About Us
The
Casimir Pulaski Polish Saturday School was established in March 1997 by
Mrs. Maryla Adamczyk. Since September 1998, it has operated under the
auspices of the Polish Club in Atlanta. The school proudly bears the
name of General Kazimierz Pułaski, a renowned hero in the struggles for
the independence of both Poland and America.
Our school offers Polish language lessons tailored to children and
adults, with teaching levels adjusted to the proficiency of each group,
ensuring that every student can fully benefit from our program. At
present, our institution boasts six classes for children, two classes
for adults, and a dedicated team of eight teachers.
Our classes are conducted from August to May, every Saturday from 10:00
AM to 1:00 PM, within the premises of buildings made available by the
Mary Our Queen Catholic Church. There is ample parking available. The
school also has access to a event hall to host special events for the
students and their families.
Our
school is situated at 6260 The Corners Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners, GA
30092, and our classrooms meet all the necessary requirements to provide
quality education in a safe environment (the school is fully insured).
Financial support for our school's activities is sourced from the
parents of our students as well as generous private sponsors. The Polish
Club of Atlanta consistently organizes fundraising events, including
the Taste of Poland festival, Polish Trivia, and picnics, with all
proceeds directly benefiting the school's mission.
Teachers and Personnel
Agnieszka Bledniak
School principal, teaches children 9-11 year old
Agnieszka Bledniak has lived in Atlanta with her two daughters for over 20 years. She has been actively involved in the Polish school community as a parent, teacher, and now as the school’s director. With 13 years of teaching experience, she finds great joy in sharing her native language with children. An artist herself, Agnieszka incorporates art into her Polish lessons, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for young students. In her free time, she enjoys painting, cooking, and reading.
Anna Śpiewak
Vice Principal
Anna was born in Stalowa Wola in the Podkarpacie region and studied Philosophy at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. She has lived in the USA for nine years, with the last three in Georgia. A mother of two daughters, Maya and Livia, Anna loves cooking and baking, with a special fondness for Polish cuisine.
Anna Siemianowicz
5-6 year olds' class
Miss Anna, originally from Białystok, holds a Master’s degree in Pre-K Education and an advanced graduate degree in Early Education from the University of Białystok. Prior to moving to Atlanta in 2018, she worked as a kindergarten teacher in Białystok.
Zuzia Iwaszkiewicz
7-8 year olds' class
Born in Edison, New Jersey, Miss Zuzia comes from a Polish family with deep roots in Poland, where she travels each summer to visit relatives. Polish is her first language, and she has been actively engaged in teaching and tutoring roles, including math and reading instruction at Kumon. After attending Polish Saturday school in 2016, she now has the rewarding opportunity to teach young students there. Zuzia is known for her strong communication skills and her ability to work well with children.
Agata Chandran
7-8 years olds' class
Agata Chandran is in her third year teaching at the Polish School of Atlanta. She embraces the philosophy of Benjamin Franklin’s quote: “Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” Born in Poland, Agata earned her PhD in molecular biology and genetics from Jagiellonian University in Kraków and has over 15 years of research experience at The Ohio State University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She moved to Atlanta two years ago with her husband and their three wonderful sons. When not immersed in science, reading, teaching, or supporting her husband’s business, she can often be found cheering on her boys at the soccer field.
Magdalena Kwiatkowska
10-13 year olds class
Miss Magda was born in Nowy Sącz and studied geology at the University of Science and Technology in Kraków, later pursuing marketing studies in Chicago. She is the mother of twin girls, Milena and Liliana, and has a love for cooking, decorating, and music. Reading is her special passion, especially when paired with a good glass of wine. Since moving to Atlanta in 2010, Magda has actively participated in the Polish community, beginning with the Kids Book Club (Bajecznik). Today, her daughters are also students at the Polish School. Working with children brings her immense joy, and witnessing her students' success is her greatest reward.
Dr Sergiusz Khangulian
Adult class
Dr. Sergiusz Khangulian, a Professor of Slavic Studies, is an active member of the Polish expat community. He has lectured extensively, spending many years at the Georgian National University in Tbilisi and at Heidelberg University in Germany. Since 2010, he has also been a dedicated teacher at the Polish School in Atlanta.
Bożena Radwańska
Adult class
Bożena grew up in Warsaw and studied International Relations and the European Union Program at Georgia State University. She works at the Southern Center for International Studies in Atlanta. For the past 20 years, Bożena has been deeply involved with the Atlanta Polish community, organizing events such as an exhibit on the Katyn Massacre and the photographic exhibition "Fall in Love in Poland by Night." Along with a few friends, she has organized several Polish Trivia events. Bożena began teaching Polish at Kent State University in Ohio, and after relocating to Georgia, she continued her teaching at the Polish School of Atlanta.
Anna Sroka
Substitute Teacher
Mrs. Anna Sroka was born in Lublin, where she studied Political Science at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Cleveland State University. Anna moved to the USA in 2002 as an Au Pair. She spent nine years teaching Polish at the Polish School of Atlanta and has been an active volunteer with the Polish Club of Atlanta.
She is married and a proud mother to Summer and Nicholas, as well as a miniature dachshund named Cookie. Anna enjoys traveling, gardening, yoga, and art in her free time.
Sylwia Chmielowiec-Pilch
Substitute Teacher
Sylwia Chmielowiec-Pilch was born in Cieszyn, Poland, and has been living in the United States since 2021. She moved to Atlanta in August 2023 from Charleston, South Carolina. Sylwia has completed several years of studies in pedagogy at various universities and is also educated in psychology. Her passions include traveling, psychology, and learning foreign languages. In addition to her professional pursuits, she enjoys caring for her two lovely cats.
Our Patron
Kazimierz Pułaski, a Polish-born freedom fighter, dedicated his life to the cause of independence, becoming a celebrated figure in both Poland and the United States. Known for his exceptional bravery, Pułaski played key roles in battles for Poland's freedom and later in the American Revolutionary War, where his military prowess earned him the title “Father of the American Cavalry.”
Kazimierz Pułaski in Poland
Kazimierz Pułaski was born in March 1754. Although his family’s manor no longer stands, its closest modern-day location is near Nowy Świat 53, at the corner of Warecka Street in Warsaw.
From 1768 to 1772, Pułaski emerged as a leading figure of the Bar Confederation (Konfederacja Barska), a coalition of Polish nobles fighting for Polish independence, the protection of the Catholic faith, and opposition to Russian influence and the rule of King Stanisław August Poniatowski, a monarch supported by Russia. The Bar Confederation was established on February 29, 1768, in Bar, now part of Ukraine.
- January 16, 1771: Pułaski’s leadership forced the Russian forces to retreat after fierce battles near Częstochowa.
- November 3, 1771: During a politically tense period, King Stanisław August Poniatowski, who viewed the Confederation as a threat to his rule, was kidnapped—a move later attributed to some Confederation members.
In 1772, after the Confederation's defeat, Pułaski was forced into exile. Subsequently, on June 7, 1773, he was accused, in absentia, of participating in the King’s abduction attempt and was sentenced to death. This sentence was formally annulled years later in 1792.
Kazimierz Pułaski in America
Seeking a new opportunity to fight for liberty, Pułaski arrived in America on July 23, 1777, and quickly joined George Washington’s army.
- September 11, 1777: At the Battle of Brandywine, Pułaski’s courage and tactical insight saved General Washington’s life by enabling a strategic withdrawal.
- September 15, 1777: Recognizing his skills, Pułaski was promoted to General in the Continental Army.
- October 3, 1777: He fought valiantly in the Battle of Germantown.
In March 1778, with Congress’s approval, Pułaski established the Pulaski Cavalry Legion, a specialized unit that brought European cavalry tactics to the American battlefield.
- May 8, 1779: The Pulaski Legion played a pivotal role in defending Charleston, South Carolina, from British forces.
- October 9, 1779: During the Siege of Savannah, Pułaski was struck by a musket ball while leading a cavalry charge. He succumbed to his injuries two days later, solidifying his legacy as a hero in the American fight for independence.
News of Pułaski’s death reached General George Washington on November 17, 1779, who was stationed at Moore House in West Point. In an emotional tribute, Washington ordered that, when challenged with the word “Pulaski,” soldiers would reply with “Poland,” a recognition of Pułaski’s sacrifice and his homeland.
Kazimierz Pułaski’s dedication to liberty and justice remains an enduring inspiration, celebrated in both Poland and the United States. His legacy of valor and his contributions to both nations' quests for independence are honored to this day.