Congratulations to Carrie Tolar, the JCPS Classified Employee of the Month for October!
Tolar is the attendance secretary for student services at West Johnston High. Eight years ago, she began working with Johnston County Public Schools to be close to her children. Now, Tolar has built a career that she loves, working with children.
In her Spotlight Q&A, Tolar talks about her passion for family, the school community, and serving others.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Carrie Tolar, and I have been married to my husband, Michael, for 26 years. We have three amazing sons: Jacob, 21; Ethan, 20; and Andrew, 14, who have all been students in Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). My greatest joy is spending time with them.
I love Jesus, hiking, exploring new places, time with my church family, stickers, confetti, & otters! I also love working with children, whether it be at church or in our schools.
How does being named Classified Employee of the Month make you feel?
I feel very honored to have been recognized in this way, because I know there are tons of employees deserving of this recognition. It always feels good to know your work is noticed and appreciated by those around you.
So many of my fellow staff members go way above and beyond what is required of them, and I am inspired to do more and be better!
What led you to choose your role at JCPS?
I love working with children, and I wanted to be where my children were. I have worked at JCPS for eight years in various roles, including substitute teacher, teacher’s assistant, bus monitor, bus driver, and, most recently, attendance secretary in Student Services at West Johnston High.
I have enjoyed all of my roles at JCPS, and I love working with the staff, students, and parents!
What have you learned or gained from working in this profession, and how would you like to grow in your role after receiving this recognition?
I am learning that though there is so much brokenness in this world - in families, in homes, in our country, our world, and yes, in public education.
There is also so much good and many beautiful people to know and work alongside. I am thankful to be a part of a caring and professional team that genuinely supports its students and staff members. It inspires me to grow and be better!
How do you create an environment where students feel supported and able to succeed?
I greet every person I speak to, whether it's by phone, email, or in person, with a smile, courtesy, gentleness, and respect.
I try to help them with whatever they need and direct them to the right person. Student Services is a place where they can feel safe, supported, encouraged, and cared for.
Why are student and staff relationships important to you, and how do you build them?
I believe the student-staff relationship is the foundation on which a healthy school is built. Mutual respect, appreciation, love, and care for one another are integral to a flourishing school environment.
Everyone I come into contact with is valuable, and I treat them as such. I can see the good and strengths in each one and appreciate what they bring and add to our school. My goal is to treat others the way I want to be treated.
Describe a memorable experience that had a lasting impact on you. What made it special, and what did you learn from it?
I have had many memorable experiences at JCPS, but the one that sticks out in my mind is when I was a bus monitor on an Exceptional Children's bus.
I was struck by the many challenges these students and their families had to face, and the love, patience, and grace they had to have to overcome them. It was an honor and a privilege to serve them in such a small way.
As a bus driver, it was a joy being the first JCPS employee to greet the students in the morning and start their day off right!
It reminded me to be grateful for each day and appreciate each person I come in contact with for the unique and special person they are.
Also, I am reminded to have grace and patience with others, because you never know what they are going through.