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Gabrielle Okones headshot.

posted August 21, 2025

We are so glad to have Gabrielle Okones joining our team this year to teach kindergarten. Mrs. Okones has been teaching for 5 years. We asked Mrs. Okones some questions so that you can get to know her a bit before the school year begins.

Why did you want to teach at Cardinal?
I am excited to join a district that I can see has a strong commitment to student growth, community values, and professional collaboration.

What do you like about teaching kindergarten?
I love teaching kindergarteners because everything is new and exciting to them—they bring so much curiosity, joy, and energy into the classroom. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of those first “aha” moments, whether it’s learning to read their first word, understanding how numbers work, or simply learning how to be a kind friend.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of being a teacher is absolutely the kids and getting to watch them grow—both academically and personally. It’s such a privilege to be part of their journey.

What is your ultimate goal as a teacher?
I want to help my students not only reach their academic potential but also grow into kind, confident, and curious individuals. 

What do you hope students take away from your class this year?
I hope to instill a lifelong love of learning and to make a positive impact that stays with them well beyond the school year.

Fun Facts/Hobbies:
In my free time, I enjoy painting—especially hand lettering—as a creative outlet. I also love camping, reading, going on walks, and spending quality time with my family.
 

My real endorsement of Cardinal Schools and its faculty and staff can be seen each morning when I hand them the one irreplaceable and most valuable thing in my life: my kids. No letter I write could be a greater endorsement than that simple act. I give them my kids, and I do it with a huge smile on my face because I trust them to do what they are most outstanding at: building our future.
Kevin S. Maggio · Cardinal Parent
Cardinal School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (for employment), socioeconomic status (for programs), religion, disability, creed, national origin, marital status (for programs), sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity in its educational programs and employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinator, Cindy Green.

The Cardinal Community School District offers career and technical  programs in the following service areas:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Health Science
Human Services
Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Cindy Green - cindy.green@cardinalcomet.com
Middle School Principal/Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Equity Coordinator
4045 Ashland Rd.
Eldon, IA 52554
(641) 652-7531

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