When you first meet Jeff Traver, it’s easy to see the affable, easy-going personality that makes him a beloved figure at Rumsey. But spend a little more time with him, and you’ll uncover the depth of his connection to both the students and the School itself. Jeff, now in his sixth year at Rumsey Hall, has made an indelible mark on campus life—not only through his role as a Project Manager on the Facilities and Maintenance Team but also as an influential figure in the lives of students who pass through his woodworking classes.
Jeff’s journey to Rumsey Hall began, perhaps serendipitously, when he bumped into an old friend, Scott, on the streets of their hometown, Watertown. “We’d gone to high school together, even grammar school,” Jeff recalls. “Scott was looking for help. I was working as a self-employed carpenter at the time, but it seemed like the right moment for a change.” Six years later, that chance encounter brought him to a new chapter in his career, one that’s proven to be especially fulfilling.
A Lifelong Carpenter with a New Mission
Jeff’s roots in carpentry run deep, dating back to 1988 when he first entered the field. “I started from the ground up, like many do,” he says, “and it’s been a part of my life ever since.” His skills were quickly put to use when Gary Lord, the woodworking teacher at Rumsey, asked for his help with the growing program.
The woodworking classes offer students a hands-on introduction to the craft. “For the younger kids, we don’t let them use the power tools,” Jeff notes, “but they’re comfortable with hand saws, screw guns, that sort of thing.” As students move to the Upper School, they get the opportunity to use more advanced equipment, including power tools, which opens up even more creative possibilities. “The projects are always driven by the students’ creativity,” Jeff says. “We throw it out there the first day—‘What do you want to build?’ And they run with it. You’d be surprised at what these kids come up with.”
One memorable project involved a boy who built a small workbench, only for his mother to discover that it wouldn’t fit in her car. “She thought she was just going to carry it out, but it was a legit workbench,” Jeff says, chuckling. Another student designed a car big enough to sit in, complete with a windshield and stickers for headlights. A girl from the Upper School built a small wooden couch, which now sits in her family’s mudroom.
Building More than Just Projects
The woodworking classes are about much more than just creating objects—they’re about creating connections. “You get to know the kids on a personal level,” Jeff says. “You see who they are, who their friends are, and sometimes class even turns into a little competition.” He recounts a recent moment when a girl in the Upper School woodworking class outpaced a boy screwing pieces of wood together. “She did it twice as fast!” Jeff laughs, emphasizing the good-natured spirit of the class.
The Upper School students work on more advanced projects—sometimes even creating items for the School’s Auction—and things that can actually be used by the School. “One year, a group of students rebuilt the gazebo by the river,” Jeff recalls. “They took such pride in it, and you can see the difference. When they take ownership, it becomes a part of them.”
A Personal Connection with Students
While Jeff’s craftsmanship shines in the workshop, it’s his ability to connect with students that has truly made him a standout member of the community. “One of my favorite parts of the day is doing morning traffic,” he says. “I get to greet all the kids and hear about their sports. It helps me get to know them better.”
His connection to the School’s athletic programs runs deep, especially considering his own background in sports. “I coached soccer for years, and my wife and I met playing competitive volleyball, so I love following what the kids are doing.” Jeff recounts the story of a sweet, quiet girl who invited him to her hockey game. “I didn’t expect her to be so aggressive on the ice. It was a whole different side of her, and it was amazing to see.”
A Life Rooted in Community
For Jeff, his time at Rumsey Hall is not just about the work, but about the relationships he’s built. Whether it’s a student in woodworking, a teacher needing a custom-built desk, or a parent marveling at their child’s creation, Jeff has woven himself into the fabric of the School.
“I get to walk into faculty homes on campus, fix things, and get to know their pets,” he laughs. “It’s more personal than just a job.” And as for the students, Jeff’s impact goes beyond the classroom. “When they see something they built, like a picnic table or a cornhole set with the Rumsey crest, it means something to them.”
