Golden Apple Award: Congratulations to Kristen Malecki!

Henrietta, N.Y. (WROC)— Congratulations to our first Golden Apple Award winner of the school year, Kristen Malecki! Malecki is a second-grade teacher at Winslow Elementary in the Rush-Henrietta School district.

Malecki was nominated by the Hochreiter Family. Lauren had Miss Malecki as a teacher 4 years ago and her family was very excited when they learned her younger brother would be in her class this year.

“She would set up a lot of fun stuff for us, gave us extra recess and just be nice”, Lauren says.

Mom, Kara Hochreiter says, “We couldn’t have wished for anything better because we know how special she is.”

They nominated her for a Golden Apple Award because of the extra effort she makes for each and every student.  “My son and my daughter are completely different learners, and she took the time to really figure out what motivates them and to encourage that and it is beautiful to see because everyone learns differently, and she is very aware of that,” says Hochreiter.

Principal Jennifer Tomalty adds, “Miss Malecki is a dynamic and exceptional second grade teacher.  She makes such great relationships with her students, and it is just a joy to see her in the classroom every day.”

This is Miss Malecki’s 7th year teaching.  She is following in her mom’s footsteps.  She says, “I am one of three and we are all teachers, so she was a big influence on me and my life.”

She hopes the work she does in the classroom will have a big impact on her students.  Malecki says, “I look at them holistically to see how they are growing, and I try to help them as much as I can.  They are just a fun bubbly age that I like to work with.”

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