Monday's Internet Edition, October 06, 2008.
crime down
Deputy tells council
extra protection helps
|
| Janice Sykes |
Sykes, who has worked at the school for nine years, will retire at the end of this school year. Her official title is “office assistant,” but she also serves as the unofficial school nurse.
“I answer the phone and talk to parents and children, but I also help the childen with any problems they bring to me,” Sykes said. “Whether it’s a skinned-up knee or a fever, or if they just need someone to talk to. I try to be there for them.
“I have a lot of duties outside of nursing, but nursing is the most enjoyable for me.”
Sykes has spent 29 years in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. “Things have changed so much. There is a lot more paperwork, and I think a lot more pressure than there used to be. They put more work on us each year.”
She began her career as a teacher at Brunson Elementary. After four years in the classroom, she offered to work in the office. “They needed someone to help with health issues, so I took on that job.”
She later served 10 years as a kindergarten assistant, giving her 19 total years at Brunson. She worked one year at Kimberly Park Elementary and then took the office assistant job at Clemmons, where she received a quick lesson in health care.
“I learned about all of the different childhood diseases and rashes here. It’s really been an education for me. I feel like I have done a lot of nursing without the degree. I learned by experience.”
Sykes’ caring nature endeared her to the students, and she soon became both nurse and sounding board.
“I’m the one they come to with any problem. Sometimes they need medicine, and other times they just need to lie down or talk to me. I love taking care of the kids. There are not many people who have enjoyed their jobs as much as I have.”
Sykes is leaving Clemmons Elementary to care for her husband, who is battling cancer. “It’s been a difficult decision, but I really feel like I need to be home with him. This has been a hard year.”
Sykes said many students have asked her to stay at the school. “They don’t understand why I can’t stay with them a few more years. They all wrote cards for me and made this a special and wonderful day.”
In addition to the festivities at Clemmons, Sykes was recognized at the school system’s retirement breakfast. Her last day at work will be June 16.
When asked what she will miss most, Sykes’ eyes filled tears. “I’m going to miss everybody. I love the kids, parents and staff here. I can’t say enough good things about this school.
“I have learned so much from the kids, and I am grateful for the experience. Working here has been a wonderful way to end my career.”
Sykes said she plans to substitute teach at Clemmons “every chance I get!”