Mr. Henderson Interview: Principal of the J.P. Holland Middle School

Mr. Henderson Interview: Principal of the J.P. Holland Middle School

 Located at 85 Olney Street, Dorchester Ma 02124

Mr. Henderson, Holland School Principal

Bullentin Board at Holland School

Welcome to the Holland School!

Holland School leads the way with anti-bullying rules

1. What/who inspired you to become a principal?

“I got into education because I thought it was easy. I was a teacher for 4 years and well, it just happened.”

2.     Was this your original career choice?

“NO! I wanted to be what everyone else wanted to be, an athlete, basketball player to be exact.”

3. How long have you been a principal and when are you considering retirement?

“2 years. I’ve been an assistant principal for 8 years. With retirement…it depends. If I go by the system I’m going to retire when I’m 60.”

4. Do you like what you do?

“Yes because I love children and like working with them.”

5. What is the easiest/hardest thing about your job?

“Well, the easiest is just having a job! The hardest is dealing with the adults (most of them). There are to kinds of kids, the kids that get an education and the kids that get paid.”

6. What are some activities you like to do in your spare time?

“I like to travel when I get the chance to. I listen to music and play ball.”

           

7. When did you decide on your career choice?

“When I was about 21/22 I decided I wanted to get into education when I finished with college.”

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

“Right Here. I hope to still be here at the Holland.”

9. Being a principal is I big responsibility, is this your passion of work that you are interested in?

“More now then when I first started. The more I got involved the more I see it’s not only for the money.”

10.                Do you have any special training?

“Yes, I studied sociology and psychology.”

11.                How many schools have you been a principal at?

“Just one. I was an assistant principal at the Lee School.”

12.                 Have you experienced any illegal/ethical issues?

“Yes, 5 years ago a 5^th grader brought a loaded gun into the school, just for show and tell.