Mrs. Dawn Turpin-Orgetas, National Board Certified Physical Education Teacher
Grade/Subject: K-6th Elementary Physical Education
Oak Grove Elementary School
40 Kerr Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: 845-298-5280
Fax: 845-298-5270
Email: dawn.turpin@wcsdny.org
Welcome 2026-2027 School Year
Hello, my name is Dawn Turpin-Orgetas, one of the physical education teachers here at Oak Grove Elementary School. I received the South Eastern Zone NYS AHPERD Elementary Teacher of the Year 2023
There is a traveling PE teacher named, Abbey Stowell that will teach some classes on Days 1 and 4-Mrs. Cannizaro (3rd), Mrs. Berwick (1st) and Mrs. Schrager's (2nd) Grade Classes. I am looking forward to a great 2026-2027 school year. This year I will be going into my 27th year teaching in this school district. I became a National Board Certified Teacher 2013 and recertified in November 2023. I will recertify again November 2028. 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 26 years I have been one of the physical education teacher here at Oak Grove. During the 2005-2007 school 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. In 2023, I received the SEZ Physical Education Teacher of the Year.
I help run the Town of Wappingers Gymnastics program at Oak Grove on Saturdays in March, April and first of May. I became an online fitness coach in 2012 with Beachbody.com. I grew up in Radford, Virginia (southwest portion of the state), and received my bachelors and master’s 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.
Mission For The Class
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.
updated: 9/2026