Ken Wojehowski has worked his gym magic in the Ramapo Central Schools outpost of Sloatsburg Elementary School for a few years now — long enough to have a legend. Mr. Woj, as he’s popularly known, is often the first person to introduce many Sloatsburg kids to serious physical and sports activity via his innovative gym programs.
And it’s run, run, run leading up to the annual Ramapo Central elementary school cross country meet at Suffern High School, where Mr. Woj’s Sloatsburg teams are known monsters.
Whether it’s a subtle challenge to do a little better, be a bit healthier or have more fun, Ken Wojehowski knows how to interact with kids, often with a big, embracing smile. And then there’s the huge undertaking of the annual June Olympic Day at the elementary school.
Sloatsburg’s secret is out. Sloatsburg Elementary School Physical Education teacher Ken Wojehowski won the equivalent of the best gym teacher in the whole state New York in November 2013 at the annual statewide conference, where he was received an Elementary Teacher of the Year Award.
The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD) especially noted Mr. Wojehowski’s program innovations.
“Ken is a pioneer in the field of physical education,” said Ramapo Central School District Athletic Director Andy Guccione. “The exciting programs he has implemented in his classes combined with his enthusiastic teaching style puts Sloatsburg among the top elementary PE programs in the state.
The latest award capped a pretty nice year for Wojehowski, one in which he was also named the 2013 winner of the NYSAHPERD Amazing Person Award for the Catskills schools zone, which encompasses Orange, Sullivan and Ulster, as well as Rockland county. Individuals are nominated for exceptional contributions to the profession in their zone of residence.
Wojehowski saw the NYSAHPERD Teacher of the Year Award recognition as a result of a team effort.
“This award isn’t just for me,” Wojehowski said. “It reflects the many, many years of observing and learning from other teachers and the District’s support of the crazy ideas I dream up. The honor is also shared with the Sloatsburg community. Our parents are onboard with everything — whatever we need, they’re always right there.”
During his 17 years in the District, Wojehowski has introduced a number of cutting edge programs at Sloatsburg Elementary School, including HOPSports, a multimedia training system, and the immensely popular Gym City unit, which incorporates traffic safety, math and more.
Then SES Principal Eric Baird took notice of Wojehowski’s contributions to Sloatsburg Elementary via Mr. Woj’s popular gym programs.
“He works diligently to design and implement high-quality learning activities that cognitively engage students in the exploration of content,” said Principal Baird. “Working closely with Ken over the last four years, I have been extremely impressed with his high level of professionalism, leadership qualities, and sincere dedication to his profession.”
NYSAHERD President Lisa Sherman said Mr. Wojehowski is an easy-going colleague who has a “true passion for kids and physical education.”
“It’s a high honor from our organization to be nominated; we hold our recipients in very high regard,” Sherman said.
Photo of Ken Wojehowski and other information courtesy of Jennifer Citrolo, Ramapo Central School District.
Caption: Sloatsburg Elementary School physical education teacher Ken Wojehowski will receive two awards at the November 2013 NYSAHPERD Conference: Elementary Teacher of the Year and Amazing Person Award for the Catskills Zone that also includes Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.
