Robert Frost Elementary secretary wins award

Office secretary gets gold “star” for work with students, staff

Robert Frost Elementary School Office secretary Cleo Reid has spent the last seven years keeping busy and making a difference for students each day at the local West Valley City school.

For all of her hard work and positive attitude, Granite School District administrators recently recognized Reid as a Customer Service Star during the month of October.

Granite School District Hearing Specialist Crystal Thomas nominated Reid for the recognition. Thomas, who works with hearing impaired students in schools throughout the West Valley area, said Reid stands out among school staff.

“Mrs. Reid is so kind every time I walk into the school,” Thomas said. “She is always waiting at the office with a smile, a joke or just the right thing to say to make me smile. I go into multiple schools a day and I can assure you that having someone smile and be nice to you makes the difference. I wish all office personnel would take note of how Mrs. Reid makes every person who walks into the school feel special.”

On a typical day, Reid starts her mornings at the school before teachers and students arrive. She opens the offices, answers calls, pays school bills, finds substitutes for sick teachers and schedules events such as schoolwide assemblies and after-school programs.

In addition, Reid spend a significant portion of her day caring for students who are sick, disruptive in class or who need help with other questions. Reid regularly helps to administer medication and has spent many lunch hours eating with students who’ve been referred to the office by their teachers.

She often finishes her day around 6:30 or 7 p.m., long after students have gone home.

Reid, an employee for the Granite School District for 25 years, said she really enjoys her job and loves the students at the school. She said she has fun staying busy with all that’s going on and is kept on her toes by how much things change from day to day.

“It’s a fun job; you multi-task constantly. It’s so busy you don’t have time to be tired,” Reid said.

Of the Customer Service Star, Reid said she appreciates being recognized for doing a job she enjoys.

“It was really nice to receive the award,” she said.

There are more than 500 students currently attending Robert Frost Elementary, located at 4400 South 3444 West.

Robert Frost Elementary School Principal Dona Harris said Reid deserves the award because she always “goes the extra mile” to be friendly, helpful and approachable with everyone at the school.

“I hit the jackpot [when Reid was hired],” Harris said.