Kelly Orlando loves teaching art at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School (CHES). The April Staff Spotlight recipient brings an amazing smile and a positive vibe to school every day.
“I love seeing the kids take ownership over those own creative ideas and I love celebrating with them when it all finally comes together – especially when the process involves some bravery and grit,” said Orlando. She also spends countless hours every year setting up and transforming the school for the annual Family Game Night and Art Show held in March. It is an opportunity to display all the amazing artwork that the students create in her class.
“She gets visibly excited about the project her students are working on,” said Kyle Manfredonia, CHES preschool teacher, who nominated Orlando as this month’s Spotlight recipient. “Her positive outlook is contagious to those in her presence which helps to create a positive atmosphere.”
Orlando has taught art to grades Pre-K through five for the past nine years and takes her work seriously, with a touch of humor added in. “I feel like my job is to expose the students to the awe and wonder of art making, art history, and artists; to give them the tools and the time to experiment; and to hopefully, build confidence in the process,” noted Orlando. She added that she also teaches many life skills, such as working together and cleaning up after a project, including doing the dishes! Her personal mantras.“I have never been in an accident that was my fault,” and “I’m going to Target but I’m not going to spend very much,” is a testament to her humorous side.
Her creative mind ever engaged, Orlando says if she were not a teacher she’d be an interior designer. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, Dan, her two-year-old daughter, Isla (pronounced eye-la), and the family’s two large dogs. Her favorite activities are library time, home projects, hiking or running, watching movies, and traveling to new places. “We have both sets of grandparents in town and they babysit a lot, a life saver!” says Orlando who would like to visit Europe someday.
“She is always willing to help and make one feel that they are heard and important,” addes Manfredonia. “She is an incredible colleague, an even better teacher, and a great role model in our school.”