Reflections on the first day

I always love the first day of school.  There is such a sense of excitement and promise about what the year will bring to us.  Students show up with new supplies and positive attitudes, ready to meet their new teachers and to reconnect with old friends. 

One thing that really stands out to me at the beginning of each year at Henley is this--our students love being here.  Now, they may have told you differently as summer drew to a close and the first day of school approached.  They may have complained that they didn't want to come back to homework and bell schedules and  report cards.  They may have put on a good front by pretending to not like coming back, but deep down, I know they were looking forward to it.  To see students reestablish relationships with their friends who they may not have seen since the spring was exciting.  As I watched their faces when they met their new teachers and they learned just how engaging their classes were going to be this year, I could tell that they felt at home at Henley.  When I watched the absolute elation of our new sixth graders when they finally succeeded in opening their lockers after a few failed attempts, I knew they wanted to be here.  When I heard the cacophony of the lunch room as students renewed their friendships and reached out to make friends with new students, I knew that everyone felt like they had come home to Henley. 

So, moms and dads, don't let them fool you  Kids may complain that they don't want to go to school, that the work is too hard, that they would rather be doing something else, but I can tell you first hand (and would invite any and all of you to come see it for yourself) that kids love Henley.  It's a testament to our staff, our school division, and to you as parents that your children see the value of what we do at Henley each day, and appreciate all of the opportunities before them.

It is certainly going to be a great year.

The blog is back!

Hello, Hornets!  I'm pleased to announce that this year, after a far too long hiatus, that my Henley Middle School blog is making a comeback.  I hope to use this blog to keep you updated about what is happening at Henley and all of the wonderful experiences your children are having in their classrooms.  My goal is to have a new post at least once every two weeks.  If you've got any ideas for topics that you think the Henley community would like to hear about, please e-mail me at pmclaughlin@k12albemarle.org.  I'm excited to be taking this opportunity to again connect with parents, students, teachers and community members using the technology that our children have come to expect in their classrooms.  Here's to a great year and go Hornets!!!