LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lynda Bernstein was nominated by two separate parents of students: Carol Aponte and Theresa Awad.

Mrs. Bernstein, affectionately known as “Mrs. B,” has been parent coordinator of SISCL since it opened in September 2009, more than nine years ago.

“I've know Lynda for a very long time.  We met climbing up the PTA ranks with our sons, who are now 29 & 30,” said Aponte, who currently serves as the school’s PTA co-president. “She was Vice President of PS 60, PTA President of IS 72, and Co-President of The Staten Island Federation of PTA's.  She has sat on more committees than I can count. Imagine my surprise when I found out she was Parent Coordinator of the school my 7th grade daughter, Patricia, would attend. Since then, I have never seen a more loving and nurturing person in my life.”

Mrs. B wears numerous hats throughout her school. Her job ranges from typical office duties as a parent coordinator, to meeting with the staff, PTA members and principal. The leadership qualities and countless changes she has made for the students of Staten Island don’t compare to her passion for all 905 SISCL students and their families.

Mrs. B is the person in the school that everyone turns to for any information. She can tell you the name and class of every student right off the top of her head, no easy feat in a school that’s Pre-K through 8th grade.

“I can go in with an envelope with a just a child’s first name and class, and she’ll know their last name. Ask Mrs. B - she knows everything,” said Aponte.

You can say she knows it all, or when in doubt, ask Mrs. B. If, by some crazy chance, Mrs. B does not have the answer to your question, she will find out for you.  She is there to meet everyone's needs.

“I am often amazed by this woman, who has an incredible amount of energy and always seems to have a smile on her face,” said Awad. “Throughout the day, Mrs. B is pulled in numerous directions and still manages to do her job effectively. Her most important job, however, is being there for students.”

Mrs.B devotes and immerses herself into making sure the needs of students are her number one priority. She greets students at the main entrance every morning, rain or shine. All the little ones (and a few bigger students) run up and hug her.  The hugs never stop - students always run off line to hug her.

“If I could count the number of hugs she gets all day, she'd be in the Guinness Book of World Records,” said Aponte. “The kids love her so much that she got a standing ovation at 8th grade graduation. She was so touched, she had to stop home to compose herself.”

Mrs. B is always available for parents, especially the PTA. Her advice from her past experiences are invaluable, and she never hesitates to help those in need. A few years ago, parents felt scared when they dropped their children off in the morning.  The parking situation around campus made it difficult for both parents and students crossing the streets. This led the PTA to start a stop & drop program. Mrs B. was instrumental in starting this process, and due to her efforts, SISCL received an extra crossing guard.

“When my daughter was in second grade, she became ill.  She was later diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and JA,” said Aponte. “Mrs. B was constantly checking on her, even sitting with her in the nurse’s office when she felt ill. Patricia was absent last week, but I still had to go into school. The minute I walked into the office, Mrs. B inquired about Patricia immediately. She would never hesitate to check on a child as any parents request.”

“I believe that Lynda is a true Life Changer in every sense of the word,” said Aponte.

“She is a wonderful support system for our children and family,” said Awad. “I walk away from the school with such a reassuring feeling in my heart that my children have you to watch over them. We love her to the moon and back!”