Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD
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- Kenmore Town of Tonawanda UFSD
- Overview
Ken-Ton Physical Education Teacher Earns Statewide Distinction
Congratulations to Heather Ratka, physical education teacher at Hoover Elementary School, who won statewide recognition for her contributions to health, physical education and wellness in the Ken-Ton School District.
Each year, the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance distinguishes a handful of professionals from throughout the state with its Amazing Person Award. This award honors professionals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing K-12 health, physical education and wellness programs. Heather was the award-winner for the Western Zone of the state and received the award on Nov. 17 at the NYSAPHERD annual conference in Verona, NY.
In addition to her role as an elementary school PE teacher, Heather has been instrumental in helping schools make significant investments in physical education and wellness. She led the district’s efforts to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars through a multi-year Carol M. Wright Physical Education Program (PEP) grant which helped fund things like snowshoes, heartrate monitors, and other valuable tools for physical education. She also chaired the district’s Wellness Committee for many years, making wellness activities a priority in schools.