Jan. 8, 2025
'I have always felt a calling for working with children and their families. I began as an English teacher and Children’s ministry director in Albania. With our kids going to school (and eventually graduating from Kickapoo and Middle College) within SPS, I wanted to be a part of the educational structure that contributed to their success. With a confluence of events during COVID, I was given a chance to join the team at Watkins. The rest is history, as they say.
My goal is to create a calm, safe and peaceful environment when parents, visitors and students enter our school. Sometimes parents and students are in the office for reasons that are less than positive. In those moments, it is critical that this environment is one that has a calming and peaceful effect. I want them to know someone is listening and hears their concerns. I want them to get the best information and to provide the most homey environment possible for our school, students and the teachers/staff.
Sometimes, people just need a little help. Sometimes, they just need someone to listen. That’s what I aim for with each person and each interaction. Even when a student isn't in the office, when they are just passing by, I try to give them a gesture of kindness and support, whether it is a wave or a hand heart. I want to let them know that our office is an inviting place.
While I may not be giving academic instruction, many times I may be the first person they see when they arrive at school. I believe that that first interaction can set the tone for a great day. If we have that connection of a wave or a sign of support, I hope they know that they are cared for and seen and valued. I hope that first interaction can impact their entire day and impact the attitude of the day. I believe that this can impact their overall learning experience. Even with my own children, I have set the goal for my first and last interaction with them to be a positive one, so that they can start their day and end their day happy and at peace. For our students and our parents and our staff, I believe these interactions greatly shape their days and their attitudes. That, in time, impacts their future success."
- Elona Collins, administrative assistant at Harrison Elementary School
