Principal Kenyatta Frederick started her career as a teacher in 1998 at Cobb’s former Harmony-Leland Elementary School. She helped students succeed at Harmony-Leland for more than a decade. In 2016, the veteran Cobb educator was appointed assistant principal of Powder Springs Elementary School, where she served until being named the school’s new principal in October 2020.  

Question: Why are you excited about continuing to serve the Powder Springs Elementary School community?

Answer: “I am excited about serving as the principal of Powder Springs Elementary because of the opportunity to ensure a positive school experience for the children, families, the staff, and the community. 

I served four years as the assistant principal at Powder Springs, under the leadership of a phenomenal servant leader. We successfully implemented a positive school experience for our students through Arts Integration. Arts Integration is an approach to learning where students learn curriculum standards simultaneously with art standards. 

When you walk into Powder Springs, you will see students immersed in the creative process that connects the arts, authentic learning, and student engagement. It is critically important for students to be engaged, so Arts Integration is the vehicle we use to get students excited about learning. 

I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to provide a positive learning experience for students. None of which is possible without our outstanding teachers, parents, and the community as they continue to invest in making sure that children are thriving.” 

Question: What does student success look like for you? 

Answer: “The true measure of student success is how well students are prepared for life. As educators, we must address the ‘whole child.’ The Whole-Child approach to teaching supports and nurtures all areas of children's development and learning from social-emotional to academics. Kids need to feel safe and empowered at school. When we address these areas of development, all kids will thrive academically.” 

Question: What do you like most about being an educator? 

Answer: “My favorite memory as an educator is in the classroom with the kids. There is an amazing synergy that happens at school between teachers and students. Some of my favorite memories involve the light bulb moment for kids. When their eyes light up, or they say, ‘I get it!’ Those are the moments that keep me coming back every day.” 

Question: Outside school, where might students, parents, or staff members run into you? 

Answer: “Outside of school, you will find me supporting my family at sporting events. We are a big sports family, and we love football, basketball, wrestling, and track. Besides sports, I enjoy reading and engaging in creative activities.”