Each day, administrative professionals in buildings across the district assist with day to day operations behind the scenes, keeping schools and services running smoothly. April 26 is Administrative Professionals Day, and we would like to take the opportunity to highlight a few of the administrative professionals in Osseo Area Schools.
Kelly Rausch- Maple Grove Senior High School
Kelly Rausch, administrative assistant at Maple Grove Senior High School (MGSH), has worked in the district for 34 years, starting out in the district as a special education education support professional before transitioning into working as an administrative assistant at MGSH in 1998. Raush grew up attending Osseo Area Schools, and wanted a career where she could work with kids.
Each day, Rausch starts her day coordinating all of the substitutes for the building and getting them everything they need in the morning. From there, her job includes a lot of customer service, assisting leadership and assistants, troubleshooting things for teachers, helping scholars as they come through and serving community members.
“There’s a lot of different things you are doing, it's not just focused on one thing.,” Rausch said.
Two highlights that stand out to Rausch each year are the special education graduation ceremony hosted at MGSH and cap and gown distribution for the seniors in the spring.
“Just to see these kids who have grown to be responsible, mature humans who go out into the world and are excited, it is a really happy time,” Rausch said.
After this school year, Rausch will be retiring. She will be greatly missed by staff and scholars alike at MGSH.
“One of the things I really like doing is connecting with the staff, students and substitutes. I enjoy that interaction and just making sure they feel special and like today is a good day for them.”
In her free time, Rausch enjoys spending time with her family and her four grandchildren, attending their various sporting events.
Sharon Groitzsch-Osseo Middle School
Sharon Groitzsch has worked at Osseo Middle School (OMS) for 18 years, starting in attendance and working her way around before ending up as an administrative assistant. When she was younger, she knew she wanted to go into a career involving typing, and has found working with scholars is her passion.
Most days for Groitzsch are very busy, as she touches base with scholars and parents and helps out the administrators with anything they need. Her responsibilities include dealing with calendar events, keeping everything flowing,making sure things get done and setting up substitute teachers and getting them what they need.
“You really do have to think on your feet,” she said. “Things change, it’s not the same every day, and you just have to go with the flow.”
Groitzsch appreciates working with the staff at OMS, including the phenomenal administrative team and the AESP group she is a part of. She enjoys watching scholars come through the school and go on to succeed.
“I love when the kids come back. Middle school is its own little island, and then when they go through high school and come back and remember us, and they are grown and taller, that makes me feel like I am part of this community.” Groitzsch said.
In her free time, Groitzsch enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, parents, seven grandchildren and two dogs.
Kate Rosbacka- 279Online
Kate Rosbacka works as an administrative assistant for 279Online. After starting out at the Osseo Area Learning Center three years ago, she transitioned to 279Online, hoping to create a similar welcoming, inclusive and fun environment that she experienced with her front office staff when she was in elementary school.
Rosbacka is the site access coordinator for MCA and ACCESS testing, so spends a large part of the school year planning and preparing for testing. She communicates with families and the community via phone, email, newsletter and social media, schedules elementary students and handles their files, schedules meetings for the administrative team and provides support wherever needed.
“We are always willing to help with whatever questions or concerns you may have. If you aren’t sure who to ask, we will get you where you need to be and get your questions answered,” Rosbacka said.”
Rosbacka was recently nominated for a District 279 Foundation Investment in Youth award, which recognizes scholars, staff, and volunteers who contribute to the community with confidence, courage and competence.
“I was very honored to be nominated. I was totally not expecting it, so feeling that recognition was very cool.”
Rosbacka really enjoys working with the dedicated and passionate staff and scholars at 279Online, and has valued getting to interact with them at the school’s first in-person events held this year.
“It is a great vibe here, whether interacting with our students, staff or community,” Rosbacka said. “Everybody is very friendly, inclusive and welcoming and willing to help wherever. Everyone is supportive and builds each other up.”
In her free time, Rosbacka enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and attending live music and theater shows.