Skip to main

Great Hearts Office Managers Celebrate the Holidays Together

Great Hearts Academies December 16, 2024 -

Great Hearts Arizona Office Managers (OMs) recently gathered for their annual December meeting and holiday celebration. This festive event offered a mix of professional development, heartfelt appreciation, and holiday cheer for the hardworking individuals who keep each campus running smoothly throughout the year.

Kathy Lund, the Senior Director of Business Systems, opened with a meeting to address important work-related agenda items for the busy month of December, but before long, it was time for the OMs to let their hair down with a series of activities designed to celebrate their hard work leading up to the end of the year.

Group of office managers sitting at tables with laptops

Among the highlights of the day was a special gift for the office managers, a charm bar from Bee and Poppi. Each OM had the opportunity to choose either a bracelet or a necklace and customize it with charms, creating a meaningful keepsake. This gesture served as a token of gratitude for their dedication and contributions.

A group of office managers looking through boxes of charms

A group of office managers looking through boxes of charms

One of the most anticipated activities of the celebration was the Saran Wrap Ball Game, a longstanding tradition at the event. Participants donned oven mitts as they raced to unwrap a tightly wrapped ball of clear plastic wrap filled with gift cards and other goodies, while another person rolled dice to determine their turn. This game gets brought a competitive atmosphere to the room, along smiles and laughter to everyone involved. “It’s really fun,” Lund said with a chuckle. “I think we’ve done it for the last like five years, so it’s a lot of fun. I think all the OMs really love it!”

Two women playing an office game with a clear plastic wrap ball, oven mitts, and dice

The ornament exchange also added a festive touch to the gathering. Participants brought wrapped ornaments and took turns selecting a new ornament or “stealing” one from another participant, creating even more friendly competition. “We have a lot of fun with it because there’s a lot of stealing and fun that goes on with it,” shared Lund who did a fair amount of “stealing” herself during the exchange.

Two staff members exchanging gifts at an office party

Beyond the festivities, the event provided an opportunity for office managers to get a change of scenery from their campuses and connect with colleagues from across the network. “Sometimes I think taking a step away from campus and just being able to talk to each other about some of the processes and things that they’re going through, things that they can work through together, I think that’s refreshing,” said Melody Pati, the Training Coordinator for Business Operations, who was formerly an academy office manager. “I know it was for me when I was at the school.”

Group of office managers sitting at tables eating

Lund, who was a former campus OM, knows a little bit about what their roles look like and the types of support she appreciated when she was in the trenches. “We love them, and we love and believe in all the work they do, so we just really try to use this time or any time we have to help them, celebrate them, and support them.”

This year’s holiday meeting and celebration showcased the appreciation Great Hearts has for its office managers, who play an essential role in supporting the success and smooth operation of each academy. Through thoughtful gifts, engaging activities, and meaningful connections, Lund’s hope is that the event left the OMs feeling valued and uplifted as they head into the holiday season.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org