Comet Connections

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!