Employee of the Year

Clara Chiusa

Paideia School 15 School Aide Clara Chiusa, or “Miss Joy” as she is affectionately known to the students, parents/guardians and staff at the school, has been selected by the Yonkers Board of Education and the Soroptomist International Club of Yonkers as Civil Service Employee of the Year for 2006-2007. Clara “Miss Joy” Chiusa began her distinguished career with the Yonkers Public Schools in March 2000 as a Food Service Helper 1 at Paideia School 15 and was appointed a School Aide at Paideia School 15 in April, 2001.

In nominating Clara Chiusa for the Employee of the Year, Carole-Ann Dunleavy, recently retired Principal at Paideia School 15 and Leslie Hamilton, current Paideia School 15 Principal had nothing but praise for her work. In a joint letter of nomination, they commented, “Mrs. Chiusa is always available to lend a helping hand above and beyond her regular assignments. Mrs. Chiusa is meticulous in her work and takes pride in completing tasks to her standards of excellence. Mrs. Chiusa is a team player who takes initiative, whether it is in cafeteria supervision or in resolving student differences. She has a nurturing demeanor with the children and makes them feel safe and comforted. She is a role model for her peers and is admired by students, parents and teachers alike.”

Mrs. Chiusa was given the nickname “Miss Joy” by her beloved Paideia School 15 family to reflect the joy she brings to the school. Mrs. Chiusa volunteers her services during the summer months to assist the school in having a smooth September opening. Everyday on the job, she demonstrates a strong commitment to the Yonkers Public Schools, and is always the extra hand to help with anything that needs to be done at Paideia School 15.

Mrs. Chiusa resides in Yonkers with her husband Jim. The couple has three children: Joy, Matthew and Jimmy.

In December, 1987, the Yonkers Board of Education established a Civil Service Employee of the Year award to permanently recognize and honor those who work in a dedicated manner supporting consistent commitment to students. The awarding of this honor to Clara “Miss Joy” Chuisa continues this cherished tradition.

Clara “Miss Joy” Chuisa will be honored at a gala dinner dance Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at Rudy’s Beau Rivage in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Covert for the dinner is $45 per person. For further information and reservations, contact Nancy Sarmiento in the Personnel/Human Resources Department at 914-376-8095.