Pyszkowski, Irene S., Dr.
( - Jan, 27, 2007)
Remarkable Woman, Active EducatorDr. Irene Pyszkowski, formerly of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, was extremely active until her death last month. She was involved in a scores of organizations but most important was one of the finest academic scholars and teachers.
Dr. Irene S. Pyszkowski of Sparkill, NY died Jan. 27, 2007. She was a longtime resident of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, studied at NYU and Columbia, and obtained her PhD from the University of Ottawa.
Dr. Pyszkowski was a remarkable woman of outstanding accomplishments and a major contributor to the fields of education, religion and the humanities. She served on the NYC Board of Education for 36 years and in the capacity of Principal of P.S. 205 in Brooklyn for 22 of those years. While teaching Biology and Science in high school, Dr. Pyszkowski was named District Science Coordinator, which led her to author a children's book titled "The Microscope and a Hidden World to Explore." As Principal at P.S. 205 she organized, developed and supervised numerous innovative programs addressing the needs of children with handicapped conditions.
For 17 years, Dr. Pyszkowski was a distinguished Professor of Education at Notre Dame College of St. John's University in Staten Island, NY. She was the author of numerous articles and chapters in various publications. In addition, she presented over 100 professional papers nationally and internationally (Canada, Ireland, Austria, Hong Kong, India, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, United Kingdom and Poland).
Dr. Pyszkowski's many honors include: Lady Commander with a Star of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, NY, Academy of Public Educators, Delta Kappa Gamma International, Phi Delta Kappa International.
She was selected for inclusion in biographical rolls of honor: Who's Who in American Education, contributions to the Field of Education, Distinguished Service to the Teaching Profession & the Community, Two Thousand Notable Americans, Community Leadership and involvement in Education.
Despite her demanding schedule, she was an active member of many local, national and international professional organizations. She was a longtime valued member of the Board of Trustees of the Kosciuszko Foundation and became Trustee Emeritus.
She is survived by her brother, Richard Paskowski and his wife Catherine, nephews John & Joseph and their wives Beth & Elizabeth, and their five children. A private Service was held at a Catholic Mass at St. Augustines, New City, NY. Burial followed at St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Kosciuszko Foundation.
From: Edward Pinkowski (2009); Polish American World, Feb. 16, 2007
Irene S. Pyszkowski
Educator
Born May 13, 1924, Brooklyn (NY), U.S.; daughter of John and Sophie (Porzadna).
Education: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 1945, Master of Arts (M.A.), 1946, New York University (NYU), New York City; Ph.D., University of Ottawa (Canada), 1950; postgraduate, Columbia University, New York City.
Career: biology teacher, 1945-50, elementary teacher, 1950-58, science coordinator, District 20, 1958-59, assistant principal, 1959-69, principal, 1969-81, Public School 205, New York City Board of Education; associate prof., St. John's University, Staten Island (NY), 1981 -.
Author: The Microscope and a Hidden World to Explore, 1963; 3 book chapters; 16 scientific articles in professional education journals; over 100 presentations in United States, Canada, Japan, India, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Sweden, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Poland, Austria.
Member of: trustee, Kosciuszko Foundation; New York Academy of Public Education; New York Catholic Teacher Association; Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America (P.I.A.S.A.).
Honors: Delta Kappa Gamma; Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. 1988; merit awards, 1989, 1991, Faculty Outstanding Achievement Gold Medal, 1991, St. John's University; listed in Who's Who in American Education.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic.
Languages: English, Polish.
Hobbies: oil porcelain painting, travel, gardening.
Office: St. John's University, 300 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301.
From: "Who's Who in Polish America" 1st Edition 1996-1997, Boleslaw Wierzbianski editor; Bicentennial Publishing Corporation,
New York, NY, 1996.