Collegiate Teacher Continues to Guide and Grow During Summer

At Collegiate School’s end-of-school-year faculty and staff meeting in June, Middle School history teacher Laurie Goode’s summer began with a bang. 
She was one of three faculty members honored with a Hamill Award. The award, created by Susan and Bill Hamill and their daughters Blake ‘98 and Carter ‘01, recognizes individuals who have been teachers, coaches and counselors for 10 years or less. Earning the award was a complete surprise for Ms. Goode.

“It was a true honor because I work with so many deserving colleagues and it could have gone to any number of people around here,” she said. “I enjoy everything that I do, so to be recognized for loving what I do is so special. It was a great way to start the summer.”

Later that afternoon, Ms. Goode and Director of Student Life Beth Kondorossy prepared to lead 20 rising 8th Graders on an annual service trip to Dungannon, Virginia, from June 10-16. While there, the group completed jobs and projects to help the community, including painting, staining, weeding and cleaning. The trip also involves teambuilding and gaining independence.

“During the week, we see that the students are able to problem solve and they don’t have to rely on adults as much,” Ms. Goode said. “It’s great to see that growth and independence. We talk a lot about leadership and bringing back those skills to the Middle School.”

When she returned from Dungannon, Ms. Goode jumped right in to assist at two week-long Summer Quest camps — Girls’ Basketball and Money Management and Finance. (She is not alone in that endeavor. Collin McConaghy, director of Summer Quest, says roughly 75 Collegiate faculty members help lead the more than 175 camps held on campus over the summer.)

After the conclusion of those camps, Ms. Goode packed up and visited South Africa from June 30-July 10. She and Director of Performing Arts Mike Boyd accompanied six Upper School students as they participated in an annual leadership festival hosted by Collegiate’s partner school located north of Johannesburg, Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng. The journey, Ms. Goode said, was incredible.
 
“I am already thinking about how to incorporate what I experienced into the classroom this year,” she said. “I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this great trip and to have made what I am sure will be lasting relationships with folks halfway around the world.”

Later this month, Ms. Goode will co-facilitate her last camp, JUMP (Join Us Making Progress), with Middle School science teacher Farley Macdonald. During JUMP, rising 8th Grade students plan, organize and implement the weeklong summer camp for 2nd and 3rd Graders from Peter Paul Development Center. The camp involves outdoor education, cooperative games, athletics, reading buddies and making healthy snacks. Middle School students mentor and work directly with the children.

“It’s really not about the activities that are planned and played as much as the relationships and bonds that form between the students,” Ms. Goode said. “It’s a great lesson in leadership for our Middle School students. There are lots of growth opportunities. And as long as there are smiles on the 2nd and 3rd Graders’ faces  at the end of each day, we know it’s been a successful camp.”

With all this activity over her summer, does Ms. Goode wish she had more down time?

“Each activity I’m involved with during the summer helps me grow both as an individual and as an educator,” she said. “During the school year, I frequently find myself drawing inspiration or lesson ideas from my summer experiences, so staying busy during the summer is what energizes me for a new year.”
 
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