Behind every run school, there are people working behind the scenes to keep things organized. Three of those essential staffers at Fossil Ridge High School are office wing managers Dona Reynolds, Donna Lentz and Jenni Ford.

Though their work is often unseen, all three Wing Secretaries play vital roles in keeping the school running efficiently. Their dedication to the job, attention to detail, and passion for helping others make them essential to the school’s success.

Donna Lentz – North Wing

Donna Lentz is responsible for managing PSAT/SAT, Concurrent Enrollment registration and assisting teachers. These tasks often require her to work overtime. Her previous work experience at schools in Rhode Island allows her to handle complex administrative tasks with ease For Lentz, the relationships she builds with students and staff make the extra hours worth it.

“I’m here because I love what I do,” Lentz said. “It’s not about making money for me. I’m here to support the school and ensure everything runs smoothly, even if that means staying late sometimes.”

One of Lentz’s most significant contributions is her ability to balance both the administrative and personal sides of her job. She emphasizes that being a secretary is not just about filing papers, but also forming meaningful connections with students and staff.

“Without us, a lot of things would fall apart. We help hold everything together,” she added.

Jenni Ford – West Wing

Jenni Ford, the newest of the three secretaries with three years in her role, brings energy and enthusiasm to her work. She manages Advanced Placement registrations and works closely with teaching assistants, ensuring that the administrative side of student life runs smoothly. Ford is known for her willingness to go the extra mile, staying late when needed and always offering a helping hand.

“It’s rewarding to know I’ve helped make a difference, even in small ways,” she said.

Ford believes that her role may not always be visible, but it is critical to the overall success of the school.

“We’re the ones who make sure all the details are handled, so students and staff can focus on learning and teaching,” she said.

Ford also enjoys personal connections she builds with students and she finds fulfillment in seeing them succeed. Whether it is helping with a tricky registration issue or offering guidance to a teaching assistant, she takes pride in knowing her contributions make a difference.

For instance, giving students their high school diplomas at graduation is a sign of that acknowledgement.

“It’s the small moments of appreciation from students or staff that remind me why I love this job,” she said.

Dona Reynolds – East Wing

Dona Reynolds has been a support secretary for the Front Office, Counselors and most recently the Deans since 2017, handling tasks like attendance management, creating files and assisting students. Prior to this role, she spent 21 years at a major airline as a flight attendant as well as working in the corporate offices, where she honed her skills in multitasking and handling high-pressure situations. She sees firsthand how her work impacts students’ success.

“We’ve had students go on to do amazing things, like performing on Broadway or competing in the Olympics,” she said.

Reynolds enjoys seeing students grow, knowing that her efforts behind the scenes contribute to their journey.

“We might not always be in the spotlight, but that isn’t why I do it,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds admits that the recent changes in the attendance policy, like having to listen to every call or voicemail to decide whether to excuse it or not, have increased her workload significantly. However, she credits the teamwork among the secretaries and staff for making it manageable

“We all work together to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, and that makes a huge difference,” she said.