Canterbury Communiqué A monthly online newsletter for the friends of Canterbury School
September 2014
Technological Innovations Poised to Inspire at Canterbury With the goal of transforming the way Canterbury approaches education, technology and innovation, Head of School Tony Paulus announced that Katrina Keene will serve as its new Director of Innovation. “Katrina’s exemplary technological skills and understanding of how technology and innovation can transform a learning environment are impressive,” said Head of School Tony Paulus. The need for a Director of Innovation is a position Canterbury has worked hard to achieve for almost two years. In 2013, the school received a $50,000 grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation, which enabled Canterbury to utilize the funds for professional development initiatives and technology. As a result, two consultants were hired to perform an extensive audit of the school’s technology and how it relates to teaching and learning. “As a result of the findings from the two consultants and the strategic plan we implemented, we brought our two consultants back in to write a job description for a Director of Instructional Technology,” said Paulus. Understanding the timing and importance of the position, Paulus encouraged Jake Spanberger, President of Entech, Canterbury’s outsourced IT department, and Jacqueline Lentini, Canterbury’s Intermediate and Middle School Director, to co-chair a search committee. “We have an advanced technology infrastructure at Canterbury, along with a strong desire from the faculty and staff to integrate technology into the curriculum. What we needed was someone with an educational background who could create a vision of that integration, develop educational uniformity across all our Pre-K through 12 grade levels and guide the educators and staff on how to do it,” said Spanberger.
“Katrina was just outstanding. Her resume was impeccable and her vision was articulated into a website that she created. The content of the website was so relevant to what we were looking for in this position that we immediately knew she was the one Canterbury should hire,” he added. As Canterbury’s technology service provider since 2010, Spanberger and his team at Entech plan to work closely with Keene, finding ways to infuse new technology into the classroom. “As Director of Innovation, this position will provide more of a pedagogical approach to teaching and truly affect the physical learning environment for our teachers and students,” said Lentini. Already at the forefront of innovation, Canterbury unveiled its state-of-the-art Cougar Den in April 2014, an active learning environment which serves as a “showcase of innovation” model for other schools. Also, included in the Pre-K-12 STEM project-based learning curriculum is a Science Discovery Center for Lower and Intermediate School students, as well as a FabLab for the Upper School. In hiring Keene to serve as the Director of Innovation, Canterbury is now prepared to take technology and innovation to the next level. During her interview, Keene remarked about the similarities she shared with Canterbury faculty and administrators regarding the school’s vision for technology integration, saying, “My vision is that the school has unity across all divisions. We need consistency when it comes to what technology is available to students whether they are in Pre-K or 12th grade. Secondly, I plan to bring admissions into the fold, possibly bringing iPads onto campus tours. Lastly, I want to create a Parent University that encourages parents to get involved with their kids when it comes to technology. It will serve as a place for parents to meet, participate in trainings and learn about online safety.” Understanding that students are already one step ahead when it comes to new technology, Keene plans to provide teachers with various training sessions to ensure their success in the classroom, saying, “Our teachers must look at their student audience and be on the same technological level; however, I don’t want them to be afraid to ask their students questions about a particular piece of technology.” “In regards to STEM, I foresee many apps and programs that students and teachers can use to increase engagement and excitement in the classroom. For instance, making a microscope for the iPad so that it can be used for science, a sphero ball to aid in engineering courses, or providing video reviews for students when they check out a book; the possibilities are endless,” said Keene. With the inclusion of Keene as Canterbury’s Director of Innovation, Paulus looks forward to the opportunities that will be made available to the Canterbury community, saying, “Katrina will help us innovate in the way we teach, the way we communicate and the way we utilize our technology for the benefit of the entire Canterbury community. I have no doubt that she will transform the technological landscape on our campus.”
Head’s Up
Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year, which promises to be busier than usual for a number of reasons: 1) our Board of Trustees has launched a search for our 14th Head of School, which should conclude by December; 2) throughout the year we will be celebrating Canterbury School’s 50th Anniversary; and 3) from March 1-3, 2015 we will have our five-year school evaluation conducted by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC). In addition to these landmark activities, we will be implementing in earnest two initiatives: our comprehensive commitment to technology under the leadership of our new Director of Innovation, Katrina Keene, as well as our Comprehensive Professional Development Program, which we spent all of last year developing. The 2014-2015 school year promises not only to be a busy one but a good one. We are off to the smoothest start in years. We have hired 15 new employees, and I expect this will be an impact class of employees. They include Karen Cox, Human Resources Manager (new position); Willie Eyre, Administrative Assistant to Athletics (new position); Peggy Fiala, Middle and Upper School Guidance Counselor; Jeri Goetz, Development Director; Michael Haughey, Middle School Science (for one semester as a long-term substitute for Diane Amundson); Rob Hiatt, Upper School English; Katrina Keene, Director of Innovation (new position); Brian Kopp, Upper School English; Mark Miller, Assistant Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, and Middle and Upper School Physical Education; Serhiy Pasishnyk, Upper School Chemistry; Oliva Pazos, Lower School Spanish; Jennifer Stephenson, Lower School Technology; Frank Turco, Athletic Director; Sarah Waldau, Upper School Learning Specialist (new position); and Drew Wright, Upper School Dean of Students. The focus of our returning and new faculty and staff members is on providing an outstanding education for our students, which will be enhanced this year with our expanded commitment to technology and the implementation of our comprehensive professional development program. In addition to being recognized as having the strongest academic program in Lee County, we are now gaining attention for our up-and-coming athletic program. Add to this our arts and extracurricular programs, and we have the recipe for a learning experience at Canterbury School where extraordinary truly does happen every day.
Canterbury in Pictures
This month’s photo gallery features pictures from the first day of school and Spirit Day! To submit your photos, please send them to socialmedia@canterburyfortmyers.org.
Canterbury in Pictures
To submit your photos, please send them to socialmedia@canterburyfortmyers.org.
Student Feature: Niki Singh ‘15
Expression of self, for me, was always through color, paint or speech. I never truly realized the weight that written words held until I was forced out of my comfort zone. When an individual’s accomplishments are molded together into a 250-word paragraph, there is a certain sense of depth and warmth within each line. Being able to create a beautiful image of a person through words is truly a remarkable art. This summer, I was fortunate enough to practice this art by aiding the incredibly talented Canterbury communications staff in their preparation for the upcoming school year. During my internship with Canterbury’s communication team, I was able to reach a better understanding of the communication field by being introduced to diverse experiences and opportunities. I spoke with and interviewed various board members, esteemed alumni and respected faculty members, to better understand their individual connections with Canterbury. As a student at Canterbury School for the past 14 years, I have always looked forward to being able to personally give back to the community that has served my family and me so well. Being able to work behind the scenes and contribute my talents, which were shared with the Canterbury community, was truly an amazing experience. The internship program is a remarkable opportunity for students to give back to their community, while learning firsthand about what the field of communication requires. I will cherish the memories, knowledge and insight gained from this experience for many years to come.
Why I Teach - Danielle Christensen
Teaching Background “I graduated from Florida State University in August 2008 and started at Canterbury on August 20 that same year. I actually started as a teaching assistant for Deb Blue, working with Pre-K children for three years. In 2011, I became a lead teacher here at Canterbury.” Why I Chose to Become a Teacher “My major in college was family and child sciences, so, originally, I did not plan to be a teacher. However, I participated in a guidance counseling internship with a kindergarten class at a college
preparatory school in Tallahassee and I loved it. I loved all of the smiles and hugs I received from the children.” Why I Chose to Teach at Canterbury “The first person I met was Chérie Gluhm. When I heard there was an opening at Canterbury, I came in to talk to her about it. I fell in love with the school because of her passion and vision for Canterbury. She talked about the team dynamic and how it is a community. I knew I could advance here.” What I am Most Excited About at Canterbury “Really, it’s the students. They put a smile on your face every day. They truly get me excited about teaching. When they’ve just discovered something new and I see that light in their eyes, and I know they get it, that’s what excites me.” How I Use Technology in the Classroom “The way we use technology is that we use Doc Readers for games and books. We often display interactive books on the Apple TV and use our iPads to listen to books. There is always an enrichment component to every lesson. They are becoming more tech savvy at a much earlier age now.” The Character of Canterbury “These students, at this age, are curious. They always want to know more. We often hear ‘why’ from many of our students, so curiosity is a big part of their learning experience right now.” Outside of the Classroom “When I’m not in the classroom, I’m spending time with my family. My husband and I have a six month old son so, much of our time is spent together. However, we do watch a lot of Seminole football and cheer on any Seminole sports team. Other than that, I enjoy spending time at the beach, and hopefully, in October, I can participate in a Mom’s Soccer League.”
Student Perspective
This month’s student perspective asks Lower School students in Jennifer Stephenson’s digital integration class what they like most about using technology in the classroom. Ella M. ’24 “My favorite part of technology is learning new apps and tools on the iPad.” Jimmy G. ’24 “Learning typing skills is challenging.” Caroline L. ’26 “There is so much technology to learn.” Brenden D. ’26 “Technology is a fun way for kids to learn.” Ainsley G. ’26 “Technology is fun and it educates you. When you begin, it is kind of hard but once you get used to it, you can learn a lot.” Josh B. ’26 “Loved the SKITCH app and learning how to use tools on the iPad.” Anders C. ’26 “Technology is sharing things you learn with others. It is learning new skills on the computer and iPads.”
Did you Know?
In celebration of Canterbury’s 50th anniversary, each month, Canterbury Communiqué will feature a “Did you Know?” section, providing an interesting, historical fact about the school. Did you Know? From 1965 to 1970, Canterbury was located on Royal Palm Avenue. Incorporating grades seven and eight in 1968, the population stood at 200 students. Due to the increased number of students, by 1969, Canterbury trustees began looking to relocate to its current location on College Parkway.
Why I Give to the Canterbury Fund
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and Melodee Morell are devoted members of the Canterbury Family with two sons, Trenton ’14 and Michael ’18. As Canterbury parents and members of the community, the Morell Family has given to the Canterbury Fund for 14 years. Here’s why: “We have been committed in our giving to the Canterbury Fund for 14 consecutive years. We give with the knowledge that our gifts make both an immediate and lasting impact to sustain the excellence of the school. We continue to give because it is a long-term investment in the success of the students. Excellence must be paid for. The contributions to the Canterbury Fund are an investment in the human capital, the true strength of Canterbury: its faculty, staff, coaches and administration. The Canterbury Fund also serves to enhance a positive learning environment. We are also committed to setting an example for the younger generation by demonstrating charity and philanthropy: the obligations of the educated. We want to show that giving back and helping others is one of life’s great satisfactions. We give to support the very tradition of giving back more than you take, reinforcing the core Canterbury values of character, citizenship and leadership. Supporting the Canterbury Fund enables Canterbury to continue to educate the fine young men and women who will be the future leaders of our world. We give because we take Cougar-pride in the accomplishments and successes of the extraordinary students and staff at Canterbury. Above all, we give because we care about Canterbury, its community and our amazingly exceptional students.”
Do you want to make a difference in your child’s education? You can with a donation to the Canterbury Fund! Every gift turns possibilities into realities, so donate to the Canterbury Fund today!
Upcoming Events
Founders’ Day – October 9 Mark your calendars for Founders’ Day on Thursday, October 9! To kick off Canterbury’s 50th anniversary, we invite you to join us as we take a walk down memory lane and celebrate this momentous occasion. When: Thursday, October 9, 8:30 a.m. Where: Hanno Dining Hall, Canterbury School RSVP: Lou Ann Ozboyaci at lozboyaci@canterburyfortmyers.org, or (239) 481-4323, ext. 213 Deadline to RSVP is Friday, October 3 Admission Open House – October 16 Invite your friends and neighbors to get to know Canterbury at our Admissions Open House. RSVP to the Admission Office at (239) 415-8945 or online at www.canterburyfortmyers.org. When: Thursday, October 16 at 8:30 a.m. Where: Lower School Main Office Cougar Athletics: Varsity Football Canterbury’s Varsity Football team takes on Southwest Florida Christian Academy at Canterbury’s Harper Field. Come out wearing your best blue and white Cougar apparel and support the Varsity football team! When: Friday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Harper Field, Canterbury School Cougar Athletics: Varsity Football (Homecoming) It’s Homecoming for Canterbury and we want you to come and support our Varsity Football team! Canterbury will take on Marco Island Academy at Harper Field on Friday, October 24! Wear your blue and white and cheer on the Cougars for a win! When: Friday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Harper Field, Canterbury School Canterbury Alumni: Homecoming Happy Hour The Canterbury School Alumni Association will host a Homecoming Happy Hour on Friday, October 24 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Shoeless Joe’s! This will be a wonderful opportunity for alumni to come together before the big Homecoming game against Marco Island Academy. All alumni are welcome as we will be networking, mingling and enjoying good food and drinks! When: Friday, October 24 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Where: Shoeless Joe’s RSVP: Nicole Allbritton at nallbritton@canterburyfortmyers.org, or (239) 481-4323, ext. 205 Deadline to RSVP is Friday, October 17
Stay Connected
As students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni, we know it is important for you to stay connected to Canterbury. From class projects to sporting events, to science experiments and theater plays, our students are always on the move and you want to know about it! Whether you “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, watch us on Instagram or connect with us on LinkedIn, we’ve got you covered when it comes to Canterbury news, contests, events and much more!