Classroom Coliseum

Roy Reese’s experience in public education began in the 1960’s as a teacher. He  has had several roles in education including coach, athletic director, stage lighting manager, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent, just to name a few.  Formerly he served as both Principal of Goshen High School and Superintendent of Goshen School District. He has also worked with many college programs and other districts as well. Mr. Reese has “retired” a few times, but continues to pour into teachers and students through taking on interim administrative roles, advising and teaching college students, and volunteering with the GHS Stage Crew. He says he doesn’t “go to work” every day, but he enjoys “going to school.” That philosophy manifests itself with how Mr. Reese works with kids and adults alike in his awe inspiring student-centric approach to learning and leadership. 

Danielle Cavagnaro is an Academic Intervention Specialist at CJ Hooker Middle School who is working tirelessly to help math-averse students more engaged and excited about the content. Danielle’s experience has been with all different age levels up to this point, but she gets excited working with middle schoolers. In this conversation we discuss that change, how she can connect with students, and why some people just don’t get middle school - but how she does and how it gets her excited every day.

Patty Capocciamo, or “Capo” as many know her, has been in education for 37 years. She’s certified in mathematics all the way through the secondary level, but has found joy in teaching students ranging from grades 3-6 throughout her career in Goshen. Capo has reinvented her class approach a number of times to stay fresh and involved with changing times. In this episode she shares her thoughts about changing curriculum, changing kids, and approaches to teaching. She has even taught students how to do math via baking chocolate chip cookies during virtual learning in the COVID pandemic. Listen to her reflect on an incredible career, as she looks to her future in retirement.

George St. Lawrence has been working to inspire young people through sports for 43 years. His love for Goshen shines through in his work and his decision to raise a family in this town. His desire to bring Greatness to Goshen is connected to the nexus of being “One Team.” Enjoy, and be inspired by this conversation with Athletic Director George St. Lawrence.

Kate Loftus and Jon discuss what it means to be celebrating the 10th Musical Production @ CJHooker Middle School! This year's production of Annie Jr on March 8 & 9 has a special connection to not only this year's students, but our high school seniors as well. Check out www.gcsny.org for ticketing information.

(In the interview we called it the 10th anniversary, but it's the 10th Production we are celebrating this year!)

Terri Baker is the English Department Chair Person in Goshen High School. Her experiences have been formed by many mentors and leaders in her professional life. Ms. Baker discusses the importance of work-life balance and high expectations for student success. Her desire is for students to grow, but also to remember to breathe and process life as it comes to them.  

You may know Amanda Ortiz as the Goshen Parks and Recreation director, or former camp counselor over at Craigville (Myron J Urbanski) Park in Goshen, but she was hired this year as an Academic Intervention Specialist for English Language Arts at C.J. Hooker Middle School in Goshen Central School District. As a Goshen grad, this homecoming is special for her. Her passion for working with young people is infectious and you can hear that resonate through this conversation. Amanda’s passion for working with middle schoolers may be foreign to some, but Ms. Ortiz will inspire you with hope and admiration for middle school kids and teachers.

This episode highlights John Kayser, a 6th grade teacher at CJHooker Middle School. John is inspired as a teacher because he enjoys working with young people. He is always trying to learn new things and attributes much of that passion to growing up as a millennial as technology changed so rapidly. Mr. Kayser’s hope for students is that they begin to own their work: their successes and their failures.