Somewhere in the busy hallways is a silent but essential power that keeps the school up to date and organized. Mrs. Tammy Carino is a committed secretary who works nonstop behind the scenes to inform and involve the school community.
One part of Carino’s job is to support the principal. And Principal Max Berkowits says he couldn’t do his job without her. “It is absolutely fantastic working with Mrs. Carino,” says Principal Max Berkowitz. “She is great at her job, hardworking, and always kind to others. She has a ‘can do’ attitude and is always willing to collaborate and help others.”
In addition to assisting the principal, she manages a huge number of tasks. She handles accounts payable, orders supplies for the school and individual departments, assists the athletic director with his budget, maintains the school website and sends out weekly Friday news to families, faculty and students. She also handles payroll for faculty and staff, fire drill reporting, banquet coordination for SCC and CIAC, coordinates parent conference schedules and prepares the annual school budget according to district guidelines.
She started in 2007 working part-time for Milford Public Schools and began full-time at Foran in 2011. Her three children all graduated from Foran, in 2014, 2017 and 2020. “It was amazing being here while they went through Foran,” she says.
Dean of Students Mr. Justin Zywocinski praises Carino for her hard-working attitude. He says her efforts guarantee that all parents, teachers and students are informed and involved and that the school runs smoothly. “It is great to work with Mrs. Carino: she is a wonderful person, a hard worker and always comes to work with a positive attitude,” Zywocinski says. “Mrs. Carino is extremely organized and takes on a lot of responsibility throughout the building.”
Most visits to Foran start with a hearty “hi” from Carino. Zywocinski says, “Mrs. Carino is always welcoming and professional. I am happy that she is one of the first people that students and families meet when they come to Foran.”
School officials say Foran remains up to date, well-organized, and flourishing because of her warm disposition and productive work. “Mrs. Carino is a great member of the Foran community and we are lucky to have her as a member of our team,” Zywocinski adds.
Carino credits her co-workers for her success and for making her job enjoyable. “Working in the main office you quickly learn to multitask, and being surrounded by the group of secretaries that I am in our building with, who have the knowledge, dedication and support, makes my job a great one,” Carino says. “We are so lucky to have three main office secretaries, two student life secretaries and two school counseling secretaries that work together and support each other both in our jobs and personally. Laughter is always a part of our day. I am so lucky to work with such a great group.”
Assistant principal Mrs. Dena Kelly has a great deal of respect for Carino. She says, “If there is a question, Ms. Carino almost always knows the answer or who to go to for the answer. She brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism and expertise to our school community, and she is always so kind and helpful.”
Carino enjoys working at Foran, especially interacting with faculty, staff and students, and she looks forward to helping students celebrate their big day at the end of four years. She says, “My favorite part of the year is graduation, watching the excitement of all of the seniors closing one door and moving on to the next step in their life. It is a great day.”
Many rely on Carino for one thing or another. “She is a shining star, and people know they can count on her,” Berkowitz says.
