New Head Secretary Pam Collins brings experience, hard work, and organization as she leads the secretarial staff into a new era.
by Jasmine Kabera
photo by Manny Perez
TJ welcomes new Head Secretary Pam Collins this year. With deep roots in the Denver Public Schools, Collins started her service with volunteer work which later turned into a distinguished career.
Collins’ long run with DPS started with her graduation from East High School. “My father and grandmother also graduated from East,” says Collins. Despite the family tradition, her children didn’t follow in her footsteps, but went to TJ instead. “My daughter Jennifer Weber graduated in 1999 and my son Kenneth Weber graduated in 2006.”
Before working at TJ, Collins was employed at Knight Fundamental Academy as the computer teacher. She then decided to move onto Place Middle School where she was head secretary for two years.
Collins’ résumé also includes volunteer work for the Colorado PTA, which does most of the fundraising to help schools get better resources. It also helps parents get involved with the school. She was part of the PTA family for nine years before her work carried her over to the Colorado State Board School Committee, of which she was a part for five years.
With such a productive history in DPS and great work experience, Collins finally landed on TJ’s doorstep. “It was a smooth transition,” said Collins. “Everyone made me feel welcome.”
Collins’ job includes being responsible for substitute teachers, making sure to assign one if the teacher is unavailable that day, and also handling any question the substitutes might have. She also helps the other secretaries, making sure their jobs are easier by answering questions and supervising. “The hardest part of my job is finding enough hours in the day to do my work.” Collins also handles all Principal Sandra Just’s paperwork. “I am the go-between Ms. Just and the building,” she said.
Collins is always busy, whether it’s handling paperwork or all of Principal Just’s appointments. “The biggest thing I do is everybody’s payroll!” Collins exclaimed, laughing.
With her busy schedule, Collins hasn’t had proper time to explore TJ. “I’m still getting used to the building,” Collins says jokingly. “Especially now that I have to know the bell schedule and ring the bell for Wednesdays and Thursday’s blocked classes.”
With so many responsibilities, Collins always keeps an optimistic attitude in order to get things done. “I enjoy my job,” says Collins. “I’m going to like it here at TJ.”
