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A portrait of leadership: Meet the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year

As we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, it’s fitting to highlight Kelly Frycz—the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year—whose vibrant presence fills the halls of Sardis Elementary with warmth and enthusiasm. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Frycz's journey through education is not just a career; it’s a passion deeply rooted in her childhood experiences, artistic inclinations and family.

Early challenges and inspiration

“I was a student who talked a lot,” she reflects with a chuckle, recalling her school days. “I can remember every parent-teacher conference. They would always say, ‘Kelly is the sweetest girl, but she talks too much.’ I always tell my staff that when kids can’t stop talking, they should keep in mind that I was once that chatty student, too. Who would have thought my childhood chatter would land me a job where I get paid to talk all day?”

Frycz’s early years were not without challenges. She struggled with reading, entering third grade at a first-grade reading level. But she found solace in writing and poetry, captivated by their concise, powerful nature. “I was that kid who would flip through the pages to find out how many pages were in a book,” she laughed, “because then I’d find out if I wanted to read it or not.”

Her struggles with reading fueled her determination to support other children facing similar challenges. “Because I struggled so much, I wanted to ensure I helped intervene with that,” she shared. “When I became a teacher, my biggest weakness as a child became one of my best teaching strengths. I always wanted to find children who struggled like I did.”

The artistic viewpoint on education

Art has always been a cornerstone of Frycz’s life, seamlessly intertwined with her educational philosophy. “I’m an artist. I was always into the arts,” she recalled, reflecting on her musically inclined family background. Her mother is an artist, and her father, known fondly as “the singing doctor,” was a physician who blended his love for medicine with a passion for humor.

“He built one of the largest medical practices in Pennsylvania, but he was also known for his jokes and laughter. I do joke day every Tuesday here,” she shared, echoing her father's spirit. Frycz believes humor keeps students and staff engaged. “Laughter lightens the atmosphere, making it easier to connect and learn. When students feel comfortable and entertained, they’re more likely to participate and open up.”

After high school, Frycz pursued her love of art at college, earning degrees in art history and studio art. “I studied in Italy and dreamed of restoring Michelangelo’s work,” she reminisced.

During college, she faced the pressures of balancing her artistic pursuits with academic expectations. “There were days I’d be up all night working on projects, surrounded by canvases and paint. It was chaotic but so fulfilling.”

Art challenged her in ways she didn't expect, particularly during a semester where she had to create abstract pieces, which she found difficult. “It was hard not to have defined shapes or meanings, but it taught me to look at things differently, which I later applied in teaching.”

Discovering her calling

After helping her roommate with lesson plans during her senior year of college, Frycz experienced a pivotal moment. Her roommate encouraged her to take on the artistic elements of the lessons, sparking her fascination with engaging students in their learning. “I realized I love kids. I’m a giant child,” she admitted with a smile. “After I graduated, I went right back to school to get my education degree.”

Frycz believes teaching is an art form, a notion reinforced by her experiences as a student and artist. “Teaching is preparation and performance,” she explains. “It’s about how you control your voice and engage with kids; it’s art.” To keep strong connections with students and teachers, she regularly enters classrooms to teach lessons, ensuring she remains engaged with the work.

During her art studies, she learned to write backward and to view shapes from different perspectives. “Those artistic skills have greatly influenced my teaching,” she says. Recently, she modeled a math lesson for a third-grade teacher, effectively using her backward writing technique to show students how to approach problems from various angles. “The teacher asked me how I could do that,” she recalled with a smile.

Leadership with heart

In her role, Frycz creates an environment that prioritizes connection, respect, and, as mentioned previously, humor. “Respect is always a two-way street. If you respect me, I respect you,” she emphasizes. To create a comfortable atmosphere, she added, “I don’t want people to be scared to come to me. I want them to feel comfortable.”

This philosophy extends to her interactions with students as well. Frycz firmly believes that “children should not be burdened with adult expectations,” highlighting her commitment to recognizing each student as an individual.

Understanding that strong relationships are vital for a thriving school environment, Frycz prioritizes personal connections with staff and students. She engages in casual conversations to learn about their interests and experiences, which helps build trust and encourages open communication, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.

“For me, it’s about creating a family atmosphere,” she explains. “When students and staff know they can rely on each other, it creates a community where everyone feels safe to take risks and grow.” By actively listening to her team and students, Frycz cultivates a supportive environment that promotes collaboration and innovation.

Embracing the role of Principal of the Year

Frycz found her love for presenting during her father’s retirement party in the early 2000s, where she delivered a speech to more than 200 guests. This experience showed her how much she enjoyed connecting with an audience and sharing important messages. “I loved it! Being named Principal of the Year has given me amazing opportunities to present and share ideas with people I normally wouldn’t get to meet,” she shared.

Looking ahead, Frycz is excited to keep inspiring others. Recently, people have told her, “You should consider doing a TED Talk.” At first, she was surprised, but then she said, “What? That could actually be kind of fun!”

Her family dynamics also shape how she approaches her role as principal. Her sister, who is a scientist, often jokes about starting a podcast with her. They have very different personalities—Frycz is the loud and energetic one, while her sister is more serious. “I think this balance helps me understand how different people connect and communicate,” Frycz explained.

Frycz’s brother adds another layer to her perspective. “He’s a total introvert, but when he gets on stage, he transforms into a musician,” she noted. “It’s amazing how music can bring out another side of people.” This idea fits perfectly with her leadership style. She believes everyone has unique strengths waiting to shine.

Her most memorable moment as Principal of the Year was when she heard her name called. In that instant, her heart swelled with pride, thinking about how proud her father would have been. He had passed away the previous year and had always encouraged her to become a principal. As she recalls his words, “You can do anything you want to do if you set your mind to it,” Frycz reflected on the deep connection they shared and the legacy he left behind.

10/17/2024