Musketeer Monday: Maria Ortiz-Rivera
- District News
Mrs. Maria Ortiz-Rivera is this week's Musketeer Monday feature! Currently the Senior Office Assistant for the Music and Instructional Technology Departments, Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera began her career in the Central Islip School District in 1998 as an Office Assistant (Spanish-Speaking) at Central Islip High School and Morrow Elementary School.
Today, as Senior Office Assistant in the Music and IT Departments, Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera coordinates the day-to-day operations of these two extraordinarily fast-paced departments in the Central Islip School District. She organizes and maintains schedules for every concert in all eight school buildings, including the annual Broadway musical. She also organizes scheduling for the All-State Conference, NYSCAME, SCMEA, NYSSMA, and NYSSMA Solo festivals. Add to this complex set of responsibilities the duties of managing all orders districtwide for the Music and Technology Departments, as well as BOCES - AIE, and we have an exemplary individual whose ability to successfully multitask sets the platinum standard of professionalism and devotion to her team and to our students!
Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera's commitment to Central Islip Schools and our students is evident as she shares: "I am passionate about working in my community. All of my hard work is reflected in the production of each concert and musical." Her humility shines as she continues: "The most rewarding part of my career is giving back to the community that I have lived in since 1973."
Perhaps Central Islip School District Director of Music and Instructional Technology, Mr. Philip K. Voigt, and Central Islip High School Band Director, Mr. Jerry Ryan, summed it up best in their brief testimonials about Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera. Mr. Voigt noted, "Maria Rivera has been the heart and soul of the Music and Technology Departments, serving as the Senior Office Assistant with unwavering dedication for many years. Her tireless support for both educators and students has made a lasting impact, and her commitment to the Central Islip Community is truly inspiring. Maria's hard work, organizational excellence, and kind spirit have been the foundation upon which the departments have thrived. She is a pillar of strength, always going above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team."
Mr. Ryan added: "Maria Ortiz-Rivera is the backbone of the entire Music Department. There is no other staff member more dedicated in the Music Department than Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera. All ordering, scheduling, coordinating of buses, equipment needs, and wellness calls make her the greatest clerical staff member in the District. Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera handles the pressure of this very busy department with grace. I have no doubt that when Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera retires from her current position, she will have no problem taking a part-time job as an air traffic controller, because that job will be far less stressful! There is no doubt in my mind that the success of the District's Music Department is due to Maria's passion and commitment to excellence. She is the 'Mom' of the Music Department, always making sure we have everything we need to see the students and teachers succeed. Without her, we'd be lost."
Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera also finds time for interests outside of her busy workday. She loves gardening, listening to music, spending time with her family, and traveling. It is her family whom Mrs. Ortiz-Rivera holds nearest to her throughout her busy lifestyle: "I love my family with all my heart. I have a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and two handsome grandsons," she pointed out. "We are all proud alumni of Central Islip School District."
On behalf of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee, the Board of Education, administrators, faculty, staff, and students, congratulations to Mrs. Maria Ortiz-Rivera as she is featured on Musketeer Monday!
- Music Department
- Musketeer Monday