Mrs. Danuta Trocki-Smith
Grade 8 Homeroom, Grade 7 Science, Transitional I Math

Mrs. Trocki-Smith is a graduate of the College of Education from Pennsylvania State University. She substituted in the School District of Philadelphia and then spent two years teaching a studies skills program at colleges and private schools in the South. She was employed by Sears and Roebuck in managerial positions for over ten years. Upon the birth of her children, she remained at home raising her two sons. She returned to education in September of 1997 as a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help School faculty. During her tenure at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School she has taught grades 5 through 8. She has taught Science to grades 5th through 8th. She currently is the 8th grade homeroom teacher, 7th grade Science and the Transitional I Math teacher.

In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Trocki-Smith is also the Science Coordinator for the school, co-moderator for the school yearbook, and the chairperson for the Middle States Steering Committee for the school’s reaccreditation in 2005.

Mrs. Trocki-Smith is a member of NCEA (National Catholic Educational Association), West Jersey Reading Council, NSTA (National Science Teacher’s Association), and the Maple Shade Community Alliance. She attends conferences and workshops sponsored by these organizations to keep abreast in the areas of science and education.

Mrs. Trocki-Smith is a volunteer evaluator for the Middle States Association sharing her professional expertise as a member of a visiting team evaluating schools seeking accreditation for the association.

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Education – Pennsylvania State University
Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling - Pennsylvania State University

Certification:
Grades K-8 – State of NJ

Catechist Certification:
Diocese of Trenton

Parish Activities:
Mrs. Trocki-Smith is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish where she is a Lector. She also co-directs the Altar Server program.

I believe that as a Catholic educator it is my responsibility to prepare students academically and spiritually. I see my role as a guide helping students to reach their potential and strive for even more. I firmly believe that all students can be successful, and this would entail not just the basics in being able to read and write, but being able to apply what they have learned to situations they will encounter throughout their lives.

I believe that in a Christ-centered environment, students are given an opportunity to develop their moral and ethical backgrounds. Through this students are prepared to look beyond themselves and to care for others in the world community.