Comet Connections

Don Schenz - Director of Curriculum and Instruction
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Coventry Local Schools is a place built upon positive relationships and networking. These are skills that we have built into our "Journey of a Comet" via communication and collaboration. These core values are things that we strongly believe will push our student to future success. We'll use this podcast to share out many of the 'relationships' that are fostered within our schools - betweeen students, teachers, administrators, OAPSE and community stakeholders - that make Coventry such a wonderful place!

  1. JAN 30

    Elementary STEM with Chris Lorence and Mike Staiger

    Welcome back to another episode of Comet Connections, where we celebrate the people, programs, and passions that make Coventry Local Schools such a special place to learn and grow. Today’s conversation takes us into the heart of elementary STEM, and honestly, into the heart of what it means to go above and beyond for kids. We’re thrilled to be joined by two individuals whose fingerprints are all over the success of our district’s passion for STEM Learning — elementary STEM teacher Mrs. Chris Lorence and behavior specialist Mr. Mike Staiger. Chris has been a proud Comet since 1993, and Mike joined our team in 2005. Between the two of them, they’ve worn just about every hat imaginable — from elementary to middle school, from classrooms to coaching fields, and from clubs to leadership roles that extend far beyond the school day. What truly sets them apart, though, is their shared belief in creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students. Together, they have elevated our elementary STEM program through the creation of a Maker’s Space and the Green Thumb Club, giving students ownership over real-world learning experiences like hydroponics, cultivation, and food production. These aren’t just activities — they are experiences that build responsibility, curiosity, and confidence in our kids. What often goes unseen is the time and commitment behind this work. Chris and Mike come in early, stay late, and pour countless hours into making sure students have access to opportunities that spark interest and open doors for the future. They are helping set the tone for Coventry’s strong emphasis on STEM learning, paving a road to success that will benefit our students for years to come. The impact of what they’ve built is immeasurable, and the example they set — of passion, collaboration, and selflessness — is one our entire district is proud to follow. We are incredibly lucky to have educators like Chris Lorence and Mike Staiger on our team, and even luckier that our students get to learn from them every day. So kick back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Comet Connections as we dive into a conversation with two Comets who are shaping the future of Coventry in powerful and lasting ways.

    41 min

  2. 10/15/2025

    Season 3 Episode 2 with Miss Bowser and Mrs. Zielinski

    Welcome back to another episode of Comet Connections, where we shine a light on the incredible people who make Coventry Local Schools such a special place. Today, we’re heading down to the heart of our elementary classrooms to talk with two of our brightest young educators — first grade teacher Paige Zielinski and third grade teacher Kylie Bowser. Both Paige and Kylie joined the Comet family less than two years ago, fresh out of the University of Akron, and from the very first day, they brought an energy that you could feel throughout the building. Their positivity is contagious, their care for kids is genuine, and the love they pour into their classrooms every single day has made a lasting impact on our students and families. Whether it’s watching Paige spark creativity through some incredibly unique lessons, or seeing Kylie’s passion come to life when she’s reading stories to her classroom — it’s clear that both of them live with the same joy and curiosity they inspire in their students. We often say Coventry is a family, and educators like Paige and Kylie remind us exactly why. Their warmth, their enthusiasm, and their dedication to our kids represent the very best of what it means to be a Comet. Beyond the walls of Coventry, we are not just dealing with two amazing teachers but two amazing people. Their rock solid beliefs and integrity make them wonderful role models to our kids. When they are not teaching, you can find Paige enjoying creating crafts or traveling and Kylie would be riding a bike, shopping or reading! Again, I will reiterate how very lucky I feel to have met these two young ladies as they were finishing up their schooling at the University of Akron and play a small role in recruiting them to Coventry. There is no doubt in my mind when you hear them talk you will understand why it is virtually impossible for our students to have a bad day when they are surrounded by the warmth and compassion that these two offer every day they come to work… We want to express our sincerest thanks to Paige and Kylie for what they are doing day in and day out to shape the future of Coventry into the masterpiece that they are. We are excited to talk with them today but more importantly just lucky to have them on our team every day… so kick back, relax and enjoy the newest episode as we dive into today’s conversation with two of Coventry’s rising stars — Paige Zielinski and Kylie Bowser!

    29 min

  3. 09/15/2025

    Season 3 Episode 1 with Talia Pavlich

    Hello everyone and welcome back to our first episode of our new Season 3 of Comet Connections. In this episode we are super excited to have a conversation, and welcome back an alumni, with our new Middle School Assistant Principal Talia Pavlich. We cannot wait for all of you to have the opportunity to hear from this amazing educator. Last year, Talia was teaching English and Language Arts in the Green Local School District. I can say first hand what an incredible impact she has made in just the short time she has been here and cannot wait for her to share some of her background, insight and knowledge with all of our listeners. There have been a lot of signs since adding Talia to our Coventry team that we have found a perfect fit for Coventry Middle School. I have witnessed first hand the energy, passion and commitment that she brings to our school and district on a daily basis. I cannot wait for you to hear some stories and background directly from her summarizing how she is going to impact the day to day education and lives of our student body. We all know that the Middle School years can be very challenging on students as they grow, change and mature… with that, we need teachers, educators and administrators that are continually looking out for and being champions for our kids. I can with all certainty and every ounce of me guarantee you that that is exactly what we have in Mrs. Pavlich and again why Coventry is such a great place to live and learn.  Once again, as a Coventry alumni, who is married to another Comet alumni, we know that we have a very special addition this year in the Pavlich family and TOGETHER there is going to be some very exciting things happening at  Coventry Middle School for all of our Comets!  Again, I will reiterate how very lucky we were to have the opportunity to hire this lady into our school and district. Through our conversation today, it will be evident to all of you the unbelievable care and compassion that will be shared with our middle school students throughout the course of their school year… We want to express our immense gratitude to Talia for what she is doing day in and day out at CMS but also to let you all know that the best is yet to come. We are excited to talk with her today but more importantly just lucky to have her on our team every day… so kick back, relax and enjoy the first episode of our 3rd season with Middle School Assistant Principal Talia Pavlich.

    32 min

  4. 03/18/2025

    Season 2 Episode 5 with Tina Norris

    Hey everyone and welcome back for the next episode in Season 2 of Comet Connections. In this episode we are going to really take you on a trip down memory lane… but yet focus on how that will propel us into some exciting conversations about the future as well. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to chat today with current Middle School, and FUTURE High School principal Tina Norris.. It is hard to put into words the incredible impact she has had on Coventry, from the Middle School and beyond in her 30 years of service. Mrs. Norris has spent the majority of her time in Coventry at the Middle School with 20 years as their building principal. As she and I actually taught and coached together many years ago, I have witnessed first hand the commitment, empathy and passion she offers to our students and schools every day. I am excited for her to have the opportunity today to talk about her time and memories at CMS while preparing a vision for Coventry High School over the next couple years. As we dive into this next episode, we can’t express enough that Tina is someone who has been a cornerstone of our district for more than two decades. Tina is truly a dedicated school leader. She has led with an unwavering commitment to student success, and school improvement. Now, as she prepares to take on a new role as the High School Principal next year, we sit down with her to reflect on her journey, the impact she’s had, and what’s ahead for Coventry High School. In this episode, we’ll talk about Tina’s experiences leading the middle school, the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, and what excites her most about this next chapter. She has been a driving force behind so many of the initiatives that make Coventry Middle School a great place for students, and we know her leadership will continue to shape our high school in meaningful ways. So, whether you’re a student, parent, staff member, or community supporter, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss, now kick back, relax and turn up the volume for our news episode of Comet Connections!

    34 min

  5. 01/12/2025

    Season 2 Episode 4 with Coach Gary Kanaga

    For our current episode we are going to be joined by High School Health/PE Teacher and Varsity Coach Gary Kanaga. Gary is an amazing story here in Coventry and I could not be more excited to have him on today to share with us some of his background and what he brings to the table for our young Comets as far as experience and knowledge. Gary has been coaching in the district for a couple years but this is his first full year as a teacher, but definitely not his first year of teaching by far… that is part of his unique story that I’ll let him share with you. However, I can tell you that on a personal level, every time I have the opportunity to meet, talk or just be in the same room with this man, I get excited for our kids – whether they be his students, wrestlers or football players…. These young men and women are learning life skills that are going to benefit them for years to come and well beyond the walls of the classroom, football field or wrestling mat. Gary is the perfect fit to bring tradition back to the blue and gold and when you hear him talk today there is not a doubt that his passion, energy and foundational beliefs will resonate with you. I know we will all walk away excited about the future of Coventry. Now sit back, relax and turn of the volume for our talk with Coach Gary Kanaga!

    47 min

  6. 11/27/2024

    Season 2 Episode 3 Autumn Gibson

    Hello everyone and welcome back to our newest episode for Season 2 of Comet Connections. In this episode we are going to circle back to some of the ‘new’ things taking place at Coventry Elemetary, as we take the time to sit down with one of their new staff members for this school year. We are super excited to have the opportunity to chat today with 3rd grade teacher Autumn Gibson. Autumn came to us through Ravenna where she went to school and taught for 5 years before joining the Coventry team this year at CES. I can say first hand what an incredible impact she has made in just the short time she has been here and cannot wait for her to share some of the things she has learned about and brought to Coventry this year.. There is not a doubt in my mind that through our conversation today with Autumn that all of our listeners will realize what an amazing addition we made to our Coventry family this year with all of our new teachers we hired but specifically with Mrs. Gibson. I have witnessed first hand the compassion, energy and love that she pours into her students, class and our school on a daily basis. I cannot wait for you to hear some of the fantastic things that she brings to the table for our youngest Comets to learn and enjoy. . As you listen to us talking today, I really want to encourage all of you to go back to your 3rd grade self and really think about how incredibly blessed you would be to have this lady as your teacher… from there, you will certainly realize how very lucky our district is to have teachers like this caring for our students and again why Coventry is such a great place to live and learn.  To make that more meaningful and important, Autumn is not only a teacher but a parent as her daughter started Kindergarten here at CES this year. I’m excited that they have this opportunity to share TOGETHER in the exciting and amazing things happening here at CES as Coventry Comets!  Again, it is very hard to put into words how lucky we, our students especially, are to have this lady teaching and working with us here in Coventry. Through our time, I know you will walk away today with such a warm and positive feeling regarding the education, passion and love our students are receiving… We cannot express enough gratitude to Autumn for what she is doing in her short time with us. We are excited to talk with her today but more importantly just lucky to have her on our team every day… so kick back, relax and enjoy the next episode of our show with 3rd grade teaching super star Autumn Gibson.

    19 min

  7. 10/04/2024

    Season 2 Episode 2 with Amy Ragland and Debbie Gotto

    Hello everyone and welcome back to our second episode for Season 2 of Comet Connections – As we continue to bring you some amazing Comet Connections that exist within our district, I must say that I am extremely excited about this coming episode. We are thrilled today to sit down and talk with two of our very own lifelong Comets. Both of these ladies not only went to Coventry Schools as students but raised families in the district and are now longtime teachers at Coventry Middle School. Today we welcome Debbie Gotto and Amy Ragland to the show. Amy has been teaching with us for 31 years and Debbie is in her 26th year. Through various capacities, Amy and Debbie have made countless contributions to this district, community and thousands of students. I have been honored to work alongside both of these ladies over the years, in a variety of capacities, and I can tell you that it is difficult to put into words how much they mean to our students and schools. These ladies are enthusiastic, energetic and passionate on a daily basis. On good days and bad, they put on a positive and reassuring smile to make our kids feel warm and welcomed. I know during our conversation throughout this episode you will hear some fun stories to remind us all why Coventry is such a great place to live and learn.  As you do, please remember that it is people like these two that are working so hard behind the scenes to provide for our students. I’m excited that they have this opportunity to share out about what it is that has kept them as lifelong Comets!  Again, I assure you that our kids are lucky and blessed to have classroom teachers like Amy and Debbie. While you listen to them share some stories today, you will see why our students love to learn from them. Comet Connections is not just a title to them but a way of life… We cannot express enough gratitude to them for all they do. We are excited to talk with them today but also lucky to have them on our team every day… so kick back, relax and enjoy the next episode of our show with 6th grade teachers Mrs. Ragland and Mrs. Gotto.

    33 min

  8. 09/03/2024

    Season 2 Episode 1 - CES Principal Danny Savage

    Hello everyone and welcome back to another season and episode of Comet Connections – As we dive into our next season, we thought it would be an exciting way to come back in a conversation with our Elementary Principal Mr. Savage. Danny has been a Coventry Comet for 15 years and has filled a variety of roles in that time. He is starting his 2nd full year as the Elementary Principal after taking over for Mr. Bryan in 2023. Through a variety of roles, Danny has had a vast impact on a lot of Comets during his time in the district. Whether that be his time as a Science teacher, coach of various sports, Athletic Director or Principal… this man has motivated and molded a lot of lives. I’ve had the privilege to work alongside Danny in several capacities over the years and I can tell you that there are not words to say how caring, dedicated and devoted this man is to our students, athletes and schools. I know during our conversation throughout this episode you will hear some incredible things that are happening within the walls of Coventry Elementary. As you do, please know that those things are due to the imagination and innovation of Mr. Savage’s leadership. I’m excited that he has this opportunity to share out and brag a little bit about the wonderful happenings  going on within his building.  I know when you listen to this episode you’ll agree that our Coventry kids and families are blessed to have a leader like Mr. Savage on our team. Nobody embraces “Comet Connections”  more than this man. He is working hard to pave the way for an incredible educational journey for our youngest Comets!… so kick back, relax and enjoy the first episode of our new season with Principal Danny Savage..

    25 min
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About

Coventry Local Schools is a place built upon positive relationships and networking. These are skills that we have built into our "Journey of a Comet" via communication and collaboration. These core values are things that we strongly believe will push our student to future success. We'll use this podcast to share out many of the 'relationships' that are fostered within our schools - betweeen students, teachers, administrators, OAPSE and community stakeholders - that make Coventry such a wonderful place!

Information

  • Creator
    Don Schenz - Director of Curriculum and Instruction
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Don Schenz - Director of Curriculum and Instruction
  • Show Website
    Comet Connections