Claudia Ramirez: 'Marina feels like home'
As Marina High School kicks off another exciting academic year, we shine a spotlight on one of the vital team members, Attendance Clerk Claudia Ramirez. With a warm smile and a deep love for her community, Claudia has quickly become a beloved figure at Marina High. Here’s a closer look at her journey, her passion for education, and her commitment to the students and families of Marina.
Claudia’s path to Marina High wasn’t a straight line. Before joining the school, she worked in the insurance industry—a field vastly different from education. However, her passion for working with diverse communities and her desire to make a positive impact on young lives led her to a new career path.
“I’ve always wanted to work in an environment surrounded by children and families from different cultures,” Claudia shared. “When the opportunity to become an Attendance Clerk at Marina High came up, I knew I had to go for it.”
Claudia’s roots run deep in the Monterey area. Having grown up in nearby Castroville and attended North Monterey County Unified Schools, she is no stranger to the community she now serves.
“Marina feels like home,” she said. “It’s close to where I grew up, and my mom even works here in Marina, so there’s a strong connection for me.”
This sense of belonging is something Claudia hopes to pass on to her two-year-old daughter, whom she plans to enroll in the school district when she’s older.
Claudia’s day begins bright and early at 7:30 AM, as she tackles the important task of tracking student attendance—a critical factor in student success. From checking voicemails and ParentSquare messages to answering phone calls and processing attendance logs, her role is crucial in ensuring that students are accounted for and supported.
“Every day is different,” Claudia explained. “I might be helping a student who’s late to class, assisting parents with language barriers, or coordinating early departures for medical reasons.”
One of the challenges Claudia has embraced is advocating for improved attendance, particularly for students facing obstacles like medical issues or transportation difficulties.
“I’ve had the chance to help families who might not know how to navigate the system due to language barriers or other challenges,” she said.
Claudia’s commitment to making school a welcoming and supportive environment is evident in her interactions with students and parents alike.
“School isn’t just about education—it’s a safe place where students can find support, build relationships, and discover new opportunities.”
In addition to her work at Marina High, Claudia is also pursuing further education at Monterey Peninsula College with plans to transfer to California State University, Monterey Bay. She aims to earn a degree in Family Science and Human Development, with the goal of becoming a social worker.
“I want to continue helping families and students, just in a different capacity,” she shared. “I love this atmosphere, and I want to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
Claudia Ramirez’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep love for her community. As she continues to grow in her role at Marina High and in her studies, she remains a shining example of the positive impact one person can have on the lives of many.