September 4, 2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Schools releases more details on the annual service awards were announced on Friday by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein at Convocation, the district’s all-staff gathering that annually kicks off the new school year.
The 2017 winner of the coveted Ashby Award is Colleen Gieniec, First Grade Teacher at Somerville Elementary School. Ms. Gieniec has been a teacher for over 35 years, with service in the Ridgewood Public Schools for more than 30 years. Ms. Gieniec has an undergraduate degree from Immaculata University and a Master’s Degree from William Paterson University as a Reading Specialist. The 2017 Tradition of Excellence Award for Support Staff was presented to Kathy Kiedaisch, recently retired from the Ridgewood Public Schools as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. Ms. Kiedaisch was an employee of the district for 31 years, starting at Hawes School then serving as the assistant to three superintendents and four interims over the years.
In addition, she was the dedicated Evening Coordinator of the Ridgewood Community School for over 15 years. The Ashby Award was established in 1966 to honor former Superintendent Lloyd Ashby and his wife, Lois, for their distinguished service to the community. The recipient is selected from nominees submitted by staff members and is someone who, in the opinion of his or her peers, has upheld the Ashby tradition of service and contribution. This is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a Ridgewood staff member. The Ridgewood Board of Education established the Tradition of Excellence Award in 2014 to honor a member of the support staff, who in the opinion
