Front Office: What Really Goes On?

Every day at Moreau Catholic, students walk through the front office for many different reasons. Some students may be checking in late, picking something up, asking a question, or just looking for help. With all of these things happening during the school day, what really goes on at the front desk?

The front office is an important part of the school. Staff members help students, parents, and visitors throughout the day. While students may only see a small part of what happens there, the staff in the office have responsibilities that keep the school running smoothly.

For attendance clerk, Karen Strawn, one of the main responsibilities of working in the front office is keeping track of student attendance. She makes sure the school knows which students are on campus and where they are throughout the day. She compares attendance from one period to the next and follows up when a student appears to be absent from class.

Mrs. Stawn said, “Ultimately, it’s to know where our students are, who’s on campus, and who’s not on campus at all times.” 

Attendance is especially important during emergencies and drills because the school needs to know who is on campus. Mrs. Strawn also checks students in and out of school which helps her keep track of who is coming and going throughout the school day.

While Mrs. Strawn mostly focuses on attendance, receptionist Denise Varga has a different role in the front office. Mrs. Varga described herself as a “gatekeeper,” making sure that no student leaves school without permission and making sure that no one without permission to be on school grounds makes it onto the school grounds.

Her responsibilities also include taking deliveries as well as helping Mrs. Strawn with attendance during the day. Mrs. Varga also handles work permits which is something that students may not realize is done through the front office.

A normal day in the office can be unpredictable, students stop by throughout the day with questions, parents call the school, and other tasks need to be completed throughout the day. 

Mrs. Varga said her day can be crazy, especially when she is facing multiple tasks at once. According to Mrs. Varga, one of the most common reasons students go to the front office is because they’re lost. 

With so many responsibilities happening at once, Mrs. Strawn said that the most challenging part of her job is staying positive even when feeling overwhelmed and worn out. 

“I try to make sure that I don’t get upset with anybody or take it out on anybody that I’m worn out.” Strawn said.

Mrs. Varga also said one of the most challenging parts of her job is “juggling” the workload she faces while trying to make sure everybody gets the help they need. 

Despite these challenges, both Mrs. Varga and Mrs. Strawn say their favorite part of the job is the students. Mrs. Strawn has been working at Moreau for 22 years and said that each year, the students are her favorite part of the job with Mrs. Varga agreeing.

Although students may think that the front office is just a place to go to when they need something, the staff members do way more than just simply answering questions. They play an important role in keeping Moreau Catholic running every day.

Strawn, Karen. Personal Interview. 15 Sept. 2026

Varga, Denise. Personal Interview. 15 Sept. 2026