Faculty and Staff

Faith, Respect, Family Values, Academic Excellence

Along with the tradition of quality education, high expectations and accountability, our school offers a learning environment that promotes Christian values.  Not only do we nurture the intellect, but focus on the life of the spirit and the moral dimension of the individual.  Our faculty and staff have years of dedication and commitment to this goal:
 

Kindergarten: Sr. Mary Bartholomew Biviano
Teaching at St. Francis since 1974

I am most fortunate to be a member of the teaching profession where parents entrust me with the greatest contribution to eternity... their children. For over 35 years I have had a past that is rich in memories. I have been privileged to teach Cerebral Palsy and Mentally Handicapped Children, Inner City Children and now our treasured Children of the Mohawk Valley. My adventurous present allows me the honor and privilege of helping to shape the future. Our Kindergarten curriculum is premised on the New York State Learning Standards and reflects goals and objectives that are key within a Catholic setting.
Can you tell what you like best about your teachers?
"She remembers me on my birthday. Sr. Bart makes us "BIG" birthday hats!" Kindergarten student

1^st Grade: Mrs. Cathy Bush
Teaching at St Francis since 1984

Teaching first grade is a rewarding experience because of the tremendous academic and social growth made by the children over the course of the school year. At this age, the children are eager to learn and enthusiastic about our classroom activities. I especially enjoy sharing all types of literature with the children in order to foster a love of reading in my students. The first graders especially enjoy our daily reading and recitation of poems from monthly poetry booklets I have compiled. Some of our favorite poets are Jack Prelutsky, Shel Silverstein, and Aileen Fisher. I also like to provide the students with a variety of writing experiences. Each year we "publish" several class books with the first graders as authors and illustrators. The children then have the opportunity to share these books with their families. I consider each child a unique and special blessing from God, and feel very fortunate to have had so many children touch my life in a special way.
What is your favorite part of the day at St. Francis?
"I like reading books when I'm done with my work..." 1st grade student

 2^nd Grade: Mrs. Diana Astafan
Teaching at St. Francis from 1978-1984 and 1996-present

I really enjoy teaching the Second Grade curriculum. We do a lot of creative writing. In the fall, we write descriptive paragraphs about our colorful scarecrows. We also write "Letters to God," which are priceless! In computer lab, we type our stories and add pictures or borders. Every night (since the first day of school) each child has a turn taking home a stuffed animal and writing a home-adventure story to share aloud the next day in class. The characters change with the seasons. Everyday, we learn about respect and how to make the right choice. I also prepare the Second Grade for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
What was your favorite assignment during this school year?
"My favorite work was dressing up a turkey..." 2nd grade student

Mrs. Elaine Gaworecki
Teaching at St. Francis since 1986 - Grade 3 religion, reading, English and science 4, 5 & 6

I have a BS from Buffalo State College (N-6) and an extension (7-9) Science with a Math minor. I received my MS in Reading (K-12) from Cortland College. I first came to work at St. Francis de Sales as a third grade teacher for 3 years. When a need arose for a 5-8 Science and 7-8 health teacher, I took that position for 15 years. In 2002 there was an opening in third grade again and I happily applied for the position. I am very excited about being back down in third grade. We are a school that truly cares about the students and as a faculty are supportive of student families and each other.
Can you tell what you like best about your teachers?
"What I like best about my teachers is that they are so loving, kind, and caring..." 3rd grade student

Mrs. Deborah McCarthy
Teaching at St. Francis since 1978 - Grade 4 religion, reading and math 3, 4, 5 & 6

I have enjoyed every minute of my 30+ years here at St. Francis. I came here planning on staying a few years to get some classroom experience, and then moving on. Once I got here though, I knew I could never leave. The faculty and staff are like a family here; we all support each other. We've helped each other through all kinds of situations. But, most of all, we truly enjoy each others' gifts and talents.  I also feel honored that I have had the opportunity to teach so many wonderful students and interact with so many amazing families throughout the years. I love it when they stop and visit or drop a line, letting me know what they're doing. Each student is special in their own way, and we are so lucky to have had the privilege of teaching them here at St. Francis de Sales.
What do you like best about St. Francis de Sales School?
"It is not a big school and the teachers are really nice..." 4th grade student

Sr. Jacqueline Johnas
Teaching at St. Francis since 1978 - Grade 5 &6 religion, reading and English, and English 4

I have remained at St. Francis for so long for a variety of reasons, foremost among them being the excellent administration, my dedicated, faith-filled colleagues, and the children I teach. There is an atmosphere of love that pervades our school - a sense of family, due to the small classes, and yet quality education and professionalism that is not compromised due to size. I am proud to be a part of this educational "gem" in the Mohawk Valley.

I have creativity and passion for literature and writing that I hope spills over into the lives of the students with whom I interact. I use multiple resources from the school and community to engage my students in the writing process. I spend a great deal of time creating lessons which are not only goal-oriented, but also fun. You may walk into my room and see shoes sitting on the tops of desks, a broken egg splattered on the floor, a variety of household items displayed on a table, and hear music playing in the background. All of this centers on a pertinent writing assignment.

My students and I have many lively discussions about the books and short stories being read, and I am able to bring in many important Christian values as we engage in my lessons. These groups function quite productively, and the content of our sharing is closely linked to my instructional goals.
Can you tell what you like best about your teachers?
"The best thing about our teachers is they always think of interesting ways to learn by giving us awesome assignments!"  5th grade student

Mrs. Paula Franco 
Teaching at St. Francis since 1987 - Grade 6 religion, social studies 3,4,5 & 6 and science 3

My own three children were students here. The main reason I enjoy teaching at St. Francis is because it is a small, "family oriented" school and you really get to  know most of the students- even those you do not teach. There is also a strong support network among faculty, staff and parents of the children. Working in such an environment enables me to do what I love best -  teaching Social Studies. I try to instill that love of Social Studies in my students and help them understand their roles as American citizens in our world today. I also strive to give them a sense of citizenship and civic pride, including privileges and responsibilities. "We must learn from our past, or we will be forced to repeat it" is posted in my classroom. Throughout the years the topics we discuss we apply to that quote.
What makes St. Francis de Sales School a Catholic/Christian place to be?
"We can talk about God and pray as we like" 6th grade student

Extended Curriculum:

• Daily Religion Classes (Pre-K  - 6^th grade)
•  Music Class (Pre-k 4s -  6^th grade) - Mrs. Kathryn Kline
• Physical Education (Pre-k 4's -  6^th grade) - Mr. Casey Bartlett
• Computer Education (Kindergarten -  6^th grade) - Mrs. Mary Farber-Peck
• Library Class (Pre-k 3's - 6^th grade) - Mrs. Jeanne Slopnick
  
  

The following are provided by the Herkimer Central School District:

• Speech Therapist - Mrs. Judy Fernandes
• Psychologist - Ms. Kelli Abounader
• Social Worker - Mrs. Kathy Orts
• Phys. Assistant - Ms. Dorothy Roskowski
• Nurses - Mrs. Kathy Priolo & Mrs. Leanne Alberts
• Remedial Teacher - Mrs. Heidi Malloy
• Teacher Aide - Mrs. Linda Carnright
  
  

History of Outstanding Academic Performance of Alumni in High School & College:  

Catholic schools are renowned for academic excellence. Students in Catholic schools consistently score in the top 1/3 on nationally standardized tests. In a Catholic school, a child will be encouraged to further his or her education. The total number of Catholic high school graduates who continue their education is approximately 97 percent.  Graduates of St. Francis de Sales School typically go onto to become valedictorians and salutatorians in their high schools.  Graduates of St. Francis school have gone onto become medical doctors, educators, bankers, etc...