Field Notes

The following presentation was given on March 7th, 2026, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Paul Canada, our Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and a founding staff member of The Field School. With over 30 years in youth development and leadership, his experience includes serving as Youth Pastor of the Rock of our Salvation Church in Chicago, co-founding Jireh Sports Ministry in Indianapolis, serving as Vice Principal of the Circle Rock Prep School, and founding the Flipside Academy of Movement.

This talk is entitled: “Uncovering and Growing Your Child’s Uniqueness.” In it, Coach Paul explores how every child is uniquely created, carrying strengths and abilities that reflect God’s glory, and shares how to help your child thrive and live out the fullness of who God made them to be.

The following presentation was given on March 7th, 2026, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Meg Flinn, who is a founding staff member and current Middle School Programming Lead. She has studied at Ambleside Summer Institute– an intensive immersion training in Charlotte Mason’s pedagogy, and the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies of Oxford University.

This talk is entitled: “Our Christotelic Curriculum: A child’s journey toward the imitation of Christ through centuries of that which is good, true, and beautiful.” Journey with us through The Field School curriculum as we explore how Christ is central to our educational mission.

The following presentation was given on March 7th, 2026, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Dr. Jerry Root, who is Professor Emeritus at Wheaton College, where he teaches in the Christian Formation and Ministry Department and in the Evangelism and Leadership Masters Program. He currently serves as the Director of the Institute for Strategic Evangelism at Wheaton’s Billy Graham Center. 

This talk is entitled: “C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia: What was His Purpose for Writing These Books?” In it, he explores Lewis’s vision and purpose for wonder, imagination, fantasy, and the pursuit of truth through these delightful works of fiction.

The following presentation was given on March 7th, 2026, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Amber O’Neal Johnston, who is an authority on including diverse voices in classical curriculum. She is the author of the HeritageMom blog, and the book A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond.  

This talk is entitled: “Mama Culture: Why Your Personal Growth Matters.” In the midst of managing family life, it’s easy for mothers to put their own growth on pause, but a curious, fulfilled, and intellectually engaged mother brings depth and vitality to her whole family. This session offers the idea that personal development is not a luxury, but a powerful investment that shapes the home atmosphere and the lives of our children.

The following presentation was given on March 1st, 2025, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Annie Houghton, Dean of Community Life here at The Field School. Annie was part of the founding team of The Field School and served as Principal for five years before transitioning to her current role. She has also led our work in supporting and training over 80 other schools nationwide. 

This talk is entitled “Digital Dangers: How a device-based childhood undermines kids' mental health and resilience.” We hope you’ll be informed and encouraged, as she challenges us all to reconsider the role of technology in our students’ and families’ lives.

Videos referenced:

The Adolescent Brain

How Social Media Keeps You Addicted To Your Phone

https://thefieldschool.org

The following presentation was given on March 1st, 2025, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Dr. Rachel Ferguson, who serves as professor and Assistant Dean of the College of Business at Concordia University Chicago and Director of the Free Enterprise Center. Dr. Ferguson is also a scholar at the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center and a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Religion, Culture, and Democracy. 

This talk is entitled “Black Liberation through the Marketplace,” offering a classical liberal perspective on Black American history. We hope you’ll be edified and encouraged by this recounting of Black entrepreneurial success in the face of deep injustice, drawing lessons for a better path forward.

⁠https://thefieldschool.org⁠

The following presentation was given on March 1st, 2025, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Dr. Brad Littlejohn, who is a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Dr. Littlejohn is also a weekly contributor at WORLD Magazine, founder and former president of The Davenant Institute, professor of Christian history at Davenant Hall, and an adjunct professor of government at Regent University.

This talk is entitled, “For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free.” We hope you’ll enjoy listening, as Dr. Littlejohn invites us to consider the true meaning and purpose of freedom.

⁠https://thefieldschool.org⁠

The following presentation was given on March 1st, 2025, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Dr. Theon Hill, who serves as Associate Professor of Communication at Wheaton College, specializing in African American Rhetoric. Dr. Hill is also Scholar-in-Residence at The Redemption Church, a Fellow of the Civil Society Fellowship, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

This talk is entitled, “Frederick Douglass: Prophet, Patriot, and the Painful Path to the Beloved Community.” Frederick Douglass has an integral place in The Field School curriculum, and we trust you’ll appreciate Dr. Hill’s invitation and challenge—one that shapes our approach to Christian education in a divided world.

⁠https://thefieldschool.org⁠

What does it mean to be a classical school? Jeremy Mann and Paul Canada talk about the ultimate goal of education and preparing children for a life of curiosity, delight in learning, service to others, and worship of God.

Also in this episode:

What does it mean to be a diverse school? Jeremy Mann and Paul Canada talk about diversity in the Kingdom of God, building relationships with those different from ourselves, and cultivating a community of grace, humility, and love.

Also in this episode: