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Brooke Barnes LaBonge ’04
Returning to Mayfield, Brooke is joining the Lower School team as a First Grade teacher.
"It feels like home, some of the same teachers I had as a student are here and many traditions remain the same (Harvest Festival, Blue and White Day, school families). I went into teaching because I have always loved school and felt a connection to children. It felt like a natural fit for me. The school culture at Mayfield is part of why I loved school so much. It is your home away from home, a safe place. I had such a special experience at Mayfield and look back at my time fondly. I feel lucky to come back to Mayfield as a teacher so I can try to create that same, special experience for my students." ~ Brooke
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"It feels like home, some of the same teachers I had as a student are here and many traditions remain the same (Harvest Festival, Blue and White Day, school families). I went into teaching because I have always loved school and felt a connection to children. It felt like a natural fit for me. The school culture at Mayfield is part of why I loved school so much. It is your home away from home, a safe place. I had such a special experience at Mayfield and look back at my time fondly. I feel lucky to come back to Mayfield as a teacher so I can try to create that same, special experience for my students." ~ Brooke
MJS Graduation Year: 2004
Post MJS Education: Mayfield Senior School ’08, University of San Francisco ’12, Mount St. Mary’s University ’17
Post MJS Education: Mayfield Senior School ’08, University of San Francisco ’12, Mount St. Mary’s University ’17
How have you been spending your time now (professional and/or personal)?
After graduating from USF, I received my Masters in Education and teaching credential from Mount St. Mary’s University. I taught first grade for five years at St. Bernard Catholic School, and this year I am excited to come back to Mayfield as the new first grade teacher. I’m currently living in Glendale with my husband, Mike – we just got married this summer!
After graduating from USF, I received my Masters in Education and teaching credential from Mount St. Mary’s University. I taught first grade for five years at St. Bernard Catholic School, and this year I am excited to come back to Mayfield as the new first grade teacher. I’m currently living in Glendale with my husband, Mike – we just got married this summer!
What is one of your favorite Mayfield memories?
One of my favorite Mayfield memories was planning the Harvest Festival in 8th grade. I held the Public Relations position on Student Council with Tess Niedermeyer, who is still one of my closest friends. I remember calling different vendors to find the best prices for a cotton candy machine. Tess and I still laugh about making those kinds of phone calls at thirteen-years-old.
One of my favorite Mayfield memories was planning the Harvest Festival in 8th grade. I held the Public Relations position on Student Council with Tess Niedermeyer, who is still one of my closest friends. I remember calling different vendors to find the best prices for a cotton candy machine. Tess and I still laugh about making those kinds of phone calls at thirteen-years-old.
How did your time at Mayfield impact your life?
Mayfield has greatly impacted my life. I met my closest friends at Mayfield. My siblings went to Mayfield, my sister met her husband at Mayfield, and my nephew is starting Kindergarten here in the fall. Mayfield is a very special place for my family!
Mayfield has greatly impacted my life. I met my closest friends at Mayfield. My siblings went to Mayfield, my sister met her husband at Mayfield, and my nephew is starting Kindergarten here in the fall. Mayfield is a very special place for my family!
If you had to describe Mayfield using only one word, what would it be?
Family
Family
What are some core values that Mayfield taught you that have helped in life?
The core value that Mayfield taught me that has helped me the most is Actions Not Words. This is something we hear all the time at Mayfield, but it has helped me so much, especially as a teacher. The value of taking action so that all my students’ potential can be reached is something that has guided me as I continue to grow as an educator.
The core value that Mayfield taught me that has helped me the most is Actions Not Words. This is something we hear all the time at Mayfield, but it has helped me so much, especially as a teacher. The value of taking action so that all my students’ potential can be reached is something that has guided me as I continue to grow as an educator.
You have an hour to spend in a bookstore. What section do you make a beeline to?
The children’s section. I love finding new books to introduce to my class.
The children’s section. I love finding new books to introduce to my class.
Mayfield Junior School
405 South Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101 626.796.2774
Located in Pasadena, California, Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus is a K-8 Catholic coeducational private school. Our kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school experience best prepares students for high school education and beyond.
