Welcome to Mae Hensley Jr. High!
Dear Mae Hensley Warriors, Students, and Families,
I am so happy to welcome you to Mae Hensley Jr. High School. Our mission, and our daily commitment, is to focus on Learning every day. As Principal, my role is to create and support an educational environment where every student is empowered to embody this mission, learn, grow, and thrive.
I want for each of our students what I want for my own children – to feel seen - to have a safe, welcoming, and nurturing space where they feel genuinely valued and comfortable. It is within this supportive atmosphere that learning can happen, allowing students the confidence to explore, question, and develop into their best selves.
My background, spanning ten years as a classroom teacher, one year as an Educational Technology Specialist, and five years as an Assistant Principal at a dual language immersion site, has shaped my approach to leadership. As a dual language parent and first-generation immigrant from Colombia, I deeply appreciate the values that dual language immersion programs and socio-cultural competency bring to a school community. We are proud to integrate dual language learners into our school's program, and while only approximately 20% of our students participate in the dual language immersion program at Mae Hensley, I am confident that the program provides positive exposure for all our students. This experience, combined with my work in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) – a system I have studied extensively – guides our commitment to building a consistently positive and supportive school culture. We strive to establish clear expectations, proactively teach appropriate behaviors, and celebrate the positive contributions of our students. I am committed to supporting an environment where students are both respectful and treated with respect in every interaction.
At the heart of a successful school are strong relationships. I believe in authentic connections among students, families, and staff. These relationships help us to collaboratively navigate challenges and celebrate every achievement. While relationships are foundational, so too is accountability and it is my responsibility to ensure that all students are consistently challenged and supported in their educational journey. This means holding our Warriors accountable for their choices, particularly when those actions do not serve a student's growth and development.
Our teachers and staff set high expectations for all our Warriors. Our collective aim is for every student to achieve academic success and focus on learning every day. We recognize that the junior high years are a significant period of transition and that moments of struggle are a natural part of growth. Please know that we have systems in place to provide the necessary help and support whenever it is needed. We are here to guide you through these challenges, ensuring you have the resources and encouragement to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.
Junior high is such an important stage in a student's development and educational journey. It is here that not only crucial academic content is learned, but also where students will cement the habits that will mean success in high school and beyond. From effective study routines to developing stronger social skills and embracing personal responsibility, I hope the lessons learned at Mae Hensley will serve as a powerful foundation for future achievements.
I look forward to our partnership in making this school a place of continuous growth, meaningful achievement, and positive experiences for all. I believe in you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Marshall, Principal
Mae Hensley Jr. High School