Rabbits align the countertops of the attendance office. Colored eggs are spread out and hidden in grass bordering the walls. Parents checking students out of class must sit in chairs placed underneath the rainbow made of butcher paper. Those who pass the office know another holiday is coming up.

Attendance clerks Patrick Contreras and Janet Manning originally began the process of decorating the office every major holiday because their walls lacked color. Believing blank walls to be depressing , attendance office workers saw the decorations as an extra project to partake in.

“We started small then kept adding,” Mr. Contreras said. “I don’t think we’ve ever gotten negative comments on our decorations.

Because the designs aren’t brainstormed, all attendance office aides assist in creating new and interesting decorations to be placed around the room.

“We might use them again, or we might come up with new ideas,” Mrs. Manning said. “It just depends on how we feel that season.”

According to Mr. Contreras, the result of the hard work put into decorating results only in positive feedback. When confronted by secretary Barbara Chambers, her response to Manning and Contreras was “you missed your calling to be kindergarten teachers.”

“It is fun and we enjoy doing it,” Mrs. Manning said. “We’re kids at heart.”

Pamela Patterson must cut across the attendance office in order to reach her own. Her participation in the decorations is minimal, claiming she would rather buy what is needed and let others put it together.

“The decorations set the mood and tone of the atmosphere here in a positive upbeat note,” Mrs. Patterson said.

Included in the positive vibe produced by the decorations are the relaxed and humorous attitudes emanated from Contreras and Manning. Whether chasing Mrs. Patterson with a remote controlled rat or discovering plastic bugs to be real, Contreras and Manning enjoy their work while maintaining professionalism.

“Mrs. Manning and Mr. Contreras are two of the most dependable people I’ve ever worked with,” Mrs. Patterson said. “They’re what keep the working environment enjoyable in this office.”