JCSD 509J is spotlighting Lark Earnest, who is the secretary at Metolius Elementary School, for the work she does every day in her role. She started working for the district 30 years ago as an educational assistant at Metolius. After one year in that role, she pivoted to the secretary role ever since.
“This is the only school I’ve ever worked at for the district. It’s a great school,” she said. “I found my place and I love it here. The thing I feel proudest about is the relationships I’ve built with the community and with the people that I work with. I’ve made lots of friends. I feel very humble and thankful for the parents and the staff that I’ve gotten to know and work with. They’re like my family. I enjoy coming to work every day.”
Lark is responsible for a quite a bit at the school. From answering the phone, taking attendance, helping staff, and more. She loves the environment at Metolius Elementary and loves working with kids which is what inspired her to work with our district in the first place.
“I don’t think there’s an average day of elementary school,” she said. “Every day is a new opportunity and a new challenge. Some days it’s quiet and nice, but some days there’s lots of chaos going on that keeps you on your toes,” she said. “I like the people here, I love working with the teachers, and I must say that I love working with the children.”
Below is her nomination,
“Lark embodies everything we do well at Metolius Elementary. She has been the face that families see first when walking into the office for nearly three decades. Whatever families need, Lark is there to help them in any way possible. She greets our students, staff, and families by name and serves as a mentor and ‘grandma’ to all of our kiddos. On top of the warm environment she helps create in the school, she helps organize assemblies, helps our team members with their time cards, arranges field trips, and so much more without having to be asked. She is the backbone of our school and the Metolius community will miss her when she retires after this school year. We love you Lark!”