School Principal

Dr. Kevin Hajduk sitting in a chair

Dr. Kevin Hajduk

Dr. Kevin Hajduk is a graduate of South Plainfield High School where he excelled in wrestling, cross country, and various clubs. Born in South Plainfield, Dr. Hajduk holds an Ed.D. with distinction in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University, in addition to an Ed.S from Seton Hall University, an M.A. in Educational Technology from New Jersey City University and a B.S. in Special Education/Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University. Prior to assuming the position of Principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School, he served at South Plainfield High School and Roosevelt Elementary School as a Special Education teacher and at the Middle School as an Assistant Principal and Principal for eight years. He also coached three sports: wrestling, cross country, and spring track.

Dr. Hajduk has received numerous honors and awards, including the New Jersey City University Distinguished Alumni Award and the NASA Sun/Earth Connection Outstanding Achievement Award for his outstanding record of achievements in science, innovation, and higher education policy. Dr. Hajduk was the recipient of the New Jersey Center for Tourette's Syndrome's 2013 Educator of the Year Award. The award recognized Dr. Hajduk's commitment to making a difference in the lives of students with Tourette Syndrome and associated neurological disorders. Dr. Hajduk has presented various educational initiatives with NASA scientists as a NASA Master Teacher in Alaska, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Arizona, Utah, and South Carolina.

Goals:

Among my main objectives as Principal of John F. Kennedy School this year, I plan to embrace the vision that all children can learn, given the opportunity and programs to succeed. I will continue to be an inspirational leader, who is committed to the continual improvement and educational excellence of all individuals at John F. Kennedy School. I will have high expectations for the students and staff at Kennedy School and plan to continue to analyze ways to improve the instruction and learning of each student and staff member in the school.

It is my belief that by building a foundation at the elementary school level, all children will be heading towards being prepared to be world-class citizens ready to master the challenges of the 21st Century in their later years of education. At Kennedy School, the students will be nurtured in an environment that fosters learning in a safe place and is supportive of all levels of achievement.

When I am not at school, I enjoy traveling, watching sports, coaching Little League and Soccer and spending time with my beautiful wife, Angela, and four children-- Joseph, Anthony, Lorenzo, and Giavanna.

908-754-4620 ext. 5610