Grade 4

Mrs. Amy Bonoffski

abonoffski@syrdiocese.org

1. What do you teach at St. Mary’s Academy?

“I teach Fourth Grade. We focus on Religion, English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.”

2. What do you love about St. Mary’s Academy?

“I love that St. Mary’s Academy faculty, staff, students and parents make up a very close-knit family. We are all focussed on doing our best to learn and grow each day. We make sure to guide and support each other whenever we can. Each month our school community plans and implements a service project to help those in our community who are in need. There is so much love and care put into everything we do at St. Mary’s Academy.”

3.Why do you like teaching at St. Mary’s Academy? What motivated you to become a teacher at St. Mary’s Academy?

“I like teaching at St. Mary’s Academy because I am able to come to school each day with the goal of positively influencing my students in at least one way, be it spiritually, academically, socially or emotionally. Teaching at SMA is a true blessing because my students inspire and teach me on a daily basis as well. I was motivated to become a teacher here by my long-time friend, Mrs. Carr. She had shared all the wonderful aspects of teaching at this school with me and I just knew it would be the perfect place to do what I love.”

4. What is a unique experience, talent, or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?

“I came to SMA with an extensive background in Elementary and Literacy Education, having spent ten years teaching in public schools. I have held many positions on both a long-term and short-term basis, as a Reading Teacher, Special Education Teacher, English as a Second Language, and Classroom teacher. I have worked with students in grades Kindergarten through Twelve. This helps me to shape the learning experience of my students because I have witnessed the student expectations at all levels and in all subject areas, so I can better prepare them for the challenges they may face in their future endeavors.”

5. What sets St. Mary’s Academy students apart from students in other schools?

“SMA students are incredibly faith-filled young ladies and gentlemen. They are kind and compassionate. St. Mary’s students have such big hearts and are not afraid to share their love of God and Jesus Christ with the world. They support each other in times of need and congratulate each other on all of life’s successes, big and small.”

6.What do you want your students to gain from having known you?

“I want my students to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. I want them to feel like they are a special and important part of our community and our world. I want to be the best role model for them every day.”

7. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? Perhaps a fun fact?

“A fun fact about myself is that I love going to concerts! I have seen a wide variety of musical acts, from NYSNC and Britney Spears (back in the day) to Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Daughtry, Tim McGraw (all numerous times) and even various heavy metal bands with my husband.”