PILLARS OF EXCELLENCE & CHARACTER
A Quarterly Journal from the True North Foundation FALL 2020
Welcome to True North Classical Academies
Education in an Era of COVID-19
A Renewed Model of Education
PAGE 3
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
To navigate to a specific article, click on its title.
VISION The vision of True North Classical Academy is to unleash a thirst for knowledge within our students. True North students will become lifelong learners as their passions align to their purpose in the pursuit of the True, Good, and Beautiful.
MISSION True North Classical Academy will achieve its vision through a rigorous, content-rich curriculum grounded in the tradition of the classical liberal arts. Through steadfast focus on scholarship, citizenship, and leadership in an environment that values and models intellectual and moral virtue, we are committed to empowering our students to reach their highest potential and sustain a lifelong love of learning.
LEADERSHIP
2
3
4
5
6
9
12
15
16
Michael Bileca Jeanine Finlay Chereen Coile Sari Guevara Emma Rowlands Jorge Finlay
FOUNDATION Marc Snyder
CONTACT 9393 Sunset Drive Miami, FL, 33173
17
From Our Headmaster Dear True North Families, What an honor it is for me to begin this academic year as Head of School here at True North Classical Academy! I am humbled by the confidence that has been placed in me, the willingness to bestow upon me the responsibility of leading all the campuses in this burgeoning phase of growth, expansion, and transformation. Being the Head of School for K-8 was a wonderful experience, and the success of our achievements was recognized throughout the state. Now that my role is expanding to include the high school, I hope to bring the same passion for excellence and love of learning to our students in every aspect of their high school experience. True North scholars ended the last nine weeks of school strongly, thanks to the dedication of our teachers, support of our parents, and phenomenal engagement of our students. Our teachers found ways to connect with students not only academically, but also personally. It was incredible to witness teachers taking personal time to connect with students by hosting virtual scavenger hunts, escape rooms, and lunches with their students. A particularly poignant example of this was when some of Dadeland campus teachers invited their students to a bedtime story hour. Their dedication reached beyond their computer screens to help their students feel safe and cared for in a time when it was needed. Our faculty continues to serve our True North community even after our school year ended. New and returning Titans are actively engaged in sports programs and academic enrichment programs. True North has 288 upper school scholars enrolled in FLVS led by our own dedicated faculty, and over 140 scholar-athletes participating in our summer sports program. It is encouraging to see the participation of our students and families in the continuous development of their minds and bodies. It is with excitement and anticipation that we embark upon the new school year and reopen our campuses. This year, like no other, will come with a set of challenges that we will use as an opportunity to reach our students in innovative and stimulating ways. While there is uncertainty in our current situation, rest assured that our entire faculty have and will be working tirelessly to provide a rigorous and meaningful experience for our students, no matter what our situation may be throughout the year. We have multiple strategic plans in place to optimize learning on all platforms, and we will embrace every opportunity to strengthen our True North community. Our vision here at True North has always been to unleash a thirst for knowledge within our students, as they pursue that which is True, Good, and Beautiful. That still holds true during these unprecedented times. There is no doubt in my mind that the challenges we are facing in 2020 will ultimately serve to strengthen us— not only as individuals, but as a family.
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” ~R.L. Stevenson
Warm Regards,
Jeanine Finlay
BACK TO CONTENTS
2
Welcome to True North
I
t seems like only yesterday that True North opened its doors to 189 smiling students in Kindergarten through 5th -grade—just five short years ago. There was only one campus. No need to distinguish by saying, “Main,” or “South Campus.” Five years later, with a tremendous demand for a classical education in Miami, True North is about to open its doors to an additional 300-plus students, bringing the total of Mighty Titans to over 800 students in Kindergarten through 10th-grade across two campuses. This is not to mention our two early learning centers, located at Galloway and Pinecrest, bustling with little Titans.
At True North, the Great Conversation surrounding these perennial questions is the animating force of the school. This conversation began five years ago; and it continues today. It can be found in the conversations held by our 1st-graders in their Junior Great Books discussions, our 9th-graders in their Socratic seminar discussions, and by our own faculty in faculty seminar discussions. These conversations carry on throughout the day and bleed into all elements of school life.
And, most importantly, these conversations are rooted in the moral formation of stu“Character is the The vision of True North has always been dents. We do not want our students to get only important thing filled with the desire to bring the very best caught up in mere philosophizing and criwe own and it is our classical education to as many students as tique without purpose. Rather, we want responsibility to possible—at no cost. For many private them to engage in conversation for the purdevelop it.” schools, a similar type of education is repose of coming to an understanding of served only for the few who can afford it— truth. We want their lives to be impacted for ~Dennis Bileca often at the expense of $20,000-$30,000 the good, so they can go out into the comper year per child. At True North, we want munity to be agents of change. Making virto form all of our students, regardless of socio-economic tue visible is our school motto. This is the heartbeat of status, race, color, or creed, into good human beings— True North. which begs the question, “What does it mean to be fully It is to this body that we welcome all of our new and human?” This question guides all pursuits at True North. We returning families to True North. For that is what we invite our students, parents, and teachers to enter this purare—a family! As we enter the first year of our growth suit, and the pursuit of all things true, good, and beautiful. phase, with plans to grow up to 1,750 students by the This pursuit is a life-long journey. A journey that begins at end of phase I, our goal is to maintain the small family True North, but continues through college and life. It takes feel and familiar atmosphere where everyone is serious commitment and a willingness to engage with auknown by name and loved. This quarterly journal, Pilthors who have asked the same questions throughout our lars of Character and Excellence, will—hopefully—be Western tradition. Authors like Socrates, Shakespeare, Virgil, the first of many. Its name signifies the importance of Aquinas, Augustine, and Aristotle have all asked the followthe foundation of any school seeking to change the ing questions: what does it mean to be human; what does face of education in our society—character and exthe good life consist of; what is truth; and what makes cellence. something beautiful? BACK TO CONTENTS
Our New Campus
H
ow exciting! Our new academic building is complete and our gym is nearing completion. Many of you remember the groundbreaking ceremony we had at the start of the 2019-2020 school year. For those who were not there, or do not remember, it was a time of hope and inspiration. The symbol of the shovel and dirt signified for True North the dream of bringing a world-class, classical education to as many students as possible. This Fall, True North opens its doors to 300 additional students with the ability to service up to 1,000 students at full capacity. Our new building is equipped with 25 new and spacious classrooms equipped with brand new furniture. In addition to the classrooms, the new building is home to a beautiful, state-of-the-art, science laboratory flanked by two science classrooms.
gymnasium. Our new gym will be home to our Titan basketball and volleyball teams. In addition, the new gym is a equipped with a fully-equipped fitness center located on the second floor. This fitness center will allow all of our Titan athletes to train and prepare for games, as well as improve their performance on and off the sports field. These are exciting times for the entire True North family. It was a long time in the making and a blessing in disguise. Titans: welcome to your new campus!
At the heart of the new academic building and original building is a beautiful courtyard for students to gather, spill out while carrying on discussions from Humane Letters seminars, eat their lunch, or just simply—hang out! The courtyard has picnic tables and Roman stairs for students to enjoy their leisure time, conduct plays, and watch performances. The courtyard connects to the cafeteria, which is double in size from years past. And just a short walk away from the academic building is our brand new, 15,000 square foot indoor BACK TO CONTENTS
4
Education in the COVID Era
I
t was as quick as lightening. From one day to the next, we were learning at school on Friday, then at home on Monday. Who would have predicted that a world-wide pandemic, better known as Coronavirus, or simply, Covid-19, would change the way we do education, or think about education, forever. As a classical school, we limit the use of technology in the classroom; that is to say, aside from state testing that mandates the use of computers, and using computers for some after-school tutoring, we limit technology in the classroom. We read real books, use paper and pencil, and the teacher stands in front of the classroom teaching from a board. This is not to say that we are anti-technology. We only see it as a means to end, as opposed to an end itself. Yet, despite our thoughts on technology, Covid-19 straight-armed us into our homes and changed the way education was delivered. We moved from face-to -face instruction to instruction via Google Meets and Zoom. Instead of students completing or turning in hardcopy assignments, they did this via Google classroom. Instead of students taking hardcopy quizzes or tests, they completed assessments using Google Forms. Everything was moved online.
5
Everyone adjusted seamlessly to this new reality—the students, in many ways, better than everyone else. The teachers, however, did not skip a beat. They continued to teach online, as if they were in the classroom. Literature teachers held online seminars, math teachers used their document camera to work out problems, and many of the teachers got creative with presenting information interactively by using Pear Deck. It was a beautiful site to see! Student engagement was also high. They would log into their Google classrooms each morning and take note of their assignments; log into their Google Meets and Zoom classes and participate as if they were physically sitting in front of the teacher; and even sign up and attend virtual help sessions and meeting with teachers. Our students got used to email quickly and communicated effectively with teachers. Overall, True North, including its teachers, students, and parents, rose to the challenge. We demonstrated that despite the circumstances of this new online reality, we were able to continue to put education first. We showed that it is not the building that determines a True North education, but the community. BACK TO CONTENTS
A Renewed Model of Education
W
hen people are asked about classical education, the response most give is, “Oh yeah, that’s the way I was educated when I was a kid.” And while the statement is quite loaded (what does it mean exactly), I think the takeaway is clear. People remember being educated where the teacher stood in front of the classroom, students were taught real content, read real books, took notes with pencil and a notebook, and were expected to know things. Today’s model of modern progressive education looks quite different. Students sit in pods, teach each other, work on laptops and / or iPads, while the teacher circulates around the room and functions as a facilitator. The books that are read have more of a modern or pop appeal. Students take electronic notes, work in groups, complete projects, and give presentations—all in the name of the 21st-century skill…cooperation. The end goal of progressive education is career training. True North’s renewed model of education has elements that look a lot like what was described in the opening paragraph. Again, the teacher stands in front of the classroom and really teaches, students sit in rows or in a circle when having a Socratic discussion, take notes with paper and pencil, read real books, and so on. However, True North’s model of education has much higher goals. First, we do not see education as a means to an end. Education is much more than what it can do for us. Education has the power to transform souls, to effect our being, our essence, our character. Education is always, and I say again, ALWAYS, an end in itself. We should always ask, “Why are we learning this?” If the answer is for pragmatic purposes,; e.g., we need to know this simply to pass an end-of-course (EOC) exam, we are missing the point. The answer should be because it will make me a better human being. We should do Geometry, learn about the cell theory, and read Plato, just because… Second, at True North, the content of what our students engage in, really matters. The books they read really makes a difference. At True North, we
want our students to read really good books, books that capture their moral imagination, as well as the greatest of what’s been thought and spoken of in Western culture, books that have stood the test of time. These books have been carefully vetted before being placed in the hands of our students. We want them to appreciate really good literature and engage in what Mortimer Adler calls the Great Conversation. The books that they read are books that have been discussed for centuries by people of all walks of life. Moreover, at True North, our students learn real history, study grammar and logic, learn how to write and speak well, and memorize poems, historical facts, states and capitals, and the presidents. In short, our students learn real content. They also, in the likes of Dorothy Sayers, learn how to learn. Third, at True North, the trajectory of the learning is not just horizontal, but horizontal and vertical; i.e., there is a higher purpose for the “why.” Our students learn, not simply for the purpose of mastering academic subjects. Our students learn for the purpose of seeking transcendentals that reach across and above their academic subjects. Students seek all those things that are true, good, and beautiful. These three elements, or transcendentals, are timeless and universal attributes of being. They are the properties of all being; they reflect the divine origin of all things and the unity of all truth. These elements are among the deepest realities. They help unite all men across time and culture and are often a delight to explore and discuss because they are substantive to our very nature. The transcendentals of truth, beauty, and goodness are closely intertwined. Thomas Dubay observed that, “Truth, beauty, and goodness have their being together; by truth we are put in touch with reality which we find is good for us and beautiful to behold. In knowing, loving, and delighting the gift of reality appears to us as something infinitely and in-exhaustively valuable and fascinating.” In seeking to discuss one, the others are naturally and organically brought into the conversation. The minute we begin to discuss one transcendental, the other are brought immediately into the conversation. BACK TO CONTENTS
6
A simple definition for truth is the mind in accord with reality. At True North, we seek always to place our students and ourselves in proper relationship with the truth. We hold that when our senses are in good condition and functioning properly under normal circumstances, and when our reason is functioning honestly and clearly, we can come to know the truth and have the ability to make judgments about it. To say that something is beautiful is to say that it evokes wonder and delight, which are foundations of a life of wisdom and inquiry. At True North, we want our students to be filled with awe about the reality they encounter. We want them to apprehend the unity, harmony, proportion, wholeness, and radiance of the created world. This can be understood clearly in mathematics and science. In science, there is nothing more rewarding than to see the excitement on the faces of students when peer into a light microscope and observe the various phases of a cell undergoing mitosis. When we explore issues of goodness with our students at True North, we are fundamentally asking them to consider questions of how well something fulfills its purpose. Goodness is understood as the perfection of being. A thing is good to the degree that it enacts and perfects those powers, activities, and capacities appropriate to its nature and purpose. A good pair of scissors cuts, a good eye has 20/20 vision, and so on. We have to know a thing’s purpose, nature, or form to
engage in an authentic discussion of “The Good,” When we get to questions of what is a good law, a good government, a good father, or a good man, the discussion quickly grows richer, deeper, and more complex. Finally, at True North, and most importantly, our goal is to help our students become good persons. Among those qualities we deem good are virtue and wisdom. Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good. Aristotle also defines it as a “mean between extremes.” It is hitting the mark between excess and deficiency. Yet, it is not hitting the bullseye one-time, but repeatedly. Once we do, it begins to have a transformative effect on our being.
Wisdom, according to the classical tradition, allows us to know what the good is. It equips us with an understanding of where the bullseye is, so we aim towards the right thing. In other words, we cannot choose the good, in order to become virtuous, unless we know what the good is (wisdom). This is precisely what Solomon asked for: wisdom over earthly riches. The ability to know what the good is in each situation. Moreover, this is the knowledge that a classical education and the humanities give us. The knowledge of the ultimate value of things, so you can order things rightly. This kind of learning not only teaches students to distinguish between the good and the bad, but how to distinguish between the more important goods and the less important ones. Knowing the relative value of things is important to leading a moral life. And this is why there may be people who are intelligent, but they lack the ability to comprehend the relative value of things. They are not wise. At True North, we want our students to be both virtuous and wise. For, in our wisdom as educators, we know
that when these things are reached, the end result is happiness. Aristotle uses the Greek term “eudaimonia,� which is often translated as happiness, or human flourishing. This is not the kind of happiness that is transitory, something often referred to as pleasure. But the kind of happiness that is deep and long-lasting. The kind of happiness that is an end in itself. The kind of happiness that ultimately brings joy. This is the pursuit that we embark on at True North. We do not do it alone. We do it as a community of learners—faculty, students, and parents. All engaged in authentic search for those higher things that will bring abiding joy. This is the kind of renewed model of education that has resulted in the tremendous success of True North. When you put first things first, everything else that is good follows. A focus on timeless principles brings about remarkable achievement. We hope to continue to be a beacon of light for all that is truly possible with an education focused on the rights things.
BACK TO CONTENTS
8
True North Athletics
A
re you ready for some football? What about cross-country? How about some volleyball? Or even golf? True North kicked off its open tryouts for its fall sports in July with a tremendous turnout. Athletics are a natural complement to our noble mission of pursuing excellence in all things—that is, both on and off the field (or court), or in and out of the classroom. At True North, we seek excellence in athletic achievement while maintaining that its purpose is to develop excellence in character. This is the battleground where virtue is tested: respect, courage, perseverance, and sportsmanship, to name a few. It is through testing our scholar-athletes that we push their character to higher levels of excellence. That’s right, scholar-athletes is what we call our Titan athletes. They are scholars in the classroom first and foremost. We want our athletes to take learning seriously, engage in serious discussion in the classroom, as they battle on the field. In the classroom and on the field is where our scholarathletes rely on each other and grow in virtue. Our approach to excellence in athletics entails hiring the best coaching staff who can develop the sport-specific skills and fitness needed by our scholar-athletes to excel
and maintain a competitive edge. Our coaches are world-class with four-time world’s fittest man, Shawn Ramirez, heading the charge as our Athletics Director. Under his direction is Football Director Greg Laffere, Basketball Director Christian (Fui) Martinez, Soccer Director Alex Abaroa, and Track / Cross Country Coach Johann Odermatt. And one of the greatest things you will see is that most of our students are involved in athletics. Athletics is not relegated to the elite few who are exceptionally talented. Athletics is open to everyone, including students from our homeschooling community. This stems from our belief that athletics is not about sending students to the pros, but about building character and excellence, as well as forging friendships. Our scholar-athletes love to be cheered on. So many of our parents line the sidelines, as they cheer on our Titans playing their favorite sport. In our inaugural High School football game, we took over the stadium of the home team with 500+ cheering Titan fans. So what are you waiting for: come out and support our Purple and Gray! BACK TO CONTENTS
K-8 SPORTS FALL
WINTER
SPRING
Basketball
Basketball
Flag Football
Soccer
Soccer
Soccer
Volleyball
Volleyball
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS FALL
WINTER
SPRING SPORTS
Cross Country
Boys Basketball
Girls Beach Volleyball
Football
Girls Basketball
Girls Flag Football
Golf
Competitive Cheer
Tennis
Girls Volleyball
Soccer
Track and Field
Wrestling
Boys Volleyball
COACHES CORNER We’re proud to highlight the following True North Coaches. Thanks to them and all of the amazing staff in our Athletics Department for everything they do for our students.
Shawn Ramirez
Greg Laffere
Fui Martinez
Athletic Director
Football Director
Basketball Director
A Club for Every Interest
A
s a family community built on excellence and the pursuit of virtue, True North seeks to invest in the lives of its students. Our students are more than just scholars in the classroom, or athletes on the field, but human beings with real talents and interests that cut across what can be defined on a report card or score board. At True North, we seek to offer a wide variety of clubs and activities that all students can participate in, and enjoy. These extra-curricular programs remain integral to the educational experience at True North. We encourage all of our Titans to build communities and bonds with their peers outside the classroom. Some of the clubs and activities include: National Junior Honor Society, Key Club,
11
Mock Trial, Choir, Ensemble, Judo, Dance, Robotics, and more. Over the summer, we launched our Key Club. Key Club is an international, service led organization for high school students. Founded on the principles of leadership, character building, caring, and kindness. Key club serves all members of Miami’s diverse community. Leading True North’s Key Club is 3rd-grade teacher Natalie Lizaso; President is True North Sophomore Alexa Miller; and Vice-President is Freshman Adrian Gomez. Be sure to join our Key Club, or any club of interest. If you are interested in starting a club at True North that does not yet exist, seek out a Student Advisory Council member, and start a club. So what are you waiting for? BACK TO CONTENTS
Please Welcome... Teachers at True North are called to a higher purpose. For them teaching is both the vocation and their avocation. We are excited to welcome the following new faculty members* to the True North community. *At the time of going to press.
Zachary Allred
Anthony Arza
Zachary joins the Logic School History team at True North. Mr. Allred proudly served our country in the Army. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in History and Political Science. After spending a few years working in IT, Mr. Allred made the switch to education and has a real passion for it! Please join us in welcoming Mr. Allread to True North!
Tony joins the Rhetoric School Humane Letters team at True North. Mr. Arza is completing his PhD in Theology from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C. where he also hold a Master’s degree and has taught graduate level seminars. He brings a wealth of wisdom to our students. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Arza to True North!
Kathryn Bassette
Aileen Bello
Kathryn joins the Dadeland Grammar School team as a 2nd-grade teacher at True North. Ms. Bassette comes to True North from Hillsdale College where she majored in Spanish and was the captain of the Women’s Track & Field team. She is one of nine siblings and has a love for children. Welcome to True North!
Aileen joins the Sunset Grammar School team as a 1st-grade teacher at True North. Ms. Bello earned her Bachelor’s degree from FIU in Early Childhood Education; she has her Master’s degree from FIU as well. She comes to us from elementary school in Miami where she also taught 1st grade. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Bello to True North!
Natalie Lizaso
Maria de Cabrera, Ph.D.
Natalie joins the Sunset Grammar School team as a 3rd-grade teacher at True North. Ms. Lizaso is the faculty advisor of our newly formed High School Key Club. She has her Bachelor’s degree from FSU in Political Science / International Affairs and additional studies from FIU in Early Childhood Education. Welcome, Ms. Caban, to True North!
Benjamin Carbonell Benjamin joins the Logic School History team at True North. Mr. Carbonell comes to us from Archimedean where he taught Middle School History for the last three years. He has his Bachelor’s degree from FIU in History with an Education track. He is passionate about education. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Carbonell to True North!
Maria joins the Rhetoric School Science team as a Chemistry teacher at True North. Dr. de Cabrera has her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees, all in Chemistry and all from FIU! During her studies at FIU, she worked as a graduate research assistant and mentor. Please join us in welcoming Dr. de Cabrera to True North!
Amy Castano Amy joins the Sunset Grammar School team as a Kindergarten teacher at True North. Ms. Castano was a preK-4 teacher at True North for two years. Prior to True North, she was a preK-4 teacher at a preschool for six years. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from FIU. Welcome, Ms. Castano, to Kindergarten!
Yessenia Cruz
Jessica Diaz
Yessenia joins the Sunset Grammar School team as a 1st-grade teacher at True North. Ms. Cruz is no stranger to True North, as she has been an Early Learning Assistant at True North for the past two years. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood education from Liberty University. Welcome, Ms. Cruz, as a full-time teacher at True North!
Jessica joins the Dadeland Grammar School team as a 1st-grade teacher at True North. Ms. Diaz has her Bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She is also a registered nurse. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Diaz to True North!
12
Lauren Dominguez
Eduardo Duarte
Lauren joins the Sunset Grammar School team as a 2nd-grade teacher at True North. Lauren has her Bachelors’ degree from Barry University in Elementary Education. She comes to us from Archimedean where she taught 1st-grade for the last eight years. She Please join us in welcoming Ms. Dominguez to True North!
Eddie joins the Physical Education team at True North. Coach Eddie has his Bachelor’s degree from FIU in Recreation and Sports Management. He comes to us from Miami Christian School where he taught PE and was the boys basketball coach. Prior to that, he was the Athletic Director at St. Brendan’s High School. He Welcome, Coach Eddie, to True North!
Samantha Fadhel
Uliana Gancea, Ph.D.
Samantha joins the Sunset Grammar School team as the 4th-grade teacher at True North. Ms. Fadhel is a recent grad from FIU with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is the daughter of our own Ana Fadhel! Fun fact: she never missed a day of school from K-12th-grade! Please join us in welcoming Ms. Fadhel to True North!
Uliana joins the Rhetoric School Language team as a French teacher at True North. Dr. Gancea has her PhD in French Language, Literature, and Culture from the University of Paris. She is fluent in seven languages! She has twenty years experience as a teacher. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Gancea to True North!
Katherine Henry
Brenda Kilgore
Katie joins the Sunset Grammar School team as a Kindergarten teacher at True North. Ms. Henry was a substitute teacher for True North, as she took the place for Ms. Arrano, who was on maternity leave. Like many of our teachers, Ms. Henry has four children attending True North. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Henry, full-time, to True North!
Brenda joins the Sunset Grammar School team as a 5th-grade teacher at True North. Ms. Kilgore has her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Barry University where she graduated with honors.. She has close to twenty years experience as elementary school educator. Welcome, Ms. Kilgore, to True North!
Michael Lucas Michael joins the Logic / Rhetoric School Math and Science team as a teacher at True North. Mr. Lucas comes to us from Hillsdale College where he majored in Economics and minored in Psychology. Mr. Lucas was on the Dean’s list for four semesters and has received numerous awards. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Lucas to True North!
John Mathews John joins the Rhetoric School Humane Letters team at True North. Mr. Mathews has his Bachelor’s degree in Religion / Greek, Master’s degree in History, and is completing his PhD in History from the University of Chicago. He comes to us from Great Hearts Academy where he taught Latin and Humane Letters. Welcome, Mr. Mathews, to True North!
13
Christian (Fui) Martinez Coach Fui joins True North as our full-time Basketball Director. Coach Fui comes to us from Miami Christian Academy where he coached HS and JV basketball. He assists the MS team with his cousin and partner in the Miami Basketball Academy (MBA), Coach Eddie Duarte. Please join us in welcoming Coach Fui to True North!
Melissa Moser Melissa joins the Logic School Math team at True North. Ms. Moser has her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, and her Master’s degree in Curriculum / Instruction from FIU. She comes to us from Archimedean where she taught middle school mathematics for the last six years. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Moser to True North!
Stephanie Paula
Bryson Phillippe
Stephanie joins the Rhetoric School Art team at True North. Ms. Paula has a Bachelor’s in art from UF and Master’s of Art Administration. Ms. Paula comes to us from Richmond, California where she taught visual and performing arts. Prior to this, Ms. Paula taught art for five years at a charter school in Miami. Welcome, Ms. Paula, to True North!
Bryson joins the Rhetoric School Math team at True North. Mr. Phillippe comes to us from Hillsdale College where he majored in Mathematics. Mr. Phillippe spent the last fours as a non-commissioned officer / air instructor with the Channel Islands National Guard. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Phillippe to True North!
Paola Vega
Joseph Van Keekan
Paola joins True North as a full-time Exceptional Education teacher. Ms. Vega has her Bachelor’s degree from FIU in ESE and Master’s degree from Nova Southeaster University in counseling. Ms. Vega comes to us from various schools in Miami where she taught ESE for the last fifteen years! Please join us in welcoming Ms. Vega to True North!
Joseph joins the Rhetoric School Language team as a Latin teacher at True North. Mr. Van Keekan joined True North half-way through the year where he taught 9th-grade Latin. Mr. Van Keekan comes to us from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary where he taught Latin and Humanities. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Van Keekan, full-time, to True North!
BACK TO CONTENTS
14
Teacher Feature An Interview with Dan Finnegan You hold the rather enigmatic professional designation of Is that when you ended up at Harvard? Master of Politics, a title that conjures up ideas of secret Yes, I started at Harvard while still at Dublin School, during deals and occult advice in political backrooms. What does it the summers, teaching in the Institute for English Language really represent? Programs, an ESL program in the Extension School. I did well “What it represents is a narrowing down of my academic there, so it was natural to transition to the fulltime role as prefocus over time and a certain pickiness about what I was ceptor.” willing to spend my time doing. I entered Notre Dame thinking that I wanted to study theology, but soon discovered that the theology I wanted to study was actually taught in Tell me more about your work there? the Philosophy Department. Then, having switched to philos“In IEL, we took an academic, liberal arts approach to ophy, I discovered that the philosophy that most interested teaching authentic content to all levels of English Language me was taught as political theory in the Government DeLearners from coffee shop workers to graduate students and partment. So, I ended up with a combiseasoned professionals. We read novels, nation of majors in the latter two and a articles, attended lectures and case studies close to a minor in the first. Then, I was and continual seminars. I specialized in the advised that the only place for me to business students and helped to develop go for an advanced degree in pure the curriculum. It was a very busy six years, political theory, not political science, which was the institutional limit on my time was The University of Dallas.” there.”
Tell me about your early professional career. “After college, and then again after graduate school, I took jobs in human services, because that is what I could find, and I had experience from a summer project in inner city Cleveland. I first worked in a shelter for severely mentally ill adults who had been discharged from the state hospital and had nowhere to go. Later, I worked at a broker of services to frail homebound elders, and I finished up working with the homeless, again in housing. I continued to learn about organizational behavior in these roles as I could observe systems both on the microlevel (a shelter or program) and on a macrolevel (a state).“
Why did you leave that path? “The paperwork and bureaucracy became tiresome for me in these jobs. One would think that the clients would be the stressful part, but dealing with people has always been preferable to me to busywork. So, when I reached my limit with checking boxes, I moved on. I had been moonlighting with The Princeton Review as a teacher of SAT, ACT, GMAT, and TOEFL for about seven years and that helped to open a door at a New England Boarding School, where I started as ESL Director, built a Latin program, and ended as Assistant Headmaster.”
15
So, from Harvard you went to teaching 4th grade at Great Hearts? “Yes. After Harvard I was neither fish nor fowl. I did not have a Ph.D. in Linguistics, so other collegiate programs did not want me (because of accreditation issues) and the Harvard experience made me seem overqualified for the secondary school jobs. Finally, after over 70 applications, I was offered a job in the SW, teaching 4th grade. Why did I take it? Well, because I had heard of Great Hearts, and I thought this was a good way of getting my foot in the door of a strong organization. It was.” Tell me a bit more about where you come from originally. “I was born and bred in Massachusetts and lived in New England for most of my adult life. My mother was a WWII refugee from Latvia and my father was an ethnic German-Irish New Yorker, first in his family with a college degree. They were high-culture-but-poor types: a house full of books and art, but secondhand clothes for the kids and no fancy vacations.” You moved around a lot in the US. How about other travel? “Let’s see: England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Israel, Turkey, American Samoa, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico. Ireland and Israel are my all-time favorites, three times each.” BACK TO CONTENTS
Our Inaugural High School Class
O
ur inaugural year of High School welcomed over 40 new students from private, public, and charter schools around Miami. It was a fusion of the “old” and the “new” into one Titan body. It did not take long for our new students to feel at home; and for new friendships to be forged. We started out the year with a funfilled day at Tigertail Park where our students engaged in a challenging ropes course; a variety of aqua-sports; and building their own boat. Following the first day of school, our High School students participated in a two-day seminar on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People led by President of True North Schools Mr. Michael Bileca and Assistant Head of Schools Mr. Jorge Finlay. It was a great introduction to the life of True North.
It did not take long for our High School students to ramp up to their academics. It was a full plate; and took some time for our students to adjust to the demands and rigor of the curriculum. Yet, they rose to the challenge! As a reward for their hard work, our High School students were taken on an excursion to the Zoo Miami and a trip to the movies to see the opening of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. And little did our High Schoolers know that they would end the year learning remotely while in quarantine. It was certainly a year to remember and one never to forget. Covid-19 may have separated us physically from one another, but in the end we were all brought closer together. Who are we? TNT! BACK TO CONTENTS
16
A Note from True North’s Foundation Dear Families, It has been such a blessing for me to be the founding Headmaster of True North. Being a part of the school’s growth and success has filled me with joy akin to watching my own children take their first steps, start school for the first time, swing a bat or racket for the first time, and so on. I can still remember the first day of school, August 24, 2015, where I stood in the parking lot, as cars filed in for the first time, and taking a picture with the Bileca, Guevara, and Ramirez children. The excitement was so palpable. I remember the Open Houses before school started and making promises that True North would be the best school in Miami, and—one day—one of the best schools in Florida and the nation. I believe we are well on our way to achieving this, as we are already the best school in Miami, and in the top 1% of all schools in the State of Florida. Fast-forward five years. We have accomplished so much. A lot of which can be measured, but much of which cannot. Of all the accomplishments, the one I am most proud of is that we have created a family at True North – with bonds that cannot be broken. None of our accomplishments would have been possible if it were not for the complete dedication and love of our faculty, staff, parents, and students. I feel so blessed to have been a part of this founding phase of True North. We are now about to enter a new phase in the life of True North: our growth phase. After much prayer and reflection, I felt my gift of being able to help grow both the image and reach of True North, and bringing the mission of True North and its world-class classical education to as many students as possible, would be best served in this new position: Executive Director of True North Classical Academies Foundation. The foundation was started with the mission to increase local, state, and national awareness and philanthropy in support of all True North schools in their role of restoring virtue, character, and moral development as the core focus of education. I feel honored to be assuming this new role. I am excited for our second Headmaster for True North to be Mrs. Jeanine Finlay. She has been with True North since the first day and has played a vital role in its growth and success. I cannot think of a better person to take on this new role and look forward to working with her for the continued success of our great institution.
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” ~C.S. Lewis
In the meantime, I look forward to seeing everyone at True North, at our Assemblies, events, or simply passing in the halls. Warm regards, Marc Snyder, Ed.D.
17
BACK TO CONTENTS
Thank You to Our Generous Donors Aguiar Family Amato Family Angulo Family Aranguren Family Arencibia Family Ariola Family Assis Family Ayala Family Ayats Family Balleste Family Bandera Family Bello Family Benard-Zeledon Family Bernal Family Blau Family Bloom Family Bolanos Family Camacho Family Carothers Family Cavalcante Family Chang Family Chen Family ChinYou Family Davis Family De Guzman Family De La Grana Family De La Torre Family Dyer Family Echeverria Family Eguizabel Family Escofet Family Espinosa Family Fabian Family Fagundo Family Felipe Family Ferguson Family Fermin Family Fernandez Family Flores Gomez Family Foti Family Gajardo Family
Garcia Family Gilson Family Gomez Family Gonzalez Family Grassbaugh Family Harmond Family Hendricks Family Henry Family Hernandez Family Herrera Family Hoyos Family Huillca Family Jaimot Family Jaquez Family Jimenez Family Jimeno Family John Family Jue Family Kaczmarek Family Kepner Family Kercher Family Khawly Family King Family Lazarus Family Leon Family Lionel Family Lopez Family Lopez-Cantera Family Lord-Powell Family Lowe Family Machin Family Marin Family Maurer Family McCloud Family McMillan Family Miller Family Moisan Family Molina Family Mora Family Moreno Family Morrison Family
Moyano Family Munoz Family Nunez Family Olsen Family Otten Family Outlaw Family Paz Family Penabad Family Pendray Family Perez Family Perozo Family Pezoldt Family PIno Family Piza Family Posada Family Ramirez Family Ramon Family Reina Family Rodriguez Family Rubio Family Ruiz Family Salgueiro Bertaina Family Santamaria Family Santos Family Serralta Family Sirulnik Family Smith Family Snyder Family Soliman Family Suarez Family Thadhani Family Tirse Family Toirac Perdomo Family Torres Family Turnbull Family Underwood Family Valenzuela Family Veres Family Victorero Family Zapata Family Zinn Family
18
Timeless Principles. Remarkable Results.