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Bush Elementary School main office team keeps school running smoothly

From welcoming families and monitoring attendance to caring for sick or injured students, the main office of any elementary school is at the center of nearly every part of the school day.

At Bush Elementary School, school secretary Tracey Goldstein, health and attendance clerk Madi Lines, and school nurse Jacquee Conroe work together to answer questions, solve problems and provide students, families and staff with the support they need.

"The day-to-day school systems are essential to ensure every child is learning every day," said Bush Principal Kate Benson. "Tracey, Madi, and Jacquee remain relentlessly consistent to all of the systems at Bush which allows all stakeholders to predict responses, and know what to do to get their needs or wants met. If you have a question about anything, they can help you. They are always smiling while interacting with students, families, and staff even on the phone! I am truly blessed to work alongside such compassionate, dedicated, and professional office staff."

Goldstein has served as Bush's school secretary for 11 years after joining Jamestown Public Schools in search of a new career path. She is often the first person families and visitors encounter, whether she is greeting them at the office window or answering their questions over the phone. When she does not have an answer, she makes sure to connect them with someone who does.

"A job in the office can be very challenging; however, at Bush, we have amazing parents," Goldstein said. "I know most of them on a first name basis and they often stop at the window to chat with me. I love to have the students come and read to me and share news about their birthday parties and special events in their lives. I love that I get to be a piece of their learning journey."

Her responsibilities also include maintaining accurate student information and helping ensure teachers have the supplies and functioning equipment they need. For students, however, Goldstein helps create an office environment as a place to color, draw, complete a small job or simply take a short break.

"Students often come in to have copies made and are fascinated by the process and love how warm the paper is!" she added.

Working alongside Goldstein is Lines, who joined the Bush team nearly three years ago. As the school's health and attendance clerk, she tracks individual and school-wide attendance, assists in the nurse's office and supports Goldstein and Benson with the many day-to-day needs that arise.

Her position requires her to shift between responsibilities throughout the school day, helping the office team maintain accurate information while ensuring students and families receive timely support.

"What I love most about Bush is the strong sense of community," Lines said. "Students, families and staff truly care about one another, and I'm grateful to be part of a team that works together to support our school."

Conroe's role as school nurse is similarly varied. She treats illnesses and injuries, administers medications and communicates with parents, physicians' offices and other health care providers. She also conducts height, weight, vision and hearing screenings; monitors required vaccinations; and shares quick health lessons with students on topics such as hand-washing and dental care.

Before becoming a school nurse, Conroe worked for many years in a pediatric office and later spent five years at a middle school. The opportunity to join Bush brought her back to a school that has long been part of her family's story.

"Bush School has always held a special place in my heart," Conroe said, calling the opportunity to be a part of the school community "a reward.

"I attended Bush for K-6th grade, and both of my children attended Bush as well," she said. "The thing I love most about Bush School is its students and staff -- it really does feel like a family."

For Conroe, helping families also means preparing them for the unexpected. She encourages parents and guardians to send a complete change of clothing to school with their children -- including shoes and socks -- because accidents happen and the nurse's office has a limited supply of spare clothing.

While their responsibilities differ, Goldstein, Lines and Conroe share the same message: The main office is a welcoming place where families can turn for assistance.

"We try very hard to be everything to everyone," Goldstein said. "We know it is not possible; however, we give it our all."

"We are here to help and support you. Whether you have a question, a concern or simply aren't sure where to begin, we will do our best to help."

"I mostly just want parents to know that I am here for your children," Conroe said. "Please feel free to call me or send a Talking Point with questions or concerns and I will get back to you as soon as I am able. This is going to be an amazing school year!"