For the past nine years, Katherine Allmond has been one of, if not the first, friendly faces students, parents and visitors see when they walk through the doors at SanLee Middle School.
Allmond serves as the school’s administrative assistant, a role that keeps her constantine moving and interacting with people who make up the community at SanLee Middle.
“I’ve been at SanLee nine years. I was a preschool teacher with Lee County Parks and Recreation for 15 years and joined the staff at SanLee about nine years ago,” she said.
While her setting changed from preschool to middle school, her passion for working with students never did.
“I love the kids. It is just a different day every day in here,” Allmond said. “I like the parents, too, but I really love the kids.”
Working in the front office means no two days are exactly the same. From greeting visitors to helping students and parents find answers, Allmond helps keep the school running smoothly.
“I can’t say that there really is a ‘normal,’” she said with a grin. “When the nurse is not here, I help cover the nurses area. Anything or anyone that comes in, I’m the first one they see. Whether they are asking about something with a teacher or grades, you have to help handle that. If it is about buses or any other area, communicating with the administrator over that area. It keeps me busy.”
Even on the busiest days, she keeps her sense of humor.
“It is a good day if I get through the day and can make it to the next day,” she said with a smile and a laugh.
Over the years, Allmond has become a familiar and trusted presence for students and families alike.
“It makes me proud when the kids come in and they’ll say stuff like, ‘Ms. Allmond, you’re the GOAT!’ and I play along like, ‘Is that a good thing or a bad one?’” she chuckled. “Even with parent that come in when I’m not here, like when I was out on a field trip with FFA on Friday, and parents are asking, ‘Where is the lady that sits up here? Where is Ms. Allmond?’ It makes me proud to be the face people know, the one that they are comfortable talking to.”
Her background working with younger children still influences how she approaches her role today.
“You know, preschool and middle school really aren’t all that different,” she explained. “They are different, but there is a lot that is the same. The kids still want to talk to you. They still want to know you care. They still want to talk to you about what is going on in their lives.”
She also enjoys adding small touches that help make the front office feel welcoming. “I still like to decorate the space for the holidays and those kinds of things. I feel like the kids still enjoy it. So, it is different, but not so different, all at the same time.”
For Allmond, the most important part of her job is making sure everyone who walks through the front door feels comfortable and valued.
“I definitely feel like part of what the students go on to do,” she said. “They come in here, and I’m the first person they see if they’re coming in late, or if they are coming in here for something outside of class. Before they even make it down to the teachers, before they even make it to class, I try to make sure that they feel welcome, that they feel comfortable and they feel good about being here.”
And for someone who enjoys helping people and building relationships, Allmond says it is the perfect place to be.
“It really is a good job,” she said. “If you are a people-person, if you like helping kids and parents, it is a great job for you. If you like to see people come in and you like to make them feel welcome and glad to be there, this is a great place for you.”