Chuck Ochocki, Principal at Stillwater Junior High School, has been recognized as the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principal’s (MASSP) Minnesota Middle Level Principal of the Year.

Ochocki has been SJHS’ principal since 2010 and was an Assistant Principal two years before that. Apart from being a key player in the school’s administration, he organizes smaller things, like transition programs for new students. Ochocki even has his own advisory class, a short period before the normal school day where students check in with their advisor and have time for homework and questions.

Ochocki’s willingness and approachable attitude is what students and peers of Ochocki believe makes Ochocki a deserving candidate of the MASSP award.

“He was a very outgoing principal, always willing to talk about things. I talked with him a few times in the halls, he was really cool. It was nice to having a very approachable principal,” said senior Tyler Malmberg, a previous student of Ochocki’s.

Ochocki was surprised himself to find out he was nominated and recognized for the MASSP award.

“A colleague nominated me, and that says something about the people I work with. I can’t do any of this— my job [as a principal]— without my staff,” said Ochocki.

Ochocki, parent of two young children himself, strives for an environment in his school where he would be comfortable putting his children in.

“I believe we can help kids make good choices. And when I think about how to run a school, I think of a place where I would be comfortable sending my kids to. What does the principal do there? Things like that,” said Ochocki.

Andrew Smith, Language Arts and Video Production Teacher and colleague of Ochocki, shared kind words regarding Ochocki’s award and leadership skills. Smith has worked alongside Ochocki for years and appreciates the work and decisions Ochocki makes.

Smith said, “[Ochocki] is big about students and faculty being safe.”

Most every previous student of Ochocki agrees that he does a wonderful job of staying connected to the school and being an able principal.

“Mr. Ochocki is a great guy and is always thinking of good things to do to better the school and the student’s experience,” said Malmberg.

Ochocki, a very humble and down-to-earth educator, had a few words to share about his views on beliefs and views of teaching.

“My philosophy is to try to be a parent in the building. I have an advisory class, I try to be connected. Honest communication [with my students and colleagues] is best,” said Ochocki.

Smith elaborated on the positive things Ochocki brings into the school apart from being a typical principal and educator.

“A lot of principals don’t get in the classroom. He does. He’s a good guy, really open to change. He’s been supportive of me getting time out of school to go to conferences and learn. That’s something that most principals don’t do,” said Smith.

Ochocki shared his kind thoughts about how he views the school and chooses how to run it.

“I wouldn’t ask someone to do anything I wouldn’t do. I just try to treat everyone with respect, because I really like who I work with and this group of kids,” said Ochocki.

It came as no surprise to students and staff that deserving Mr. Ochocki had won such a prestigious award. For an educator that is connected to the school and strives to make it a better place, Ochocki definitely deserved it. Ochocki continuously finds ways to serve his school and keep it running smoothly.