Musketeer Monday: Patricia Schindler

Mrs. Patricia Schindler is a dedicated cook at A.T. Morrow Elementary School, serving students, faculty, staff, and administrators. This week, she is proudly featured in our Musketeer Monday Spotlight!

Mrs. Schindler began her career in the Central Islip School District in 1999 as a substitute food service worker. In 2000, she became a four-hour employee in the kitchen at Alfano School, where she served for 10 years. She later accepted assignments at O’Neill Elementary School and Central Islip High School before joining A.T. Morrow Elementary in 2022 as the school’s cook.

Today, Mrs. Schindler works alongside her colleagues to manage staff, order food for breakfasts and lunches, set up the kitchen, prepare meals, and maintain inventory. She especially enjoys preparing salads and sandwiches for staff and greeting students as they arrive for meals.

When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Mrs. Schindler didn’t hesitate: “It’s about the children. I like when I see the smiles on all of the children’s faces, and when students and adults alike say they enjoy their lunches.” She added, “I love it here at Morrow because the people are very welcoming. The kitchen is always very busy, and we all work very well together.”

Married for 45 years, Mrs. Schindler and her husband, John, live in the Hamlet of Central Islip. They have three children. Their daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Joe, have two daughters—Jocelyn, 10, and Gwendolyn, 3. Their son, John, and daughter-in-law, Teri, have a 16-year-old daughter, Hannah. They also have a son, Sam.

When she’s not working, Mrs. Schindler enjoys reading, crocheting, and tending to her vegetable garden.

Congratulations to Mrs. Schindler on being this week’s Musketeer Monday Spotlight!