Royal Oak Support Staff Award Nominee Makes Life Easier

ROYAL OAK, MI – For 30 years, Pat Affeld’s face has been a welcoming beacon for students in Royal Oak elementary schools.

Affeld, Royal Oak Schools’ nominee for the Betty Campion Distinguished Support Service Award to be presented later this month by Oakland County Schools, began her career with the school district in 1986 at Lockman Elementary School, where she was a paraprofessional for children with physical and cognitive impairments.

From 1995 to 2010 she worked at Oak Ridge Elementary School as a media technician and for the past six years she has been the secretary at Upton Elementary School.

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According to John Grzywack, Principal of Upton, “It is an honor to recognize Pat Affeld as the Royal Oak School District Support Person of the Year,” Upton Principal John Grzywack said in a statement. “We have been fortunate to have her as an integral part of our Upton Family. Her presence as the first point of contact not only helps create a comfortable atmosphere, but also one in which parents know their children will be safe, taken care of, and respected.”

“In addition to her duties as secretary, Pat has taken Upton families under her wing,” Oak Ridge Elementary secretary Susan Kaczkowski wrote. “She has partnered with Meijer, Inc. in organizing the annual Shop with a Hero program. This program pairs policemen and firemen from the community with children from the Royal Oak Schools and gives them an opportunity to holiday shop for their families and themselves. It is a wonderful program and we are all very thankful for Pat’s involvement.”

Added Upton third-grade teacher Lisa Eicher: “Pat interacts with students who need a break from the classroom with a no-nonsense approach. She doesn’t raise her voice, but calmly conveys expectations, and send them back to the classroom ready to learn.”

Parents Dave and Kathy Regan wrote of their confidence that their children’s health, safety, and well being are a top priority at Upton, and Affeld has a key role in that.

“From on site flu shots, visits from the mobile dentist, among other things, Ms. Affeld makes our lives easier and healthier,” they wrote. “The entire student body benefits from having such a capable and caring woman behind the front desk.”

The Betty Campion Distinguished Support Service Award program was created to recognize the valuable contributions that employees, other than teachers and administrators, make to Oakland County schools. The award is named in honor of former Oakland Schools Board member Betty Campion.

Image: Upton Elementary Principal John Grzywack with school secretary Pat Affeld