Leadership

Dear Thomas H. Henderson Middle School Community,

It is with great enthusiasm and honor that I introduce myself as the new principal of Henderson Middle School. My name is Allen Vernon, and I am incredibly privileged to have been chosen to lead such an outstanding school and community.

Throughout my 25 years in public school education, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to fostering an environment where every student can learn, grow, and thrive. My goal is to ensure that our students reach their full potential while enjoying their educational journey. I am committed to creating a positive climate and culture that fosters a love of learning for our scholars at Henderson Middle School. I firmly believe that a great school is built on the foundation of amazing students and dedicated teachers who work together to support student growth.

My educational background began at Norfolk State University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in History. I started my career as a seventh-grade Social Studies Teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools. In 1998, I transitioned to Richmond, where I taught World Geography and US Government at George Wythe High School. During my time at "Wythe," I had the privilege of building strong relationships with students and parents, both as an educator and as a football coach.

In 2003, after completing my Educational Leadership and Supervision program at Virginia State University, I was appointed as the first Dean of Students in Richmond City Public Schools. For the past five years, I have had the honor of serving as Assistant Principal at John Marshall High School, where I continued to focus on student success and a supportive school culture.

I am deeply committed to fostering a positive culture and climate at Henderson Middle School, where students and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered. Together, we will continue to uphold the traditions of excellence that define this school while striving for continuous improvement and innovation.

I look forward to meeting each of you and working collaboratively towards our school-wide goals,  creating a community of excellence and an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Warm regards,

 

Allen Vernon, M.Ed.

Contact Information: 

School Principal Allen Vernon: (804) 780-8288

or avernon@rvaschools.net

 

My name is Melinda Lawson and I am the sixth grade assistant principal at Henderson Middle School. I am looking forward to working with my team and our sixth graders as they embark on this  journey through middle school.

This year they're going to learn a lot about meeting new friends, having several classes, gaining independence while moving about our building, and even using lockers! This is all going to be an adventure to say the least. 

I'm looking forward to working closely with our staff and parents this year but most importantly, our growing warriors! I am excited to be involved with all of the opportunities Henderson has to offer our students with the implementation of Project Based Learning and our STEM Academy.

I have a total of 29 years of experience in education with many more to go! My journey has taken me from an English teacher, literacy coach,  and now a new role as your assistant principal here at Henderson!

 

Contact Information:

Assistant Principal Lawson: 804-588-2100 or mlawson@rvaschools.net

 

Hello! My name is SheAnna Pinkney, it is with great honor that I introduce myself as the new STEM Assistant Principal at Henderson Middle School.  This will be my 9th year in education and I am thrilled to be serving the Henderson Warrior community! I am passionate about teaching and learning, I have dedicated the majority of my professional career to science education and teacher training at secondary level. I completed both my Bachelors of Science in Biology in December 2012 and my Masters in Teaching degree in May 2013 at Virginia Commonwealth University. In August 2018, I completed my Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Richmond and I am ready to serve our students, teachers, parents and community. 

It is my goal to help cultivate a love for STEM for our students, and I am dedicated to ensuring students have every opportunity possible to develop the 21st century skills necessary to prepare our students for the future! 

I am looking forward to a phenomenal school year and I am truly excited about working with the Henderson Team to continue to make Henderson Middle School the best school in RPS! 

 

Contact Information:

Assistant Principal Pinkney: 804-584-3161 or smccloud@rvaschools.net

 

Hello, Warrior family!

My name is Aamir Cobb, and I am grateful to be your 8th Grade Assistant Principal at Henderson Middle School. This will be my seventh year in education. I have a background in School Counseling and what drives me as an educator is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, staff and families. I have a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Masters of Education degree in School Counseling from James Madison University. I am also certified in Educational Leadership with my Administration and Supervision certification from Longwood University. I am a husband to my wife, Amanda and father of 5 growing scholars.

My leadership philosophy is tailored to caring for the whole student. My goal is to not only serve students in the academic capacity but to learn and foster an educational climate that serves student social and emotional development.

I am highly anticipating learning and growing with our Warrior community in this coming school year!

 

Contact Information:

Assistant Principal Cobb: 804-592-0148 or acobb@rvaschools.net