Hyde Schools’ summer programs are led by an elite group of experienced Hyde teachers. From the Dean of Students, to the Director of Family Education, the summer program leadership is geared up to deliver a “Top 5″ life experience for teens and their families this summer.
Meet the directors of our exciting summer programs:
- Kevin Folan, Summer Challenge Director
- Claire Grant, Teen Leadership Director
- Linda McGuire, Director of Summer Programming
Kevin Folan, Summer Challenge Director
College Experience
Bowdoin College, AB 2003
University of Connecticut, MBA (expected 2012)
Mr. Folan’s First Hyde Experience
My first glimpse of Hyde was passing the scenic Bath campus while on my way to Popham Beach to work on my tan (if you know my complexion, you would get the joke) as an undergrad at nearby Bowdoin College. Little did I know the impact the school would have on my life.
Mr. Folan’s Hyde Experience
I came to Hyde the summer of 2003 fresh off my graduation from Bowdoin College where I double-majored in History and Government. Being the rookie that first year at Hyde, I had the pleasure of teaching each freshman twice: World History and Algebra I. In addition, I had the opportunity to pursue my passion of athletics as I coached JV Soccer, Basketball, and Varsity Lacrosse. My second summer proved to be pivotal both professionally and personally as Kirstie Truluck gave me a shot as an Assistant Dean during the Summer Challenge program. In addition, new faculty member Rachel Jones swept me off my feet and we married three years later.
After spending three years at the Bath campus, newly named Head of School Laura Gauld asked me to travel south to the Woodstock, CT to serve as Dean of Students. I showed a real penchant for discipline and thrived in my role as the “most hated man on campus,” still serving as a thorn in students sides some four years later.
Although much of my own education focused on achievement and success, my time at Hyde has reshaped both my educational and life philosophy to one based on character and putting forth one’s best effort.
Mr. Folan’s Life Experience
My life has been anything but ordinary. From the untimely death of my father on my 13th birthday to the pursuit of my MBA at UConn, I learned to fight through adversity and blaze my own path. Among my proudest accomplishments is building a marriage healthy enough to sustain my wife’s pursuit of her dreams as she lived in Cambridge, MA this year while attaining her M.Ed at Harvard University.
Favorite Hyde Saying
Don’t lie; Don’t quit
Where is the emotion coming from?
Claire D. Grant, Teen Leadership Director
College Experience
University of Southern Maine, BA 1980
Boston College, MBA 1995
Mrs. Grant’s Hyde Experience as a student
I was a high achiever in public high school, but also a people pleaser. I learned how to avoid challenges that wouldn’t lead to success and hid my lack of confidence behind a smile and ‘nice’ personality. I knew I had a strong conscience, but didn’t have the courage to follow it. My parents saw this struggle in me and knew I was capable of much more in my life. They offered me the opportunity of a summer and then a post-graduate year at Hyde. That experience challenged me to believe in myself, let go of what others thought of me and take hold of my deeper principles.
Mrs. Grant’s Hyde Experience as a teacher
Though I considered both law school and the Peace Corps during college, I found myself teaching at Hyde along with my new husband (who was also a Hyde graduate.) I loved the creative freedom to walk into my own classroom and ignite the curiosity of students, but I also struggled with wanting to be liked rather than respected. As I began to assume other administrative roles in addition to teaching, which included Admissions, College Counseling, Performing Arts, and Alumni Relations, my commitment to the Hyde character process deepened even further.
When Hyde was ready to start a second campus in Woodstock, Connecticut, my husband and I jumped at the opportunity. Our ‘pioneer spirits’ were once again summoned four years later when we lived in Washington, D.C. for two years and worked at the Hyde charter school for 800 inner-city youth. These experiences taught me that I am most fulfilled when I can lead by helping others and cultivating communities of character.
Mrs. Grant’s Hyde Experience as a parent
I always knew our three children would attend Hyde and viewed my job as a parent to get them ready. I wanted my children to be confident and successful, but I also didn’t want to see them struggle. I remember helping my oldest daughter when she was young to frost a birthday cake; as she hacked away with her knife and globs of frosting, I used my large spatula behind her to create perfect frosted peaks. I told myself she would be proud of her finished product. I laughed at myself later to realize that it was more about me feeling good than allowing her to enjoy the moment and learn for herself.
The Hyde process challenged me to let go of perfection and see obstacles and opportunities. My children learned more of who I am as an individual and not just their mother. They heard my hopes and dreams, as well as my fears and doubts. They all will say they are better people for their Hyde education, and I am a better parent and person because of the Family Education Program.
Mrs. Grant’s Life Experience
I grew up in a blended family, after my father passed away when I was young. My stepfather had two children of his own and our lives changed dramatically when he and my mother married, not the least of which was our removal from Raleigh to Boston by this ‘northern Yankee.’ Our family lived by the principles of ‘do your best’ and ‘there is no such word as can’t.’ I struggled with my step-father’s harsh discipline but respected his integrity and compassion. My mother was a ‘steel magnolia’ who changed lives through her own teaching career and spirit. My siblings are my best friends today and I am very proud that all five of us graduated from Hyde.
Favorite Hyde Saying
Each of us is gifted with a unique potential that defines a destiny.
The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.
Linda McGuire, Director of Summer Programming
College Experience
Bowdoin College, AB, 1985
University Of New England, MSW, 1990
Nichols College, MOL, expected 2011
Ms. McGuire’s First Hyde Experience
We lived in Bath and several of our neighbors were Hyde School teachers. Our kids were friendly with their children (little did our 5 kids know that one day they would be faculty kids too!) and when Jenna, our second oldest, Jenna, was struggling, it seemed like Hyde would be the natural fit. She started in 2002 and we followed her to Woodstock the next year.
Ms. McGuire’s Hyde Experience
I came to Hyde first as a parent, then as the wife of a teacher, and finally I jumped in myself. I started out as tutor in the evening at Guided Study to earn a little extra money and get out of the house. At that point, I was homeschooling our three boys and committed to staying home with my kids. As they became older and some excellent school opportunities opened up for them, I pursued a more active role. I became the Director of LEAD, and then was hired on as an Assistant Dean. I joke around that every year I have had another responsibility thrown my way: first Assistant Director of Summer X, then Director of Summer X, then duty head, then dorm head…but that it is a bit like the frog in hot water theory, as long as it is being turned up slowly, the frog doesn’t seem to realize he is in way over his head. However, I love teenagers and I love the faculty here so although I may be in way over my head, it is worth it for the rewards of a job well done and the constant laughs along the way.
Ms. McGuire’s Life Experience
I have had the learning triad of death of an infant daughter, cancer and divorce. However, I have also had the distinct privilege to travel worldwide, go to graduate school twice, care for my dad as his primary nurse in his last weeks, run a marathon in Elba, enjoy wonderful relationships with my parents and children, sustain old friendships, make new ones, and laugh long and hard every day through good times and bad. Oh, I also have the world’s funniest kids ever!
Favorite Hyde Saying
Inspiration Job #1
