Off to a great start!

The day I've been waiting for since May finally arrived this past Wednesday--the return of the Henley Hornets! The opening of this school year has truly been wonderful. For the first time in my career as an educator, I got to see what sixth graders looked like as they came to middle school for the first time. I know that, even though they may not admit it, that this week was a stressful one for them. It's the first time they have a locker, the first time they have some control over what they get to order in the cafeteria, the first time they have to scour the halls looking for an elective class. Even through all of these stressors, they made it through with flying colors.

Our seventh grade students also had many new experiences as they returned for the year. For the first time, they are allowed outside of the "sixth grade hall." They're mingling with their eighth grade counterparts and are finding out that they have a little bit more freedom than when they were the newbies to the school. They are out of the sixth grade elective rotation and have a little bit more of a voice in the classes that they are taking with us. I noticed several seventh graders last week who went out of their way to help some of the new students at the school. I know that they remember what those first few days were like last year, and I appreciate the fact that they are willing to lend a hand to those in need.

And of course, there's our eighth graders, the Henley Middle School class of 2008. They have finally arrived, are finally able to "rule the school" as so many of them have told me. In my short time here, I've seen that the level of excitement our eighth graders have surpasses all of our other students. In their last year at Henley, they know that I expect great things from them. They know that the world of high school is just 365 days away, and that, before they know it, they will once again be the newcomers. My experience with this class so far has been exceptional, and I know that they will make me proud.

With that said, however, I think it is important that our students understand that one of the most important messages I am trying to send to them this year is that we cannot view ourselves as separate from each other because of our age or our grade level. We are the Henley Hornets, and we rise and we fall together as a team. When we see others who are excelling, we need to learn from their success. When we see those around us who are struggling, we need to take the time to help them up. We are the Henley Hornets, something that we will remember forever, and something that we should not take lightly. Together, great things will happen for us this year.

Week one is over and it was a rousing success. I know that the rest of the year is going to provide us with opportunities to grow together as a team and to reach new heights at Henley Middle School. I can't wait to see what 2007-2008 will bring.

Go Hornets!