By Ed Pierce
Anyone looking to explore what holds Windham Middle School together should look no farther than the longtime school receptionist and attendance secretary Debbie Hall.
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| Windham Middle School receptionist and attendance secretary Debbie Hall has worked at the school for the past 24 years and in her role, she maintains all school attendance records, answers school telephones and signs in all students who come into the school. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
In her position, Hall maintains all school attendance records, answers school telephones and signs in all students who come into school each day. She assists all WMS staff members, school administrators, parents and any students who need help throughout the day. Hall monitors all the doors for both school buildings and makes sure no one gets in the buildings unless she knows who they are and what they need.
“The best thing about what I do is getting to know the students and seeing them grow and mature through the three years they are here at WMS,” Hall said. “Also, I work with some of the best people at WMS.”
She said keeping students safe is the most challenging aspect of her work.
“Having the responsibility of the school doors and making sure only people who absolutely need to enter the buildings do, is huge,” Hall said. “Violence in schools has really changed how we look at security now, and I am a big part of that role at Windham Middle School.”
The position of school receptionist can be exhausting, but Hall takes her work in stride and takes her work seriously.
“People may think that I just sit at a desk and answer the phone all day,” she said. “This job keeps me on my toes. I am a good multi-tasker and it helps.”
According to Hall, several memorable moments come to mind when she reflects upon her time working at the school.
“9-11 was awful,” she said. “Something like that had never happened before and no one knew what to do. We watched it unfold on television and just shook our heads in disbelief. The other situation was four years ago when we came into school one morning to find out we had lost a colleague unexpectedly overnight. That shook our close-knit staff to the core. But we supported each other and got through it.”
Hall grew up in Gray and graduated from Gray-New Gloucester High School. She then went on Southern Maine Technical College to study Food Service and Nutrition.
"I was a substitute teacher and heard they were looking for a receptionist for the Windham Middle School office,” she said. “I thought it would be a good position for me and it gave me the hours and vacations I was looking for. I had been a long-term sub in the office at the high school, so I knew the routine and some aspects of the job. So, I applied and was hired.”
In addition to serving as WMS school receptionist and attendance secretary, Hall has owned and operated her own daycare for the past 20 years.
She said that her family is aware of how important her work at the school is and value the time they get to spend with her when school is not in session.
“I think they have enjoyed my having school vacations off and the school hours gave me the opportunity to attend school functions and sporting events for my own kids,” Hall said.
Her job at the school may sometimes be overlooked, but its relevance is significant in the operations of the school. She wears many hats during the day including referee, councilor, safety monitor, and greeter, to name a few.
“Sometimes my interaction with the students first thing in the morning is the first contact they have had with an adult,” she said. “I try to listen, respond and be helpful and compassionate when necessary.”
RSU 14 Social Worker Sue Austin says that Hall exemplifies what a school staff member should be like.
“Deb is the definition of caring and kindness, doesn’t matter who you are, or what you do, she’s there for you,” she said. “One of the best people I know.”
WMS Principal Drew Patin says that Hall has been instrumental in helping to find
families that would like to give to others during the holidays and matching
their giving to the families in need.
"I think it brings a great
sense of pride to the school and helps everyone to feel like a part of the
community," Patin said. "Her work goes above and beyond her job duties to create a real
impact on families when times can feel stressful and bleak. Debbie is
known by many families as the 'angel' that made their holidays memorable
and comforting."
Hall said the most important thing that she has learned while working for Windham Middle School is that the world has changed, and it has impacted family life tremendously.
“Kids need more, and parents expect more from the schools. School has become a safe haven for many kids, and they depend on meals and support we provide,” she said. “I will continue to do my part. I feel very fortunate to work in such a great place." <
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