2nd Grade

  Welcome to Second Grade! 

Hello! My name is Mary Frances Okonski and I will be teaching second grade here at Saint Athanasius. I graduated from Chestnut Hill College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I later received a Masters degree in Elementary Education. I began my teaching career in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where I taught 6TH, 7TH, and 8TH grade. I then taught in the Philadelphia School District. In my 30 years with the Philadelphia School District I have taught grades ranging from Head Start to 8TH grade. I am thrilled to be returning to the Archdiocese as a member of the Saint A’s faculty.

I believe that my role as an elementary teacher is to nurture and encourage the lifelong learning of my students. I want to instill a passion for learning inside each child. I believe that all students can learn and want to learn. It is my job to meet them where they are and help them move forward. I want to create a classroom where students can flourish and explore to reach their full potential. My goal is to create a warm, loving environment, so students feel safe to take risks and express themselves.

I am blessed with a wonderful husband and three terrific children and our dog Charlie. Besides teaching, I enjoy cooking, gardening, taking walks and of course spending time with my family.