We are excited to recognize one of the people who keeps our schools running smoothly behind the scenes. Today, we shine a spotlight on a kind and joyful member of the Monclova Primary School team, Claudine Strayer - whose hardworking and friendly nature makes a difference every day.
A Journey to Monclova
While she may not be an Anthony Wayne graduate herself, Claudine Strayer has strong ties to the district. Her husband is an AWHS graduate, and both of their children also walked the halls of AWLS. In fact, her daughter, Jordan (Grosse) now works as a secretary in the Transportation Office.
Upon earning a degree in Business Management from The University of Toledo, Claudine began her career in office work. She later shifted her career aspirations to caring for her family. “My kids were my number one priority,” Claudine said. “I always knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.”
As her children grew older, Claudine looked for ways to balance family life and work, leading her to serve as a substitute in the district. Soon she accepted a position in the AW Food Services Department where she worked for two and a half years before an opportunity arose in 2013 to apply for a secretary position—one Claudine knew she couldn’t pass up. “I thought, ‘I cannot not apply for it,’ because secretarial positions don’t come open all that often,” she recalled. “The Lord blessed me with the opportunity to work as the secretary here at Monclova.”
Organization and Teamwork Keep Monclova on Track
Claudine said that one of the misconceptions about her work is that school secretaries primarily answer phones and make copies. “Every day it’s constant go-go-go,” she said. “There are a plethora of things that go on during the day and it takes all of us in the building to make it go smoothly.”
Some of her responsibilities include managing supply orders for staff, overseeing student placement and academic schedules, supporting building principal, Betsey Murry, and assisting parents, students, and staff throughout the day. Claudine said it’s a fast-paced environment that requires organization, teamwork and flexibility.
Working alongside Carole Conner, Monclova Attendance Secretary, Claudine said she values their teamwork, and ability to step in for each other as needed. “Carole and I work as a team. I believe that she should know what I do and be able to step in and do my job when I’m out, and that I should be able to do her work when she’s out. It keeps things working smoothly. We are always helping each other.”
The positive culture and willingness to pitch in to help is something Claudine deeply appreciates from everyone in the office. “Betsey is amazing. She sets the tone, and her positive attitude trickles down to the rest of us,” she said. “You don’t have to ask for help. Help is always offered, and we run like a well-oiled machine.”
Claudine believes in extending that same positivity to building visitors, and one of her favorite aspects of the job is making parents feel at ease. “I try really hard to know the parents by name. I think it makes them more comfortable and helps them feel recognized and special,” Claudine said. “I think if they leave feeling that way, they can rest assured that their children feel that way at school too.”
Embracing Challenges and Growth
Reflecting on her journey, she takes pride in how much she has learned over the years. Initially nervous about stepping into the role of Secretary 1, Claudine has tackled challenges head-on. “At first, I was terrified. I wondered if I could do it, and over time I’ve learned so much that I surprise myself sometimes,” she said.
Claudine has embraced learning new systems and processes, despite the challenges. She said that learning PowerSchool and the ordering system took time, and continuing software updates and new programs keep her on her toes.
“I'm still learning something new every day. The new programs can be challenging, but I love that I have a huge support system and I can go and ask for help and no one makes me feel stupid,” she laughed. “My successes have shown that I’m up for the challenge.”
A Love for the Job
Talk with Claudine for just a few moments and you will quickly learn that she enjoys her work. “I actually love everything about it,” she emphasized. “I love the kids, the people, and what I do. It’s perfect for my life.”
She said that watching the students grow and learn during their time at Monclova brings her joy, and that she is proud to be part of the staff at Monclova and Anthony Wayne Local Schools.
“Anthony Wayne is a great district. We all know that. But it’s not because of the ‘AW’—it’s our people. We have tremendous people in this building and community who have become like family,” she said. “I’ve made friends with the parents who have come into the building over time. I even run into district acquaintances at the grocery store, and you stop and chat for a bit. Developing these relationships has made me feel like I belong as a valued member of our community.”
As we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day this week, we extend our deepest gratitude to Claudine and all administrative professionals across the district who work tirelessly to support students, staff and families. Their dedication does not go unnoticed, and Monclova Primary School is lucky to have Claudine as a part of its team.