NAME:
Mrs. Dawn Turpin-Orgetas
SCHOOL:
Oak Grove Elementary School
GRADE LEVELS:
Kindergarten-Fifth Grade
SCHOOL PHONE:
Oak Grove 845-298-5280
Hello, my name is Dawn Turpin-Orgetas, the physical education teacher here
at Oak Grove Elementary School. I am looking forward to a great 2009-2010
school year. Two years ago I received the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber
of Commerce Forty Under 40 “Shaker Award”. Well over 100 nominations
were received from across the Hudson Valley. This award is to those who have
made remarkable strides in the community, have a vision for the region’s
business future, are business savvy beyond their years and have the passion
to take the risks to make their dreams happen.
This year I will be going into my 10th year teaching in this school
district. My first year in the district I taught health at Roy C. Ketcham
High School. I was also an assistant track coach, SADD advisor, health
tutor, and a chaperone for the school. My second year in the district, I
taught elementary physical education and adaptive physical education at
Gayhead Elementary School and Oak Grove Elementary School. My third year, I
taught elementary physical education and adaptive physical education at
Gayhead, Myers, and Oak Grove. The last six years I have been the physical
education teacher here at Oak Grove. During the 2005-2007 year I was the
Head Gymnastics Coach for Roy C. Ketcham High School and received the
Poughkeepsie Journal's Gymnastics Coach-of-the-Year and Section 1 Coach of
the Year. During the summer, I coach group 12 at the Ketcham Gymnastics
Camp and Diamond Gymnastics. Starting on Saturday, January 4, 2010 from 10-
12 pm I help run the Town of Wappingers Gymnastics program at Oak Grove
Elementary School.
I grew up in Radford, Virginia (southwest portion of the state),
and received my bachelors and masters degree in physical and health
education at Radford University. I have been involved in athletics my whole
life, particularly gymnastics which helped me receive a scholarship in my
hometown.
One might ask why I chose Dutchess County with my southern accent (that I
may never get rid of). The first reason was I had to get out of the city I
had lived in all my life and to experience something different. The second
reason was because my husband is a Poughkeepsie native and I decided this is
where I belong.
I strive at giving positive encouragement to assist students in attaining
their goals. I want to make a difference in the lives of our children. I
really look forward to teaching physical education every day. I am thrilled
to be the physical education teacher here at Oak Grove. The students I have
at Oak Grove always brings a smile to my face everyday. I love seeing the
children have fun while learning the fundamentals of life.
