Under the quiet surface

William Clark had months-long gaps in his journal chronicling the journey of the Corps of Discovery that he co-led with Merriweather Lewis in the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase for Thomas Jefferson.

Oh, I know what you're saying:

"I served with Bill Clark. I knew Bill Clark. Bill Clark was a friend of mine. You're no Bill Clark."

With other projects, and even my day job, eating up time this fall, I haven't had much free time for Knowing Henry. My silence is not reflective of all that's been happening. To briefly recap:

• More than 30 people from the neighborhood have volunteered to serve as Judges for the upcoming Henry Science Fair. Judges include parents and grandparents, in addition to local people who have no other connection to the school. Henry students in grades 4 - 8 are eligible to enter the city-wide Carver Science Fair, with winners there eligible for the Delaware Valley Science Fair and on up to the international big show.
• The October Home and School meeting was a full house, there to hear from upper school teachers about the strengths of Henry's 5th through 8th grades. Several Henry alumni attended and gave rousing testimonials about their time at Henry and subsequent success at Girls High, Central, and other top city schools. Several teachers and parents, who are also Henry alums, gave their own testimonials. More than one parent commented that the meeting was more revival than a meeting.
• The Mt. Airy Schools Committee held a focus group with Principals, parents, and community members representing Henry, Houston, Linglebach, Emlen, and Jenks schools, along with Lankenau High School. MASC is going through a change in leadership, and potentially direction, and called the meeting to get input to learn what's important. With no clear indication that MASC will change direction, the meeting at least illustrated great energy and interest in our community's schools.
• Henry parent Kathy Romano, as part of her Art Education graduate program, is working with Henry Art Teacher, Evelyn Bock, on a special project, "Struggle." While students explore their own understanding of struggle and reflect on personal experience, they will simultaneously interpret art in small group discussions. While composing poetry and making art, students will also study artists who use struggle as a theme in their works. (this description entirely plagiarized from the December Henry newsletter).
• The Winter Concert will be Monday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!.