Debbie Patton
Cordell Schools’ faculty help students and staff in a multitude of ways, whether it’s a teacher in the classroom, a librarian in the library, a cook serving lunch, or even a secretary in the office.
Cordell Elementary’s secretary Debbie Patton has worked at Cordell Schools for nine years now, and she excitedly told us all about how she loves her job and the students she gets to see each day.
This week, we got the chance to talk with Patton about her love for her job, her time at Cordell Schools, and how she spends her time when not working.
To start us off, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am married to Terry Patton and we own Cordell TV & Appliance. We have been married for 24 years and have one daughter, Jenna. Jenna was a BSN graduate in 2020. What a year to begin her nursing career. She was a COVID nurse at Integris Medical Portland Ave for a year and now works at OU Stephenson Cancer Center as a research nurse. Terry and I are very proud of her. We now live with our dog, Henry and two kitty’s Babe and Rocky.
We’re about two weeks into the school year, how has it been so far?
It’s always good to come back to school after the summer break. I miss the kids and staff.
I think we have had a great start up! Everyone is excited to be back and together again.
Compared to this time last year, with having to deal with the midst of the pandemic, how has the start of this year been?
Compared to last year, I think the start of this school year is about what I expected. Last year it felt like a lot of unknowns. Science was still learning about COVID, how it was contracted, how it was spread, treatments, we didn’t have vaccines.
I knew we would have to continue to deal with the effects this year with the Delta variant.
I am very proud that our school only had one week of virtual school last year when so many schools did so much more. I think being in the classroom is so important for students to get the best education.
Is there anything in particular that you’re looking forward to for this school year?
I wouldn’t say there is anything [in] particular that I’m looking forward to this school year.
I look forward to what each school year brings and the challenges and adventures we accomplish together as an elementary school and as a school district.
How long have you been working at Cordell Schools, and what got you to want to become the elementary secretary?
I have been at Cordell Schools for nine years. I LOVE MY JOB!!! Everything about it!
I love the age of the students at my school. They are so fun and loving. I work with the absolute best coworkers. It feels more like a family.
I have always felt supported and appreciated by our administration and school board. When I was raising my daughter it was the absolute best job to have. I was able to be off work when she was off school and spend a lot of time with her while she was growing up.
What is your favorite part of your job, and what motivates you to do it?
Without a doubt the favorite part of my job is the students. I enjoy getting to interact with them and watching them grow into young adults.
It's amazing how much they can change in a school year, not just physically but how they mature from year to year. They are our motivation and reason for being at school.
Looking back, what have been some notable moments during your time working here?
We have so many notable moments at the elementary school. Some of my favorites are the marriage between Q and U that kindergarten does every year.
The students come dressed as Queens and Quarterbacks. They even have a wedding reception which includes cake and punch. T-1 has a Mother's Day Tea.
The kids are so excited to have their mom or someone special come and they escort them to their tea party. Fourth grade goes to the Roll School and dress up in pioneer wear and bring a lunch like back in the day. Reading Across America is always a fun week.
We have fun things to do and wear each day, and I can't leave out homecoming! Elementary students have school spirit!!
What does Cordell Schools mean to you?
Cordell School is home for me. It's the place my daughter attended school, it's part of my community, and it's where I work.
I'm very proud to be a part of this organization. We are a small school district but we have the best teachers!
They care about our students, want them to be successful, and push them into being their best. I know, because that's what they did for my daughter.
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not at school, I spend time helping my husband with our business. Cordell TV & Appliance has been in Cordell for 33 years. My husband has been married longer to the store than me.
We sell appliances, TV’s, bedding and furniture. We were blessed that our store thrived during the pandemic and have great people working for us.
When I was young, Thomas Organ Company came to my school and offered lessons and an organ rental for the lessons.
When we brought the flyer home, my Dad was so excited. He was a big George Wright fan and promptly enrolled my brother, Bryan and I up for lessons. Of course it was my mom who had to endure our practicing each day.
I love music, and still play. I am the organist for Mass on Sundays at St. Anne’s Catholic Church here in Cordell.
For fun I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, decorating my house for all the holidays, and traveling.
I am a huge Disney fan! I have been to Disneyland, Disney World, and on a Disney Cruise. I am just a big kid at heart. My favorite place in the summer is floating in my backyard pool.