Musketeer Monday: Deborah Howard

Hers is one of the friendliest faces to greet you at the doors of Mulvey Elementary School. Meet School Safety Officer Mrs. Deborah Howard as she shares her story with the CI school family!

Mrs. Howard began her career in the Central Islip School District in 2001 as a substitute teacher aide. She advanced to permanent four-hour status in 2005 at Reed Middle School, then to a seven-hour position in 2009 at Alfano Elementary School. In 2013, she joined Mulvey Elementary as a school safety officer.

Her responsibilities include, but are not limited to, securing the building, students, and staff. “I also make sure our parents and volunteers feel safe and welcome before and after they enter our building, and I provide a positive presence during a.m. and p.m. bus arrivals and dismissals,” Mrs. Howard noted.

Deeply connected to her work and the people she serves, Mrs. Howard shared what she finds most rewarding: “The most rewarding part of my work is just being a positive influence. We never know what it takes for our children or parents to go through to make it through our doors.”

Mrs. Howard is especially proud of her family. “I married my high school honey 42 years ago,” she said. The Howards have three children—two of whom graduated from Central Islip—and 11 grandchildren, four of whom attended Central Islip schools before the family moved to Coram.

When she’s not at work, Mrs. Howard enjoys indulging in quiet time. “During my spare time, I love to spend quiet time with God, loving on my family, and hanging with my friends. I love the simple life... Live, Laugh and Love,” she said.

When asked about her colleagues, Mrs. Howard spoke from the heart: “What can I say about my Mulvey family except ‘amazing’! The way they tell and show their appreciation, support, and love for me is awesome. They fill me with hugs, so I can give them back when needed. We work hard as a well-oiled machine, and I believe anyone who’s attended an I AM CI or Shop and Dine event knows we play hard. I’m BLESSED to work with GREAT people.”

Mrs. Howard concluded, “I just want to say how thankful I am to have been nominated for this [Musketeer Monday] honor.”