Two Pine Bush employees and one dedicated volunteer from our district will be honored on May 7 by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) at a ceremony in North Rockland.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Amy Brockner is receiving a Mid Hudson School Study Council Excellence Award in Educational Leadership.

Circleville Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Lisa Quick is receiving a MHSSC Excellence Award in Teaching.

District volunteer Raven Atria, who has dedicated years on the Audit Committee and was instrumental in starting the Pine Bush High School Food Pantry, is receiving the MHSSC Excellence Award for Community Service.

Amy Brockner

 

Amy Brockner has dedicated 33 years to education, 15 years here in Pine Bush. During her career, she has been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent for Instruction and currently as interim superintendent.

In her letter of nomination, board of education President Gretchen Meier noted, “Amy is an exceptional individual whose kindness, compassion and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on our school community. During a time of great upheaval, Amy stepped up without hesitation, ensuring a smooth transition when we needed it most. Amy has always met challenges head-on, with grace and determination, never wavering in her pursuit of excellence.”

Joe Prestianni, current assistant principal at EJ Russell Elementary School, worked closely with Ms. Brockner at Circleville Elementary School where she was principal and he served as assistant principal.

“Amy is someone who cares deeply about the student experience in Pine Bush and raising the level of student achievement,” he said in his nomination letter.

“Amy has dedicated her career to leading schools, teachers and students to continually reach for their best. Amy embodies integrity, compassion and a genuine passion for education. (She) is a deserving candidate for the Mid-Hudson School Study Council Award in Educational Leadership.”

 

Lisa Quick

 

 

Lisa Quick serves as an elementary literacy coach and is currently teaching fourth grade at Circleville Elementary School. She has been part of the Pine Bush Central School District for seven years.

Teaching is definitely her super power! Ms. Quick has a passion for literacy. A couple of years ago, she realized that several fourth grade students were struggling with reading. She researched and discovered that the students needed more engaging materials.

“She researched and advocated for the purchase of high interest books that were relatable and interesting to her fourth grade readers,” said Principal Kristin Slover in her nomination letter to the MHSSC. “Lisa is an advocate who challenges and inspires her students to reach their full potential.”

Ms. Quick is a member of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) team, researched and proposed the One Book, One School reading program, and secured funding to purchase enough books for every student and staff member.

One of Ms. Quick’s students, as part of a nominating letter from their family, said she “believed in me more than anyone.”

 

Raven Atria

 

 

Raven Atria is a long-time volunteer with the district. She volunteers in her children’s schools as well as on district committees, and she was instrumental in the start-up and continued operation of the Pine Bush High School food pantry.

Ms. Atria has been on the district’s Audit Committee for more than a decade, “consistently bringing a high level of expertise, attention to detail and integrity to the process,” said Assistant Superintendent for Business Joseph Lenz in his nomination letter for Ms. Atria.

She has also been a participant in search committees, bringing insight and thoughtful perspectives into the process of choosing effective educators and administrators.

Katie Carson-Decker, who oversees the Pine Bush high School Food Pantry, said Ms. Atria came to her three years ago with a goal of helping people in our community who are in need of food. She spoke at a board meeting seeking support. She then collaborated with employees of the district to make the food pantry a reality.

“She is ambitious and driven to make a difference in our community,” said Ms. Carson-Decker. “Today, the food pantry services close to 200 people every month. Raven Atria is the epitome of excellence.”

We congratulate Amy, Lisa and Raven for their dedication to our students, our district and our entire community. You certainly make us #PineBushProud.