Gooden Blog

At Gooden, Respect is More Than a Motto
 

When you walk onto The Gooden School campus, it doesn’t take long to notice something special. Yes, our students are eager learners, driven to reach their academic goals. But what truly sets Gooden apart is the way respect pulses through every interaction, every classroom, and every corner of our community. Rooted in the Golden Rule—treating others as you would want to be treated—respect here isn’t an abstract value on a poster. It is lived, modeled, and celebrated daily.

Respect for Self

In the library each morning, a group of fourth graders shows what self-respect looks like in action. They greet their teacher with eye contact and a cheerful, “Good morning, Mrs. Allington!” before settling into accelerated math. They clear their places, push in their chairs, and carry themselves with joy.

They set personal multiplication and division goals, never competing with one another, but instead celebrating growth. When a student reaches a new milestone, the others beam with pride. No judgment. Just joy. This daily practice of setting and honoring individual goals nurtures confidence, self-awareness, and resilience.

At Gooden, students are encouraged to see their worth and to believe that their voices matter. When children respect themselves, they step into their learning and their lives with courage and integrity.

Respect for Others

Respect isn’t just inward-facing; it’s about how we treat those around us.

In 7th grade, a student returning mid-September was welcomed with open arms by her classmate, who helped her get settled into her locker. This young lady is known for her thoughtful “pleases” and “thank-yous,” her steady eye contact, and her kind listening. Her actions remind us that kindness is most powerful when it is simple and consistent.

Another 7th grader demonstrated that same spirit when he noticed his teacher had forgotten the prayer box. Without hesitation, he offered to retrieve it; an act of thoughtfulness that, though small, carried weight in showing care for his community.

And then there were a few second graders who were “out” of a morning meeting game. Instead of clinging to the comfort of their group, they stepped aside so their classmates could play fairly. Their willingness to sacrifice a moment of inclusion for the greater good was a quiet, powerful act of bravery and respect.

At Gooden, students don’t just coexist. They support one another, learn from one another, and lift one another up.

Respect for the World

Gooden students are also encouraged to see themselves as part of a larger whole. Through environmental stewardship, community outreach, and cultural exploration, they come to understand their place in the world and the impact they can make.

In Ms. Reyes’s science class, this comes to life as students carefully plant seeds and nurture them with patience and care. Soon, those seedlings will find a new home in our Garden of Hope, a space that reminds us all that respect for the earth begins with small, mindful actions. With every seed planted, our students are learning that they can help grow a more hopeful and sustainable future.

As part of our service learning program, all of the food grown in the Garden of Hope is donated to Friends in Deed, extending the spirit of generosity from our campus into the wider community. Whether they are serving locally or learning about global challenges, Gooden students know that their choices matter and they are empowered to make a difference.

A Foundation for Life

As a new teacher at Gooden put it, “It really feels like I’ve walked into a family.” That family is built on respect for self, for others, and for the world.

Academic achievement is important, but it is character that defines who we are. The Golden Rule isn’t just recited here; it is practiced in daily moments of kindness, empathy, and courage.

This is what makes Gooden unique. This is what shapes compassionate leaders and thoughtful citizens. And this is the foundation our students will carry with them, long after they leave our campus.

At The Gooden School, respect isn’t just our motto—it’s our way of life.