Mary Pecikonis

Meet Mrs. Mary Pecikonis! "Mrs. P" has been a staple in the POP community for over 21 years. 

An Ohio native and Texas transplant, Mrs. P holds an undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University as well as an M.Ed. from American Public University. Prior to transitioning to her role as Dean of Students in 2022, Mrs. P. taught sixth grade English. No matter her role, though, Mrs. P. remains teachers' and students' go-to grammarian and can always be trusted to have both a bowl of candy in her room (accessible only through Platform 9 3/4, not unlike Hogsmaede and the Wizarding World of  Harry Potter). Mrs. P. has been the recipient of multiple Work of Heart Awards and was most recently recognized as the 2021-2022 POP Teacher of the Year. In addition to the example Mrs. P. has set for her colleagues and students alike as a eucharistic minister, she has epitomized the role of a Catholic educator in demonstrating how to ground conventional curriculum in religious truth as well as navigating real-world consequences with an emphasis on faith formation.

In her free time, Mrs. P. can be found reading, rock climbing, working out, or baking. Mrs. P. is a parishioner at St. Jude's Catholic Church.

What do you enjoy about your job?  I have always loved middle school and was reluctant to step out of the teacher role for fear that I would lose the connection to the kids. As the Dean, I am able to step into an administrator role while still being with the kids on a daily basis. It was the perfect bridge for me.

Any hidden talents? I used to be a rapper when I was a teenager.

Tips for success either in or out of the classroom? Progress, not perfection! "Success" looks different for everyone."