CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS
February 3, 2023
Staff Spotlight: Amy Henebry, Instructional Assistant at Aviara Oaks Middle School
In a classroom abuzz with collaborative instructional activities, a quiet presence guides and encourages students in their quest to solve math equations. She is Instructional Assistant Amy Henebry.
As the teacher leads the sixth graders through the math lesson of the day, Mrs. Henebry moves about the room, kneeling beside a student who needs assistance, gently placing a hand on the shoulder of another. A student raises a hand to attract her attention, and another smiles when she whispers, “Just a moment, I’ll be right there.” Mrs. Henebry is doing her magic, just as she has every day for the last four years in the classrooms at Aviara Oaks Middle School.
“Sixth grade is a time of major transitions,” said Mrs. Henebry. “Students have moved from elementary school to secondary, and now they are changing classes and making new friends. It is an important time in their lives. They are adapting and learning new ways. My job is to help provide a safe place where students can learn that they can do it. I want to help these kids get ready for 7th grade.”
Mrs. Henebry loves working with kids, sometimes “pushing in” (supporting students to participate in classroom activities) or “pulling out” (working individually with students to help them reach their goals), or working with small groups.
“In middle school it is awkward to have an aide next to you,” said Mrs. Henebry. “I have to think about how I can make this work for students. How can I reach this kid? Are they comfortable? What do they like? How can I get them to let me into their world? I try to pay attention to their facial expressions, to read them.”
But working with adolescents can be challenging. “I do my best to support their positive behaviors. But there are times when, as another set of eyes in the room, I can see that something is going on. Can it wait, or do I need to work with the teacher or get the counselor involved? What does this student need?”
”Mrs. Henebry is a deeply caring person, and she builds the students’ trust and wins their confidence,” said AOMS principal Rose Flowers. “But while she connects with the students she is also able to maintain a balance, reinforcing school rules, and setting boundaries. We are so fortunate to have such an empathetic person in the classroom, supporting and encouraging students to be their best.”
Student-led Black History Month Presentations
Black History Month was kicked off this week in 3rd grade classrooms at Hope Elementary thanks to student Courtney Huggins and her peers from Sage Creek High School (SCHS). This was part of Courtney’s Genius Project at SCHS, and she received assistance from the students in the SCHS Black Student Union.
The Sage Creek Genius Project is a year-long, student-chosen, passion project. Students are invited to choose their projects, execute their plan, and then reflect on their experience in a TED-Style Talk presented to peers and community members. Students' projects fulfill three criteria: passion, impact, and challenge.
Hope Elementary teacher Lindsey Gordon noted, “My 3rd grade students were completely enthralled with learning from their older peers. I hope our district can provide more opportunities for students to share with other students. This had more value and power coming from other students.”
Thank you to Courtney and classmates (Ryan Telemaque, Aleena Shin, Sogol Talachi, Amaya Huggins, and Nicholas Huggins) for sharing with our younger students!
A few of our favorite Instagram posts
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Carlsbad Unified School District
Email: cusd@carlsbadusd.net
Website: https://www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us
Location: 6225 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Phone: 760-331-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/CarlsbadUnifiedSchools
Twitter: @CarlsbadUSD