A Friendly Competition Between Henry James Teachers and Students

Before the winter break in December, Simsbury’s middle school students marked a tradition that pitted students against teachers for a friendly game of volleyball. All week, the students had been working hard on tests, final projects, and homework, and it was definitely time for a little recreation.

Both 7th and 8th graders held playoffs to determine which students would play against their teachers. HJMS Principal Sue Lemke and Vice-Principal Patty-Lou Peters were also in attendance on the court. It was difficult to tell who was having the most fun, the students who got to play in the first round, their peers cheering in the bleachers and being entertained with trivia games and T-shirt tossing by Lemke, or the teachers and administrators who surprised themselves with their athletic prowess by winning the final round against some agile 8th graders.

“Henry James seems to have a way to create school spirit that feels inclusive," said Anna Vdovenko, a parent who observed the event. "The enthusiasm was tangible in the gym, and you could tell from watching the interactions both on and off the court that both Henry James teachers and administrators really care about the kids.”

She continued, “While for many young people, middle school is fraught with perils, yet with such a great staff at Henry James, one feels that one’s child will be navigated through these tumultuous years by people with warm hearts and cool, clear minds.”

Added Vdovenko, “Plus they are simply amazing at playing volleyball!”

This information provided by the Simsbury Public Schools.