"Last spring, our school, Muskoka Beechgrove P.S., opted into a project entitled Kaleidoscope in the Schools. This programme had a roster of twenty-five teaching artists. The artists were matched with teachers, according to their curriculum needs. Together the artists and teachers developed workshops for the students."

"Glenn Copeland was the artist assigned to my grade four class. I wanted to combine drama, photography and music in my session. Glenn guided my grade four class through an intensive theatre presentation. My students wrote a script and music for a play. They also made their own props, costumes and sang. Glenn guided them through each stage of this massive undertaking. He recorded and produced their songs on CDs and finally assisted the students with an amazing power point presentation of their own photography used as an additional theatrical element."

 

"Not only did Glenn work hard with my students, he took a lead role in organizing all the artists. He attended all meetings needed and co-ordinated the activities of the artists. He completed his session at the school by being Master of Ceremonies at our open house."

"If you require any further information please do not heseitate to call me or my principal David Crawford at 705.687.2162."

Janice McLellan, Grade 4 teacher
Beechgrove P. S. Ontario, Canada

 

I first met Mr. Glenn Copeland through his involvement with an initiative taking place in our school with the Muskoka Lakes Music Festival. Kaleidoscope is an initiative that integrates local artists in a participating school and matches them with a particular classroom to share the expertise of the artist. Glen Orchard Public School participated in this initiative in the fall of 2005 with great success.

Mr. Copeland’s specific role in my Grade 7 & 8 classroom involved acting as organizer of our African Festival evening. It was through his leadership that all facets of the production came together as successfully as it did. Throughout the planning and implementation stages of this event, Mr. Copeland demonstrated strong leadership capabilities while working with the classroom teachers, other artists, and the students in my classroom. He was able to quickly establish a strong rapport with my students through gentle guidance and humour and by offering them a sense of ownership and responsibility for the production of such a theatrical event. His expertise in the radio, television and theatrical industries was evident through each stage of the process, but what impressed me most as a classroom teacher was his ability to relate to the students in my class. The response of my students to Mr. Copeland’s direction was overwhelming, with each taking a leadership role within the event and within our school. I can honestly say that I’m not sure the event would have been as successful without his guidance.

As well, I have personally and professionally gained a great deal of knowledge from my interactions with Mr. Copeland. As the Junior/Intermediate Drama Teacher for Glen Orchard Public School, I have attempted to mirror my program to his model. In the fall of 2006, I began an Integrated Arts program for the Intermediate students at our school, again using Mr. Copeland’s model as a guide. This program integrates Visual Art, Music, Drama and Literacy and Media Literacy and is a direct result of Mr. Copeland’s involvement in my professional growth. From a professional point of view, Mr. Copeland is a strong advocate for the Arts in the public school system. I will forever be grateful to him for sharing his knowledge and expertise with me as an educator.

I whole-heartedly endorse his ability to engage students in the learning process, while entertaining the whole school community with his stories, song, and expertise.

If you have any questions, or would like to speak to me personally, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information below.

Ricki Crothers
Grade 7 Teacher
Glen Orchard Public School
(705) 765-3144 (ext # 115)