most influential personal quality is her compassion. A child who
is hurting has a friend in Mariann. She will go out of her way to wipe tears and give
friendly, caring support. When a parent comes in a minute or two after school is out to
frantically announce "I can't find my child!" Mariann resists the temptation to
remind the parent that it has only been a short time. Instead, she does everything she can
to find the child while reassuring the parent. Mariann is a great listener and a capable problem solver. The
staff trusts her and knows she will help resolve the stickiest problems while keeping
information confidential. Clearly, Mariann's compassion goes beyond the school office.
On her own time, Mariann is a support provider for cancer patients. She has done this for
years, providing personal time and attention. Mariann's efficiency is matched by her gift
in understanding and handling people. So often, her graciousness will immediately defuse a
potentially explosive situation. She says all the right words to let the person know that
she will provide the needed help, that the situation will be resolved, and that the school
cares. More often than not, the distressed person suddenly has fewer demands and less of a
problem. The following comments cam from numerous nominations and are
indicative of the staffs respect, appreciation, and love for Mariann: "Mariann really cares about kids. She's
smart, has great personal skills, and is willing to 'drop everything' to help
teachers." "Mariann deserves to be our Classified Employee of the
Year because of her unwavering helpfulness and her 'can do' attitude." "If
I need something, Mariann makes sure I get it!" "Mariann works diligently, using her many unknown
resources, to resolve problems. As a teacher, I know that if it can be done, she will do
it." "Mariann
is unbelievable!" "Mariann works beyond the call of duty, is extremely
helpful, and remains smiling during stressful times. A definitely outstanding classified
employee." "Mariann works so hard, she keeps everyone organized,
she has a memory that doesn't quit, she can always make you laugh, she brings us
chocolate, she runs the school when our principal is at meetings, she is an outstanding
colleague." Flora Vista could not ask for more in an Office Manager. Mariann is the type of employee the Encinitas Union School District is known for, appreciates, and promotes. Congratulations Mariann Collins. |
