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Joyce Sisk began working at Bailey’s Elementary School in 1972, following her sons across the street from their home to become a cafeteria hostess. At the end of the 2024-25 school year, she will make that familiar crossing for the last time as a Fairfax County Public Schools employee.

Sisk has spent 52 years at Bailey’s, including 49 as a full-time employee. Looking back on her decades at the school, she said she wishes she had kept a journal.

When Sisk started, John Randall was the principal. She hesitated to accept the cafeteria position because her youngest son, Kevin, was only 4. Randall encouraged her to bring him along, and a custodian, Mr. Grimes, watched Kevin while she worked.

Her son Jeff remembered his mother helping students at lunch by replacing a missing fork or napkin while also looking after him and his brothers, Scott and Kevin. Speaking for the family, he said they were proud of her as a mother, grandmother and friend.

In 1976, Sisk became a full-time instructional assistant. She later served in several other roles, including principal’s secretary, registrar and receptionist.

During her tenure, she worked with 12 principals. Sisk described every one of them as wonderful and said she would give them all an A.

Her family’s connection to Bailey’s now spans multiple generations. One of her granddaughters works there as an instructional assistant, while her great-granddaughter attends the school. Sisk said she will miss seeing her great-granddaughter there next year.

Sisk also said the staff often treats her like a mother or grandmother and takes excellent care of her.

Despite her lengthy service, she believes someone else will have no trouble stepping into her role. Her advice to that person is simple: Treat the teachers well.

Sisk described her work as welcoming visitors, meeting people and taking the time to know them. She joked that the position involved no stress or deadlines, leaving her unsure why she was retiring at all.

The idea of retirement began to feel right last year. She has no detailed plans for what comes next beyond enjoying the freedom to do whatever she wants.

When the 2025-26 school year begins, Sisk may watch students and staff cross the street from her window instead of joining them. This time, she said, she will wave and wish them a good day.