Hope in the Hallways: Recent Episodes
Christopher Jones
Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina, is built on the belief that relationships are key to anyone's learning journey. This show is a chance for our parents to hear from the educators working to create a safe, caring, and welcoming community for their kids to grow.
Welcome back to a brand new season of Hope in the Hallways!
In this episode, we have three incredible assistant heads from each division joining us: Melissa Fox from the Lower School, Catherine Jones from the Middle School, and Nate Rogers from the Upper School.
Together, we'll be exploring topics such as relationships, growth mindset, advisory programs, signature learning experiences, and so much more. We'll also be delving into the exciting changes in the daily schedule for students across all grade levels. So join us as we embark on this journey to uncover the secrets of fostering hope in the hallways of Cannon School.
After You Listen:
Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
Learn more about The Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
At Cannon, we're committed to creating an environment of diversity, belongingness, and engagement that makes space for all perspectives.
In this episode, Cannon graduate Declan Hurley joins us to discuss how his time at Cannon helped him find his voice and learn the value of constructive dialogue. Advocating free speech and navigating polarizing topics are central to Declan's current college experience at the University of Chicago, but he's well prepared for both. Listen in to the final episode of season one of Hope in the Hallways to hear exactly how we're helping all of our students become wholehearted and adaptive contributors.
After You Listen:
- Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
- Learn more about The Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
- Check out The Chicago Thinker
- Read the Dean of Stanford Law School's memo
- Learn more about The Chicago Principles
At Cannon School, our passion around the growth and development of our kids doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Our arts and athletics programs are equally focused on pouring critical life skills into our students so they can go out into the world as amazing, confident humans.
In this episode, we’re joined by three stars from our arts and athletics programs—graduating senior Caroline Mills, Director of Theater Arts Andy Macdonald, and Girls Lacrosse Program Director and Head Varsity Coach Brittany Pasut. Throughout our conversation we discuss the shared lessons learned on the field and on stage while hearing about the incredible work our trio has accomplished at Cannon. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding as to why extracurricular activities are, in fact, core to education.
After You Listen:
- Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
- Learn more about The Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
Carla Moyer, our Head of Middle School, has been at Cannon for 23 years. During her tenure, she’s seen the school grow and the curriculum expand, but her love for the classroom never changed.
In this episode, Carla discusses the value of making kids feel seen, loved, and valued and shares how she achieves that in her work at Cannon. She’s proud of how her students develop strong core values, such as respect and kindness, and she’s intentional about recognizing and celebrating their hard work. Listen in to hear how Carla leverages positive reinforcement and dialogue to support our middle schoolers on their journey of growth “from babies to beards.”
After You Listen:
- Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
- Learn more about The Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
“At Cannon, we will always be a school engaging on a journey of growth.”
Dr. Regina Nixon, Head of Lower School at Cannon, is dedicated to fostering student leadership and creating a welcoming environment for learning. To help work toward that goal, several new opportunities and programs are being incorporated into the Lower School. In this episode, Regina shares her excitement around the journey Cannnon is on and explains why she hopes that journey never ends. Listen in as she discusses how she’s cultivating students’ voices and incorporating their feedback into their experiences at school.
After You Listen:
- Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
- Learn more about The Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
In this episode, we are flipping the classroom and a special guest host, Bill Diskin, Director of Admission at Cannon School, interviews Christopher Jones.
At the heart of Cannon are its values. They are what captivated Christopher the first time he set foot on campus. Listen in as the host becomes the guest and takes us on a stroll down memory lane, sharing his biggest highlight at Cannon and discussing what motivates each and every adult on campus.
After You Listen:
Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
Learn more about The Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
Seniors Leighton Evans, Quentin Clarke, and Robert Walley are all wrapping up their Cannon careers. It’s a bittersweet moment for them, but the trio shares one very important feeling, “We’re ready for anything.”
In this episode, these graduating seniors join us to share some of their favorite memories and traditions. Along the way, they also discuss the challenges they faced inside and outside the classroom and how the strong connections they built at Cannon helped them overcome those obstacles. Listen in to hear about the lasting impact the Cannon community has on its students and why that’s what allows them to feel prepared for whatever the future holds.
After You Listen:
- Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
- Learn more about The Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
Leigh Northrup’s unofficial title is “Middle School Dean of Fun,” but if you want to get technical, Leigh is Cannon’s Dean of Technology and Innovation. He’s been with the school for over twenty years and is passionate about creating opportunities for kids to learn problem-solving and the value of mistakes.
In this episode, you’ll understand why the word ‘fun’ is a part of Leigh’s title, albeit unofficially. Whether he’s coaching the robotics team or tinkering in the ThinkTank, Leigh works every day to challenge the perception that school has to be boring. As you listen, you’ll hear how Leigh leverages our non-traditional learning environments to make lessons come alive and have a greater impact on students.
After You Listen:
- Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
- Learn more about The Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
Fabio Hurtado is a Cannon School parent, alumni parent, teacher, and our Upper School Division Head. Wearing each of those hats gives Fabio a unique perspective on our community.
In this episode, Fabio shares his story of discovering and falling in love with Cannon. Along the way, Fabio outlines some of the biggest differences between our schools and those he’s been a part of in the past. As you listen, you’ll hear examples of our culture in action and learn about the importance of genuine engagement in education.
After You Listen:
- Find out more about the Theory of Enchantment: https://theoryofenchantment.com
- Check out the Dean’s Daily Download: https://deansdailydownload.com
- Get your copy of Fabio’s books
- Connect with the podcast: hopeinthehallways@cannonschool.org
- Learn more about Cannon School: https://www.cannonschool.org
At Cannon School, we nurture relationships at the heart of learning and engage our kids and our educators in their journeys of growth. To say our mission out loud is one thing. Now it’s time to give voice to how we live it.
My name is Christopher Jones, Head of Cannon School and host of Hope in the Hallways. Launching a podcast is one opportunity to showcase the heart and soul of the people who make our learning community possible. This season, you’ll hear stories from educators, alumni, and maybe even some students, showcasing how living our core values can extend this caring and courageous community beyond our campus.