Patricia (Connors) Fry, G ’99, the Massachusetts Principal of the Year and a finalist for the national title, visited Professor Phyllis Gimbel’s educational leadership class.
To get a sense of Ms. Fry’s talk, see the Q and A below.
Here is a recent story about her selection as Principal of the Year:
Things have been looking up over the past decade for those working at or attending Plymouth South High School. The thanks goes in large part to Principal Patricia (Connors) Fry, G ’99, who has been recognized with the state’s Principal of the Year Award.
The Plymouth resident said she was encouraged by the recognition, but was quick to credit her colleagues and the Plymouth South community at large.
“The school has come a long way thanks to my entire staff and the students,” she said. “I always say they make me look good.”
Ms. Fry’s tenure at the helm of the school includes a highly successful accreditation process last fall by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, as well as a rise in test administrations, increased student course selection (including a jump in the number of advanced placement classes offered), and a general improvement in the school’s culture.
The Principal of the Year designation recognizes principals who demonstrate exemplary skills in instructional leadership, school safety and the fostering of collaboration. It is presented annually by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators' Association.
Ms. Fry was presented with the award in Hyannis on July 29, and in September was recognized in Washington, D.C.
In addition to praising her staff and the students of Plymouth South, Ms. Fry spoke highly of Bridgewater, where she obtained her masters in educational leadership.
“I enjoyed the program, the professors were fantastic,” she said.
Ms. Fry lives with her husband, Scott, and son, Cooper. She said the philosophy she and the teachers and administrators at Plymouth South High espouse is simple.
“We do the best for the kids. That’s always our priority,” she said.
It seems to be working.
(Story by John Winters, G ’11, University News; Classroom photo and Q & A by Paul Cincotta Jr., College of Graduate Studies)
