He may have excelled in wrestling, cross country and educational leadership in high school and college, ,and he may have received Distinguished Award for achievements in science, innovation and higher education. And now he is principal for nearly ten years at the John Kennedy School in South Plainfield.
But make no mistake about it. Dr. Kevin Hajduk is most at home when he is surrounded by the first to fourth graders in the school who obviously love this leader who blends kind reminders of courtesy and understanding with gentle admonitions that discipline is still vitally important.
A graduate of South Plainfield High School, Dr. Hajduk earned his doctorate with distinction in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall, where he also earned his ED.S. He also holds a masters in Educational Technology from New Jersey City University and a BS in special education from East Stroudsburg University. Before coming to the Kennedy school he was also a special education teacher at Roosevelt Elementary and South Plainfield High and Assistant principal and principal at the Middle School where he was also a special education teacher. He also coached teams in wrestling, cross country and spring track.
But his love for his work, his students, and their excellence is evident at every event or every encounter a youngster in this first through fourth grade school has with their principal.
As is evidenced at the school’s recent celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Hajduk is also a staunch patriot and a resolute and stanch reminder to his students of how important it is to respect and honor not only their nation but the veterans who have helped make it the country it is today.
Each year on Veterans Day, students are invited to bring veterans to a special assembly in which both the student and his veteran are honored. The entire school celebrates Veterans Day throughout the day with the assembly program starting it off. As veterans come into the gym, the students all stand an applaud them as they make their way to special seating in the front of the room. Dr. Hajduk welcomes them all, and the students, led by Student Council secretary Alexis Tsivikis say the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by special greetings to the veterans by student council co-presidents Radley Vega and Alexis Chin. Student Council vice president Stella Booth then explains the meaning of Veterans Day and student officers Callista Cohen, Bradley Kalthoff and George Yates place a wreath at the podium to honor each of the guests.
Violet Parada gives a student address to thee veterans before each stands and acknowledges his or her branch of military service.
Throughout the ceremony and the year, Dr. Hajduk reminds students of the importance of veterans and urges them to always approach a veteran, with the permission of their parents, to thank them for their service. He spoke to the students about the commitment of veterans, urging them to follow their example in their commitment to family, school, and friends.
“I am proud to serve as the Principal of John F. Kennedy School,?” the principal said. “With over 25 years of experience in the South Plainfield School District, I remain deeply committed to the success and well-being of every student in our school community.”
He expresses his belief in what children can achieve “when provided with the right opportunities, support, and high expectations. This year, my focus is on broadening the experience of every student and ensuring that each child is not only challenged academically, but also supported socially and emotionally to reach their fullest potential.” The principal noted he will continue to foster a school culture rooted in respect, inclusivity, and a love of learning, where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered.”
Dr. Hajduk also praised his staff and the students themselves who “work together to create a safe, nurturing environment where learning is meaningful, engaging, and prepares every student to become compassionate, confident, and capable citizens of the 21st century.”
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