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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.
 

From our first interaction with the staff at Cardinal schools, we felt at home. The entire staff is amazing and we feel that we have a trusted partner in our children’s education. The greatest testament to their success is that our kids love going to school. There is nothing more welcoming as a parent than to have a school that you trust to take care of the most precious thing in your life. Cardinal School District does just that.
Ellis and Barbara Codjoe · Cardinal Parents
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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