Schools
Longtime Park School Employee Receives Rotary Club Employee of the Year Award
Frida Nuñez, who has worked at the school for 11 years, is one of six people in the Ossining community to be recognized this year.
Frida Nuñez, a secretary at Park School for 11 years, received an Employee of the Year award from the Ossining Rotary Club at its annual Scholarship Fundraiser earlier this month.
She is one of six people in the Ossining community to receive an award this year, said George Weeks, chairman of the Rotary’s Employee of the Year Committee and club secretary.
“It was a very nice surprise,” said Ms. Nuñez, adding that it was an honor to receive the award, especially since there are so many employees in the district. “It’s nice how you can receive compliments when you’re doing something with love.”
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She lives in Wappingers Falls and has two daughters. One is 14, and the other is 21 and just graduated from college. Before joining the Park School staff, Ms. Nuñez worked as a secretary in the First Steps program for children from birth to 4.
Ms. Nuñez, who is bilingual, registers new kindergarteners and pre-kindergarteners. She provides families with an orientation to explain the school district’s rules and guidelines. It’s important to give new families all the information they need so they don’t feel lost in the system, she said.
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Ms. Nuñez said she has had very positive experiences over the years and has fond memories of students who have moved on from Park School. She saves all the drawings that the children give her. One girl gave her a hug at the beginning of each day for the whole school year.
“Her mom said, ‘When you’re absent, she feels upset because she can’t give you a hug,’” Ms. Nuñez recalled.
Park School Principal Cynthia Bardwell, who nominated Ms. Nuñez for the award, said she is often the first person families interact with when they enter the Ossining community.
“She always greets people warmly and strives to make it a very positive experience for children and parents,” Ms. Bardwell said. “She has a very high level of professionalism, she’s extremely calm, and she handles what can be challenging situations with tact and patience.”
Ms. Nuñez maintains meticulous records but also has an incredible memory for faces and stories, Ms. Bardwell said.
“We have a very busy school registering new kids into programs,” the principal said. “She really leads the way.”
