Southampton High School's Arlette Flores named NYS school social worker of the year

While Southampton High School social worker Arlette Flores may shy away from the spotlight, her passion for helping students and families shines bright every day, her colleagues said.

"Arlette is the standard to which all school social workers should aspire," her colleague Chris DeRosa wrote in a letter nominating her for social worker of the year. "Her unwavering dedication to our students, families, staff, and community has transformed the lives of countless individuals and made Southampton a stronger, more compassionate place."

Members of the New York State School Social Workers’ Association agreed and named Flores this year’s recipient of the Ruth Schwartz Award, given to a school social worker who goes "above and beyond an already overwhelming job description." She will be officially recognized at the association’s 61st state conference next week.

"I wake up every day loving what I do," she told Newsday on Wednesday. "Working with students and my community out in the East End is super important. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I am so fortunate I get to do that every day."

Flores, 39, of Hampton Bays, began working at the high school in 2020 after interning with the Southampton School District. She immediately "fell in love with the district," she said, and was draw by the diversity of students and families.

The Southampton district has a sizable Hispanic population and a large Native American presence. A bilingual social worker who "proudly represents her Costa Rican heritage," her colleagues said, she is able to better relate to some families and break barriers. The high school serves about 500 students, ranging from some with wealthy backgrounds to others who face economic hardships, school officials said.

"Arlette understands that every student carries a unique story and that every family deserves dignity, compassion, and support," DeRosa wrote in his letter. "Her ability to connect with students and families from all walks of life is extraordinary."

Flores’ social worker duties differ daily. She helps students as they’re reentering the school after a crisis, meets with the special education committee and helps coordinate help for families in need. Flores also serves as the summer and night school social worker for the high school.

"Every day, I do not know what I’m going to walk into, but it definitely keeps me on my toes, and I think that’s what I like about it," said Flores, who earned a master's in social work at Stony Brook and a bachelor's from St. Joseph's University.

Flores is credited with developing the school’s Peer Mentorship Program, which pairs incoming freshmen with seniors, as well as bringing together community-based organizations to promote mental wellness during a schoolwide Wellness Day in May. She also organizes teacher appreciation activities, DeRosa said.

"She is dedicated in her work, and she’s dedicated to our students and families," the high school's principal, Derek Robinson, said. "She collaborates with everyone across our school community and has made a tremendous impact in our school community."