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Elevate with Spark! @ Catlin Gabel

Elevate with Spark! @ Catlin Gabel

By Rob van Nood

Big ideas, little projects and everything in between from Catlin Gabel teachers, students and administrators. Elevate is hosted by Rob van Nood & Matt Woodard.
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S2-E 6 “I Love Your Work": 16 years of artistic collaborations

Elevate with Spark! @ Catlin GabelJan 11, 2020

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S4-E1 An In-Person Homecoming: a conversation with Kate Williams and Da’Mon Perry

S4-E1 An In-Person Homecoming: a conversation with Kate Williams and Da’Mon Perry

With the approach of Homecoming, Catlin Gabel is transitioning back to the sporting events that are so special to our community. Part of that transition is the new team that is leading the CGS Athletic Program.  Rob and Matt sat down with Athletics Director, Kate Williams, and Associate Director of Athletics, Da’Mon Perry, to chat about their experiences, their beliefs about health and fitness,  and their vision for athletics.  Please enjoy this first episode of Elevate’s 4th season.

Every year we pick a theme to help shape the focus of our conversations.  And this year we have chosen one that seems to fit the world we are living in: transitions.

We hope you can join us every other week as we explore this theme through the stories, projects, and ideas from throughout the community

Sep 24, 202129:12
S3-E16 What Should We Keep? A year-end conversation with students
Jun 17, 202145:12
S3-E15 What Will Change? A conversation with Michele Hoang, Kenny Nguyen, Beining Hu & Traci Kiyama
Jun 11, 202101:12:41
S3-E14 How We Fit In: A conversation with 3 Asian and South Asian students
May 28, 202155:55
S3-E13 It's Gonna Take a Minute: A conversation with Damien Geter
May 14, 202148:10
S3-E12 What Do We Want To Hold On To? A conversation with educator Jodie Ricci
Apr 23, 202149:01
S3-E11. Join the Club: A conversation about a social media platform that connects
Apr 09, 202101:16:24
S3-E10 A Growth Mindset: A conversation with Alison Ward
Feb 26, 202144:02
S3-E9 Embracing the Imperfect: A conversation with John Harnetiaux

S3-E9 Embracing the Imperfect: A conversation with John Harnetiaux

As John Harnetiaux stepped into the role of Upper School Dean of Students this summer, after 4 years as the Director of Outdoor Education, he began to understand that it required many of the same skillsets that he had acquired over years of supporting students and teachers at Catlin Gabel and other organizations.  Rob and Matt sit down to talk with John about his new position, some of the work he did behind the scenes to help develop the Upper School schedule, how we can approach competing, and often opposite, goals or ideas, and how he is thinking about life with students as we envision a return to campus.

Feb 05, 202132:14
S3-E8 8th Grade Independent Art Projects: a conversation with Alex Juarez and Zoe Miner-Winter

S3-E8 8th Grade Independent Art Projects: a conversation with Alex Juarez and Zoe Miner-Winter

Since the 1940s  Catlin Gabel has put on a theatrical production of Not St. George each December.   This Middle School tradition is always accompanied by the rumor that this year it just might not happen.  Well, this year it really didn't happen.  Because of the hurdles remote learning placed in the way of such a large-scale production the 8th-grade team decided to shift gears and at the same time still give the students a chance to let their creativity shine.  In this podcast Rob sits down with Middle School music teacher Alex Juarez and 8th grader Zoe Miner-Winter to chat about the 8th Grade Independent Art Projects that revolved around the themes of justice, personal Identity, "envisioning the future", and "giving a gift". They talk about the project's inception, the creative process, and what was learned along the way.   The collection of work in these projects covers a wide variety of artistic mediums and includes original songs, paintings and drawings, responses to or reinterpretations of popular artistic works, crafts, woodwork,  vision boards, and creative action inspired by nature, sports, and family. Check out the link to the 8th Grade Independent Art Projects online gallery (sorry, only accessible for Catlin Gabel Community) https://sites.google.com/catlin.edu/8thgradeprojects2020/project-galleries

Jan 22, 202147:10
S3-E7 Focus on the Stories & the Big Picture: A conversation with students of the Environmental Action Committee
Jan 08, 202154:36
S3-E6 A Path Forward: A conversation about anti-racism with Tim Bazemore, Jasmine Love & Aline Garcia-Rubio

S3-E6 A Path Forward: A conversation about anti-racism with Tim Bazemore, Jasmine Love & Aline Garcia-Rubio

In September Catlin Gabel's leadership made a clear and decisive commitment to becoming an anti-racist school.  In this fifth episode focusing on anti-racism Head of School Tim Bazemore, Director of Inclusion and Outreach Jasmine Love, and Head of Upper School Aline Garcia-Rubio give a wide-ranging perspective of what that means at an institutional level.  With Rob and Matt, they explore the history of privilege at independent schools, what changes have occurred over the past decades, how the school is currently engaged in anti-racist work and what the vision for the school is as we move forward.  At a time when all institutions are grappling with issues of race, diversity, inclusion, and equity this episode gives listeners a chance to understand the kind of conversations and thinking that is happening at a high level at Catlin Gabel School.



Dec 18, 202051:26
S3-E5 Playful Possibilities: Stories about in-person learning in the preschool

S3-E5 Playful Possibilities: Stories about in-person learning in the preschool

While K-12 students are learning from home and interacting with their teachers through Zoom, preschool students at Catlin Gabel come in each day to learn and play in the Beehive and throughout the school's 67 acres. Classroom teachers Diana Post and Jennifer Pitts and Beginning School Woodshop teacher Steve Davee have a unique perspective on what it’s like to teach in-person during a time of remote learning. Rob and Matt sit down with these three new faculty members to learn a little more about them, hear stories about what the Marigolds and Sunflowers have been up to, explore how they manage the health protocols, and understand why they feel so lucky to be teaching on campus this fall.
Nov 13, 202046:01
S3-E4 You Can’t Opt Out: A conversation with the Anti-Racist Collective (ARC)

S3-E4 You Can’t Opt Out: A conversation with the Anti-Racist Collective (ARC)

Oct 30, 202001:11:56
 S3-E3 Having Space To Do Something Else: A conversation with Erica Babino
Oct 16, 202040:07
S3-E2 Lift Up The Voices: A conversation with Matt Woodard

S3-E2 Lift Up The Voices: A conversation with Matt Woodard

Most people know Matt Woodard as a go-to man when dealing with all manner of digital and audio issues.  But as Matt moves into his new role as Media Arts teacher in the Upper School Rob wanted to take the opportunity to chat with him so everyone has a chance to see some of the other great talents and perspectives he has to share with our community.  From his passion for music and art, to his transition from IT staff to teaching faculty,  to his experience of being a Black man at Catlin Gabel and the role and responsibility he sees an art teacher has to support the school's goal of becoming an anti-racist institution, this conversation allows us to get a deeper understanding of this multitalented educator.   

Oct 02, 202045:44
S3-E1 Teacher as BLM Activist: A conversation with Marcelle Donehower
Sep 18, 202045:59
S2-E20 Una Mirada Global al Coronavirus (a Global Look at the Coronavirus)
Jun 19, 202035:10
S2-E19 A Conversation With 4 Graduating Seniors

S2-E19 A Conversation With 4 Graduating Seniors

What does it feel like to be on the threshold of leaving the nest during a worldwide pandemic, an economic recession, and a large scale revolt against police brutality and centuries of systematic racism? The four graduating seniors I spoke with for this podcast were wary but shared a heartening level of optimism and positivity. As the Catlin Gabel class of 2020 prepares to graduate today in a ceremony on campus where they will see each other from the safe distance of their cars, I wanted to share the zoom conversation that I had this week with Aarushi, Sophie, Ezra, and Avery. We covered a wide range of topics: Missing friends, loving the little things, appreciating family life, improving remote learning, and how to take action in the world as they move forward. This is just a glimpse into the lives of 4 thoughtful, caring and insightful young adults but its a dedication to all the extraordinary graduates of this class. Congratulations class of 2020.
Jun 13, 202057:30
S2-E18 Exchange for Change: Students Bridging Urban & Rural Oregon

S2-E18 Exchange for Change: Students Bridging Urban & Rural Oregon

What happens when you bring together a group of students from the Portland metro area and a group from Josephine County in Southern Oregon for a two-week cultural exchange?  At a time when our country seems more and more factionalized the Exchange for Change program was devised as a way for urban and rural youth to spend a week in each distinct community to share perspectives, explore differences, understand similarities, and more than anything build connections and friendships.  Rob had the opportunity to share a zoom session with students Maia and Ashley, as well as Southern Oregon Exchange for Change leaders Jann Taylor and Adele Garcia and Portland Exchange for Change leaders George Zaninovich, Lindsay Babbitt & Krystal Wu. They shared what the program is all about and how its impact still reverberates a year later. Info for Exchange for Change on the PLACE website: http://www.thecenterpdx.org/place-summer-programs The College Dreams Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeDreams
May 23, 202045:36
S2-E17 Supporting Hearts & Minds During Tough Times

S2-E17 Supporting Hearts & Minds During Tough Times

We hear over and over how challenging our current situation is.  With work and school disrupted, and all of us feeling isolated in one way or another, issues of mental and emotional health are on everyone's minds.  In this week's two-part episode Rob brings together staff and faculty who play a central role in providing support for kids and families at Catlin Gabel.  In Part 1, Rob speaks with Jasmine Love (Director of Inclusion & Outreach),  George Zaninovich (Director of PLACE), John Harnetiaux (Director of Outdoor and Global Education Programs) and Lindsay Babbitt (Assistant Director of Outdoor Education) about trauma, the support they are offering students and families and what silver linings could come from all of this.  In Part 2 the school's counseling team Stephen Grant (Beginning/Lower School), Kristin Ogard (Middle School), Kate Grant and Casey Mills (Upper School) share how they are helping students and families in need and offer suggestions and tips that we all can take to heart.  
May 15, 202001:13:00
S2-E16 Living and Teaching in Flux: A conversation with Sharon Ravitch, PhD.
May 08, 202048:49
S2-E15 Life and Learning during Quarantine: a conversation with students and parents
May 01, 202001:16:04
S2-E14 It's Not Just About a Sunday in November: A Heritage Day Retrospective

S2-E14 It's Not Just About a Sunday in November: A Heritage Day Retrospective

In the last episode of Elevate, Rob had the chance to interview 3 teachers about their experiences during the quarantine.  This week he interviewed both students and parents for an upcoming episode,  One thing that was very clear from all those conversations is that people are missing and longing for connection to others.  So for this episode, he wanted to share an older interview that reminds us all of how Catlin Gabel brings people together.  On November 3rd Catlin Gabel hosted a celebration of heritage and culture in the Cabel Center.  It was more than just a festival dedicated to performances, traditional & indigenous fashions, art, and food. It was an opportunity to send the message that all are welcome in our community.  During this in-depth conversation with Haleah Blank (parent & Heritage Day Coordinator) and Mimi Sei (parent & PFA President), Rob explores what it means to feel welcome at Catlin Gabel and how the annual Heritage Day mirrors a growing understanding and need for inclusivity and diversity.   As we are all trying to find ways to stay connected in this time of uncertainty this conversation reminds us why Catlin Gabel is such a special place.
Apr 24, 202041:08
S2-E13 How Do We Get Through the Dark? An honest conversation with 3 teachers.

S2-E13 How Do We Get Through the Dark? An honest conversation with 3 teachers.

As Catlin Gabel ends its second full week of remote learning because of the Covid-19 pandemic Rob was curious about what kind of magic teachers were observing in their Zoom classes. He really wanted to share some examples that might inspire or motivate the community of teachers? But when he approached Upper School English teacher Krystal Wu, Middle School science teacher Berkeley Gadbaw and 5th-grade teacher Keli Gump none of them felt up to having that conversation. The conversation that did happen when they spoke remotely was much more raw and realistic about what it feels like to be a teacher at this unprecedented time.
Apr 11, 202039:38
S2–E12 Keep Calm and Pivot

S2–E12 Keep Calm and Pivot

As Catlin Gabel was making plans on how to react to the Covid-19 crisis the auction committee, headed by Events Director Gen Kady, had a big choice to make.  With the school moving toward remote learning, and the public being advised to do social distancing, should the school's largest fundraising opportunity be moved to another time, potentially the fall?  The decision to move to an online streamed event gave Gen's team less than 72 hours to pivot.  In this episode of Elevate Rob has the chance to sit down with Gen, as well as Director of Technology Daisy Steele and AV &Tech Support Specialist Matt Woodard to hear about how together with a whole team of Catlin staff, students and parents they made the unthinkable possible.   Auction links:  1.  Live Stream of the Event.  2. Catlin Gabel Events Page 3.  Upcoming Auction events & Raffle    Also, Please submit audio files of your experiences of joy, wonder, and delight to Elevate@catlin.edu or upload them to https://tinyurl.com/qosnuyq  Please include your name in the title of the clip.
Mar 21, 202033:06
S2-E11 Real-World Collaboration: a Student Run Non-Profit

S2-E11 Real-World Collaboration: a Student Run Non-Profit

When Rob started this series on collaboration he was really thinking about the idea in the context of teaching and learning at the school. The amazing thing about Catlin Gabel is that there are so many examples of collaborations that extend beyond the school itself. His guests on this episode demonstrate what real-world collaboration can look like in the hands of motivated and inspired students. Benjamin Olshin and Hazel Walrod tell the story of the non-profit Benjamin started two and a half years ago. Babies With Books has a clear and important mission: get books into the hands of parents whose children are in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at local hospitals and in doing so help support the kind of intimate connections that parents need to build with their newborns.
Babies With Books Website
Mar 06, 202025:33
S2-E10 Start-Up Camp Collaboration: A conversation with two Seniors

S2-E10 Start-Up Camp Collaboration: A conversation with two Seniors

In their freshman year, Britt Masback and Li Lambert both got involved in Founder's Weekend, a three-day entrepreneurial experience for high school students organized by then Catlin Gabel teacher Meredith Goddard. It was an experience that allowed them to create a non-profit that four years later is still running and has raised over seventy thousand dollars. Now seniors, the pair took on the heavy-lift this winter of organizing a similar event called Start-Up Camp. Rob had the chance to sit down with these two accomplished students and hear all about the event, how it has influenced their work in the world, and the role an entrepreneurial spirit plays across the campus. Enjoy this 10th episode on collaboration.
Some links: 1. GYE Website 2. Startup Camp Youth Portland 2020 Website 3. DRAFT Start-Up Guide
Feb 28, 202018:13
S2-E9 What Can the Preschool Teach Us?

S2-E9 What Can the Preschool Teach Us?

Rebecca Wirth & Brendan Clark are in their 6th year of collaboration as Catlin Gabel's Preschool teachers.  Having had a chance to work in their class on a weekly basis for the past 4 months I really wanted to sit down with them and hear what it takes to work so closely year after year.  At the same time, I wanted to explore how we might all learn from the youngest members of our community.  
Feb 07, 202032:14
S2-E8 The Crown Project: 3 first graders share insights

S2-E8 The Crown Project: 3 first graders share insights

After interviewing Sheri, Peter and Peggy for last week's "Light and Shadow" episode, Rob wanted to sit down with some first graders to hear their perspective of the project. Sitting down to talk with a group of seven-year-olds presents such a great view of what children remember from their experiences. Enjoy this eighth episode in the "Collaboration Series".

Jan 24, 202013:47
S2-E7 Light & Shadow: A collaboration that embraced the unknown

S2-E7 Light & Shadow: A collaboration that embraced the unknown

After being inspired by visual artist Olafur Eliasson Lower School science teacher Sheri Cocquio had a vision for a project with the first-grade class. She approached Lower School music teacher Peter Musselman and Lower School art teacher Peggy Schauffler to see if they would join her in a world of light and shadow. For this 7th episode in the "Collaboration Series," Rob sits down with these three teachers to hear about the project, how they worked together and what they uncovered along the way.
Jan 17, 202022:07
S2-E 6 “I Love Your Work": 16 years of artistic collaborations

S2-E 6 “I Love Your Work": 16 years of artistic collaborations

16 years ago, in her first year as the drama teacher in Catlin Gabel's Middle School, Deirdre Atkinson approached Middle School music teacher Mark Pritchard to see if he wanted to join forces on a theatrical production. After 103 productions Rob had the privilege of sitting down with both of them and hearing how they kept such a successful team together for so long. This is episode 6 in the ongoing collaboration series.
Jan 11, 202019:12
S2-E5 Outdoor Education: Building connections and skills

S2-E5 Outdoor Education: Building connections and skills

The Outdoor Education program at Catlin Gabel gives students and teachers unique opportunities to explore the natural world. In this 5th episode of the collaboration series, Rob sits down with Director of Outdoor and Global Education, John Harnetiaux, and Assistant Director of Outdoor Education, Lindsay Babbitt, to learn about how their partnership has focused on creating programs and opportunities that expose people to the wonders of our world and just as importantly develop vital skills and outlooks that are increasingly important for engaging in community.
Dec 06, 201926:09
S2-E4 American Studies: An Upper School Interdisciplinary Collaboration

S2-E4 American Studies: An Upper School Interdisciplinary Collaboration

As we head into a week where we celebrate a very American holiday, why not hear about the collaborative work that goes into teaching a very American class. Upper School teachers Amanda Lighthiser and Maureen Reed sit down with Rob to talk about their interdisciplinary American Studies class which they run together for 35 students. Learn the ins and outs of how they got the class started, how they run it and how their close relationship makes it all happen.
Nov 22, 201928:18
S2-E3 Art, Chinese and Wood Shop: A Lower School Collaboration

S2-E3 Art, Chinese and Wood Shop: A Lower School Collaboration

In this third episode of the "Collaboration Series", Rob chats with 3 Lower School teachers about a project that is seeing its second iteration this school year. Art teacher Peggy Schauffler, Chinese teacher Guimin Tang and Wood Shop teacher Ric Fry connected during the 2018-2019 school year to undertake a project that required all three of their specialized skills and passions. They share the process of their work together, their discoveries and how the school supported their ideas.
Nov 15, 201926:15
S2-E2 Art & Science: An Upper School Collaboration

S2-E2 Art & Science: An Upper School Collaboration

For episode one of Elevate’s second season, Rob sits down with Upper School science teacher Becky Wynne and
Upper School art teacher Chris Mateer to hear about their collaborative and integrated class called Structural Design
and Engineering. It’s the first in a multi-episode exploration on the topic of collaboration.
Nov 09, 201920:50
S2-E1 Poetry & Ecology: A Middle School Collaboration
Oct 22, 201921:50
S1-E13 Predicting the Stock Market: a senior’s project
Jun 12, 201916:13
S1-E12 Place-Based Science

S1-E12 Place-Based Science

In this episode of Elevate Rob sits down with science teacher Sheri Cocquio to explore how her passion for place-based education grew from her earliest years of teaching in her native Hawaii and how she translated that to her work with Lower School students here at Catlin Gabel School.
To explore the 3rd grade interactive GIS map of Oregon that Sheri mentions in the podcast follow this link:
arcg.is/0WW18f
This map (https://bit.ly/2Mygu3Y) was made by Sheri as a resource for teachers and students on the Wai’anae Coast to learn about the rich stories that live and breathe there. These are additional resources that Sheri recommends about place based education:
Place-based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities by David Sobel
Bringing School to Life: Place-based Education across the Curriculum by Sarah K. Anderson
Place-based Curriculum Design: Exceeding Standards through Local Investigations by Amy Demarest
If you have questions about this episode, are curious about this podcast in general or have people or topics you think we should cover in coming episodes please email us at vannoodr@catlin.edu
Jun 07, 201917:35
E1-E11 Can You Really Evaluate Participation?
May 31, 201919:51
S1-E10 Equity is Not a Program: Identity, Code-switching and The Center

S1-E10 Equity is Not a Program: Identity, Code-switching and The Center

In this episode of Elevate Rob sits down with Director of Inclusion and Outreach, Jasmine Love, and Coordinator of Multicultural Programs and Youth Partnerships, Kofi Obeng, to talk about the experience of being black at independent schools, code switching and how The Center has empowered students.
For more information about The Center check out their website
www.thecenterpdx.org or write to info@thecenterpdx.org Also listen to this broadcast from OPB bit.ly/2EBqnra where "students [from The Center], teachers and others in education talk about how race and racial identity are playing out – in curricula, class discussions and everyday life."
If you have questions about this episode, are curious about this podcast in general or have people or topics you think we should cover in coming episodes please email us at vannoodr@catlin.edu
May 25, 201917:46
S1-E9 Art of Storytelling: Making Space for Refuge Stories
May 20, 201915:04
S1-E8 Genius Hour Part 2: Chess in Equatorial Guinea
May 17, 201915:23
S1-E7 Genius Hour Part 1: Letting Students Decide
May 10, 201918:04
S1-E6 Democratizing Discussions with the Harkness Method
May 07, 201916:39
S1-E5 A Peak into the Upper School Learning Center
May 06, 201916:51
S1-E4 Reimagining Feedback for Writers
May 06, 201913:15
S1-E3 The 5th Grade Capstone Project Part 2: a student's perspective
May 03, 201913:33
S1-E2 The 5th Grade Capstone Project Part I
May 03, 201915:58
S1-E1 The Tree House Project
May 03, 201915:38