Directing traffic

Yucca guidance counselor Mindy Sena goes over eighth-grader Jayce Huerta's schedule Monday, the first day of school for Clovis Municipal Schools. This is Sena's first year as a guidance counselor. She had been a teacher the past five years.

After Mindy Sena got her son and daughter ready to start school Monday morning, she drove from Texico to Clovis to help more than 600 other students at Yucca Middle School prepare for the first day of school.

"I remember wondering if this was going to be a lot different than teaching, if I was going to be able to still interact with the kids," said Sena, in her first year as guidance counselor at Yucca.

Sena and other Clovis schools staff provided a glimpse into the front office on the first day of school in Clovis Municipal Schools. Sena began her day at 7 a.m., delivering class schedules to the coaches and teachers.

She spent the rest of her morning waving to parents and helping children find classes and open lockers. Sena also double checked schedules to ensure students have core classes such as math, science and history and electives they are happy with.

"While I'm trying to change schedules I get more kids who need changes so there's a never-ending list of kids who want schedule changes," Sena said. "Kids at this age are constantly changing their mind or wanting to do what their friends are doing or whatever."

Yvette Favila began her day as a new secretary at Cameo Elementary School at 7:30 a.m. As students and parents moved in and out the office picking up class schedules, Favila answered a constant stream of phone calls and helped enroll kindergartners. She said her day was busy but smooth.

"It's been neat to see all the little kids come in for the first day," Favila said.

"They're just excited to get to class and get to know their teachers. They're all excited about their clothes and backpacks."

Favila also directed students and parents to classrooms and introduced students to teachers.

Debbie Alexander, finance secretary at the Clovis High School Freshman Academy, said her motto, "treat people like you want to be treated," helps her perform well on the job.

"I have kids who have gone to school so I just think about how I would want them treated," Alexander said.

"I try to be as nice and courteous as possible."

Alexander said she continuously answered phones and registration questions.

"It was busy. If I knew how to roller skate I would have worn roller skates," Alexander said.