This month’s Behind the Scenes: Employee Spotlight is focused on Liz Marrinan, bus driver and supervisor of the lunch program at Stewart School.
Ms. Marrinan began working in Garden City Public Schools as a lunch monitor at Stewart in 1998 and as the lunch coordinator in 2002. Liz also worked as a bus attendant starting in 2002 and became a bus driver for the district in 2003.
“Liz is phenomenal!” Stewart principal Linda Norton said. “She not only has a wonderful relationship with the students on her bus, but cares immensely about the entire Stewart population. Every day she ensures the safety of our students by providing excellent supervision for 625 students during the two lunch periods. Never one to panic, Liz handles every situation with confidence. In addition, she looks out for the children who are having a tough day or are sitting alone. She will either find a group of children for the child to play with or just take the time to talk with them. I have all the confidence in the world that our students are being provided the best care because Liz is running our program.”
Stewart’s fifth grade teachers added many compliments about Ms. Marrinan’s impact on the school. Kelly Benito remarked, “Patient, patient, patient! ‘Miss Liz’ works so well with both students and faculty. She is a wonderful problem solver, and always seems to ease any situation.”
“Liz is hard working and ready to take responsibility for any class that needs attending,” Barrie Dratch said. “She knows the kids and has a good grasp on their individual behaviors. She is proactive with any issues that arise and always keeps the teachers informed.”
Monique Ruane declared Ms. Marrinan to be “Caring, dedicated and patient!”
Terri King, a special education teacher at Stewart, said, “Liz is upbeat, reliable, friendly, and always supports the teachers. We love her!”
Second grade teacher Stella Guiry added, “Mrs. Marrinan knows our students as well as she knows her own children. She cares about their welfare and safety. She has a great sense of humor, and the children gravitate to her. Congratulations, Liz!”
“Thanks, Liz, for all you do for the children and staff of Stewart School,” principal Norton gratefully acknowledged. “I couldn’t have asked for a better person to run our lunch program!”
Liz humbly responded, “I am honored to be appreciated by everyone at Stewart School. It’s such a great place to work!”
