Curiosity and Linda Daley
The Newman School welcomes a new math teacher this year, Linda Daley. As a devoted math teacher, she strives to help her students succeed, working with them in and outside of class. Her diverse interests outside of school and adventurous spirit embody our school's motto of curiosity. From swimming in icy waters to climbing mountain peaks, Daley brings experiences that promise to enrich the Newman community.
Daley relates, “I love the winter beach and swimming in cold water (...) I don't wear a wetsuit, but when it gets really cold, I'll wear surfer booties and gloves. This time of year I swim for 15 - 20 minutes. I did a sprint triathlon in July in Maine, and the swim was 1/3 mile. The peak water temperature, high 60's, is usually in the beginning of September, and the beginning of March is the coldest, where the temperature drops below 40 degrees. When it's really cold, I usually only stay for around 3 - 5 minutes. I swim in the rain, snow and storms, and love big waves. I love the rush of the cold water to start my day.”
It’s safe to say that Daley is not your average beachgoer! While most people are sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace in winter, she’s out there enjoying the cold. Aside from swimming in the ocean all year around, she also loves to go hiking.
“I love the White Mountains in New Hampshire. One of my favorite hikes is the Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail loop. The views from the ridge are spectacular. I love hiking and swimming with my dog, Toby, a white lab. We like a trail in Portsmouth, NH that goes to a point in Little Harbour and we swim to a small island,” she explains.
Some of us drive hours for a good hike but Daley lives right next door to them in Portsmouth, NH. In the summer, she can use that proximity to go hiking and in the winter her environs allow her to go skiing. Usually, though, she prefers other mountains for her winter activities.
She explains, “My favorite ski mountain is Alta in Utah. The snow is amazing and I love the laid back vibe. Sugarbush is my favorite in New England and I have great memories of renting a house there in the winters with friends while living in Boston when I was single. My daughter and I like Gunstock, as it is only one hour from our house and she loves the park.”
Daley's interests extend beyond outdoor activities. She has a passion for music that she's rekindling.
“I grew up playing the piano, and after many years of not playing, I recently started taking lessons again. Bach is my favorite composer. Last year I had season tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and look forward to attending again this year. While it has been years since I have attended, The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has a Sunday afternoon concert series that I would recommend,” she shares.
Daley shared her curiosities outside of Newman but what does she want to learn at Newman?
She says, “I'm excited to get to know the students at Newman. I've worked at a lot of schools, and I find the students here to be really special. I'd love to go hiking, skiing and to a concert with any interested students!”
With her diverse interests and eagerness to engage with students both in and out of the classroom, Linda Daley promises to be a vibrant addition to the Newman School community.
