A school with 11 stories, a colossal building, and 2,300 students – the largest in the city – is a lot to grasp. But every large entity has a front portal, a way of first getting to know it. For North Atlanta High School, that place is the front office. And in the case of the front office, the first face most people see is Yasmilet Morales. The school’s front office desk clerk, now in her first year at her post, is the friendly face that students, parents, and everyone in between first encounters.
Morales is a true Atlanta native. Although she did not grow up attending Atlanta Public Schools, she was born and raised around the city limits and attended school through the Fulton County school system. Her journey into the world of education administration is a relatively recent one, as she joined Atlanta Public Schools (APS) just three months ago. Prior to her role in APS, Morales held various positions in the retail and restaurant industry. Eager to explore new horizons and seek out opportunities with robust benefits, she embraced her current role as the front office clerk at North Atlanta. “I wanted to try something different from my old jobs in restaurant and retail, and this seemed like the perfect place to start,” she said.
Morales’ daily routine consists of many tasks that keep North Atlanta running smoothly. She diligently checks and replies to emails, checks students in and out, answers phone calls, and ensures that students and staff can navigate the school environment seamlessly. “The bulk of my day is spent communicating with students and their parents,” said Morales, “I’m always happy to help.”
What Morales finds particularly enjoyable about her job are her interactions with colleagues and students. She speaks highly of her coworkers, describing them as fun to be around. This undoubtedly contributes to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the front office. Morales has also found NAHS students to be a delight, noting that their humor makes her workday more interesting. “My coworkers in the front office and the students who come through are my favorite part of the job,” said Morales.
Yasmilet Morales is here to stay as she envisions a future within APS. She aspires to continue her career here, seeking out growth opportunities and making a lasting impact on the educational community. Morales’ dedication to her work is a testament to the positive influence she has on the school.