By RACHEL LOVERINK
Staff Writer
There’s a new District Data Specialist at the NRHEG Elementary School. And since day one on the job (beginning with the 2022-‘23 school year), students and staff alike have been singing Joyce Meldahl’s praises.
Whether it be directing students to the health office or classrooms, supervising, assisting families and visitors, interacting with parents regarding absences, uploading grades, updating contact information or helping students throughout the day with whatever they may need, Meldahl makes sure that each and every student is on track.
“I enter, maintain and validate student data and assessment reports,” she said. “I triage and liaison for phone calls and two-way radios, photocopy, laminate and help in any office areas that I’m able.”
For example, “If a reading specialist is requiring the reading levels to be recorded, I will upload that data into the correct spreadsheet with appropriate test dates, grades, student ID numbers and the instruction level,” she said.
And if those aren’t enough tasks to juggle, there are a few more.
“Before adding students to courses, I need to be sure that the correct courses for the school year are entered into the schedule,” she said. “I will add new, edit existing ones, or remove courses no longer in use. This work is done together with teachers and administration.”
The remaining areas of student data that she manages include registration of new students, student schedules, report cards and class assignments.
“I obtain prior school records and distribute those records with other
departments that are in need of them,” she said. “Each student needs to be attached to the correct advisor and necessary courses.”
In a nutshell, Meldahl provides multitudes of data to the staff upon request. Then, she finds herself typing up a storm when receiving data from teachers, administrators and organizations.
“I communicate with others, take direction from them and stay available for any situation that arises,” she said.
Amazingly enough, this vast array of duties doesn’t make her head spin. She rather likes all the expectations she deals with on a daily basis, even if they involve venturing into new territory.
“Being new to this position, it can be challenging to stay up-to-date on the information and amount of data provided to me,” she said. “It is always rewarding to learn new pieces each day and details of the job.”
It can be a little daunting, but with a bit of focus and ingenuity, she barrels right on through. It is also of tremendous help that all of the staff have been so supportive to her.
“The staff is so welcoming,” she said. “They show patience and friendliness as I navigate this new job.”
She shared her strategies for success, “Be flexible. Keep learning. Keep smiling. Be prepared for any change the day can bring and still prioritize. There are many pieces that go together to make things flow.”
And in order for that “flow” to remain smooth, accuracy and efficiency must be at the forefront. This attention to detail comes naturally to her though; in fact, it’s what landed her the job in the first place.
“Being a paraprofessional for grades K-2 helped me to multitask in a fast-paced environment and be available for change,” she said.
She added, “I love clerical work. The data is so important to monitor student progress and compare it over time.”
Her prime objective is to strengthen students’ skills and improve their weaknesses. No piece of data is too small; each and every role is “so important for learning.
”I hope to perform the duties in a way that works for the staff,” she said. “I want them to have the information they need when they need it.”
This primary goal of hers requires lots of time, not just correlating with teaching staff, specialists and administration, but by attending training sessions and user meetings as well.
“I also view tutorials to familiarize myself with types of data,” she said. “It feels rewarding at the end of the day to have done the best possible to provide a good day for students and coworkers.”
For Meldahl, the best game plan includes prioritizing the needs of others and writing out the steps necessary to accomplish tasks. And she knows just how important it is to build and maintain relationships within the district and the community.
“I grew up here and have moved back after many years away,” she said. “I love being back and it still feels like home. This community is wonderful.”
She couldn’t help but add, “The best part is learning new things each day in the same school I began learning in as a kid.”
She knows without a doubt that her job plays a key role in student growth. And since, “They are our future,” she says she will continue to play a large part in helping fulfill their needs.
“Being around children, watching them grow and learn new things brings joy to the day,” she said. “Coworkers and the students bring laughter to every day.”