Joyce Sisk started working at Bailey’s Elementary School in 1972 as a cafeteria hostess. At first, she would walk across the street from her house to the school with her three children. This year, Sisk will cross the street for one last time as a Fairfax County Public School employee.
Sisk has worked for Bailey’s Elementary School for 52 years total; 49 were as a full-time employee. When she first started, she was hesitant about accepting the cafeteria position because she still had 4-year-old son, Kevin, to take care of. John Randall, the principal at the time, told her to bring Kevin with her and the custodian could watch him while she worked.
And thus began her long career at the school.
“Our mom started at Bailey’s helping kids with their lunch — replacing a fork or a napkin,” Sisk’s son Jeff told FCPS. “My brothers Scott, Kevin, and I also had our mom looking after us. What a special time we all had with our mom being there.”
In 1976, she began working full-time for the school as an instructional assistant. Throughout the years, Sisk’s has worked for 12 principals as a principal secretary, registrar, and receptionist. “Every one of them was wonderful,” Sisk said. “I’d give them an A.”
Currently, one of her granddaughters works as an instructional assistant. And her great granddaughter attends the same school. “I’ll miss seeing her next year,” Sisk said.
Sisk began thinking about retirement last year, and now that she is retiring, she doesn’t have any specific plans. “I just kind of felt ready,” she said.
“Our family is so proud of our mom, grandmother, and friend.” Jeff said.
Come August, when Bailey’s starts a new school year, Sisk says students just might see a familiar face waving from across the street. “I’ll wave to them and say, ‘You guys have a good day!’”
Feature image of Joyce Sisk with FCPS superintendent Michelle Reid courtesy Donnie Biggs, Fairfax County Public Schools
