Thankfulness

As the Thanksgiving break approaches, I am reflective of all that I have to be thankful for. Family, friends, faith and good health are all near the top of the list, but right behind those blessings is this incredible school district. I am grateful to serve as your superintendent, where I have had a front-row seat for so much growth and achievement over the last 11 years.

I am proud of what we have already accomplished in the 2021-2022 school year. Students and staff have responded tremendously to so many changes to their routines over the last couple of years, yet still continue to perform at a high level. Parents have also been instrumental to student success, and we have been happy to welcome you back for many more on-campus activities. Thank you all for your patience through a challenging time.

At the beginning of this school year, I gave our district leaders and staff a three-word challenge, Check Your Corners, which served as a reminder to check on students, colleagues and families who may need additional help. We also want to make sure we take a personal inventory of how we can improve ourselves. Three months into the school year, I have been so pleased with everyone’s additional efforts to make our campuses and district stronger. Although the work isn’t complete, I want to thank all of our staff for giving a little extra, on purpose (that’s lagniappe!) to help CFISD achieve its full potential.  

This next week, I encourage you to take some “you” time. Surround yourself with those you love, eat and be merry, rest your mind and body and count your blessings. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break, and I look forward to welcoming you back on Nov. 29 as we finish the semester strong.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

Thankful

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As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches next week, I encourage you to take a moment to count your blessings. To lead by example, I have created a short list of things I am thankful for during this season of giving.

I cherish my CFISD family and the way it comes together for every occasion. Recently, when challenged to get out and vote, staff and students alike organized major efforts to make their voices heard. I was so proud to see that when #CFISDvotes, it votes big!

I am thankful for the courageous veterans who have defended our freedoms for 242 years. I was humbled to meet the families of Cypress Creek HS graduates SPC Scott Quentin Larson Jr. and Cpl. Scott A. McIntosh, who lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom, during the unveiling of Cypress Creek’s Fallen Warriors memorial on Oct. 9.

Heroes are all around us. My friend Walter Grice, pictured below with his wife Mary, is a Purple Heart recipient from World War II. He served more than 70 years ago in his youth so I and others could be free today.

I am thankful to work with a Board of Trustees who are aligned with the vision of Opportunity for All. These seven servant leaders truly cheer all students to succeed!

Family is everything. I was raised by great parents who have been married for 65 years and continue to set an incredible example for me to this day. My wife, Cindy, is my rock and I am so grateful for her. Blessings continue to multiply in the form of beautiful grandchildren. I am now up to five following the arrival of Homer Sutton on Oct. 3. I am blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with all of them.

Too easily we forget how much we have to be thankful for. During this Thanksgiving break, briefly hit the pause button and reflect on those blessings. Enjoy the time off, and I will see you back on Nov. 26!

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.