Ann Deneroff
Jennifer Krolak
BY ERIC HOSHAW
Two Trenton Public Schools educators, Ann Deneroff and Jennifer Krolak, were recently recipients of the district’s Golden Apple Award.
Deneroff, curriculum/technology director for TPS, and Krolak, resource room teacher at Anderson Elementary School, were nominated by the staff of Arthurs Middle School and Douglas Mentzer, principal of Anderson Elementary School, respectively.
The purpose of the Golden Apple Award is to recognize an outstanding contribution of time, talent and effort by a school employee and/or school volunteer in support of the students, parents and staff of the Trenton Public Schools. Some of the qualities of the nominee may include a positive attitude, dedication, dependability, self-motivation and helpfulness.
Deneroff was recognized due to how she approaches each and every situation with professionalism, integrity and passion, in order to do what is best for students. She has been the driving force behind many district initiatives, including accreditation, professional learning communities, focused professional development, K-3 literacy and common/benchmark assessments.
Her nominators described Deneroff as a positive role model for others who displays the utmost integrity and discretion with all stakeholders. She seeks fairness and equity for all students district-wide. Deneroff ensures that all students are granted the same opportunities. She is open and reflective on staff input. In addition, many staff members look to her for professional advice and view her as a mentor.
Deneroff demonstrates the qualities of a lifelong learner by continuously reflecting on district practices and looking for ways to evolve instructional practices in order to engage students and increase their learning. She is a researcher by nature and consistently researches new methodologies and provides strategies of implementation that support their success. Her inner teacher is evident in how she models what great teaching/leadership looks like, and inspires her co-workers to be better.
Deneroff’s 41-year commitment to Trenton Public Schools as a teacher, elementary curriculum director, principal and district curriculum director has been a driving force to the success and future success of the district.
Mentzer’s nomination of Jennifer Krolak said she is a positive representative of the district because she goes above and beyond in terms of school improvement, staff development and as Watch Dogs chairperson. As a positive role model, she strives to help others by taking the lead, volunteering in extra-curricular activities and mentoring young teachers in a selfless manner.
Krolak works well with others and seeks new ideas and methods by going to conferences during the summer months and participating as an active member in the Twitter community. Krolak is self-motivated due to the fact that she offers to help every child in every way possible; she stays late every day and “brings it home.”
“Jennifer Krolak is the ultimate professional,” Mentzer said. “In a nutshell, she puts the kids first, no matter what. We are very thankful to have her in our building and on our team.”
Krolak has proven to be a positive role model for staff and students in her effort to watch dogs and has continued to make Anderson Elementary School great, improving community relations immensely.