The Coyote Pride
Desert Heights Elementary Newsletter (June 2020)
Meet your New Principal
Introducing Mr. Frydman
Mr. Frydman is new to the Desert Heights Elementary staff this year. For the past 4.5 years, he served as an Executive Director of Special Education in the Washoe County School District. Prior to that, he served as principal of Helen Jydstrup Elementary School and Vail Pittman Elementary school in the Clark County School District. This is his 25th year in education in Nevada. Mr. Frydman graduated from Dominican College of Blauvelt in New York earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with certification in both elementary and secondary education. He holds a Master's of Education in Educational Technology from Lesley University and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. In September 2019, Mr. Frydman earned certification from Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy in Educational Leadership and Management.
Mr. Frydman's experience has been diverse and varied. He has taught 3rd and 4th grade, helped teachers embed technology into their instruction, trained teachers and administrators on effective literacy instruction and interventions, and have developed inclusive programming for students with disabilities. He is excited to bring his experience and love for students to the Desert Heights community. He is looking forward to working with the Desert Heights staff to build relation s with students and families, provide positive supports to all students and ensure learning and growth is happening at all grade levels.
In His Own Words....
Growing up in New York, I always struggled with school. Concepts did not come easily to me and I consistently underachieved in the classroom. It wasn't until a college professor took an interest in me and helped me find my love of learning. I went into teaching to help others find a love of learning. I found that I had an ability to relate and connect to students who struggle and help them find where their strengths may lie. I have worked with children and adults with disabilities from a very young age with the goal of helping them to be productive members of their communities. It is important for me to work with staff to create inclusive environments for our students with disabilities because when they have left the school district, they will not be living in a self-contained community. I also believe we need to embrace the diversity at our school to ensure that all of our students feel valued for who they are. II will be working with staff and families to ensure that our students who typically feel marginalized are provided every opportunity to succeed at Desert Heights Elementary.
Personally, I have 2 sons (twins), Ari and Noah who will be attending 6th grade next year. My son Noah has Down syndrome and my family is very active within the disability community in Nevada. My wife Lauren and I were one of the cofounders of the Las Vegas Learning Program where we partnered with educators and families to provide and share educational strategies, resources, and activities for learners with Down syndrome. My wife Lauren, is a school counselor at Kate Smith Elementary with over 20 years of service in education in Nevada.
I am really looking forward to to next year at Desert Heights whatever school might look like! All of the students, staff, and families make Desert Heights the special place that it is. I am excited to be part of your team and I can't wait to meet everyone.
Some of Mr. Frydman's Favorite Things:
Book: The Giver
Candy: Peanut M&M's
Drink: Sonic Diet Cherry Limeade
Food: Tacos
Hobby: Swimming
Movie: The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
Place to Shop: REI
Place: Yankee Stadium (NYC)
Restaurant: Johnny's Ristorante (Reno)
Echo & Rig (Sacramento)
Sport to Watch: Soccer
Team: Las Vegas Golden Knights
(All NY teams)
Vacation Spot: Lake Tahoe
Mr. Frydman's Favorite Quotes:
"If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort and keep on learning."
Carol Dweck
Albert Einstein
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
Zig Ziglar
“If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
Moshe Dayan
“If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.”
Anita Koddick
Desert Heights Elementary School
Website: https://www.washoeschools.net/desertheights
Location: 13948 Mount Bismark Street, Reno, NV 89506, USA
Phone: 775-677-5444
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DHESWASHOESCHOOLS/
Twitter: @heightsdesert