Ten years ago today I was headed to USM for an 8:00 a.m. class in the Walker Science Building to take a test (this was back when I thought I wanted to be a nurse and was taking science and technology classes).  Like always, I was early for class, which meant I was driving to campus when the first plane hit the World Trade Center, so I missed hearing anything about it, and I also missed seeing the second plane hit (thank goodness!). 

Shortly after 8:00 a.m. the test began and a student walked in late with tears streaming down her face.  Our professor, who was also apparently clueless as to the morning's events, asked what was wrong.  All she could manage to say was, "My brother is in New York City and there was an explosion and I can't get in touch with him."  The professor kind of snipped at her to get herself together and take his test.  Little did we know that the "explosion" she referenced would change the world. 

I finished my test around 8:45, and in true college fashion, headed back home since I didn't have another class until 1:00 that afternoon.  When I got in my car and turned on the radio, I couldn't believe what I heard.  Not one but two planes hit the World Trade Center and due to this tragic act of terrorism, all Federal Buildings were closed.  My mom, who was a court reporter for a Circuit judge in Laurel at the time, was anxiously awaiting my arrival from school.  When I walked in the door, she was standing in the living room absolutely stunned.  I will never, ever forget the look on her face.  We both sat glued to the TV for the rest of the day.  USM cancelled all classes, as well as the other colleges in the area, and I remember just staring and wondering what all of this meant.  Now I know what it meant for us as a country.

Although I did not know anyone personally affected with loss and pain from that day, it affected me as a citizen of the greatest country in the world - the USA.  I'm proud to be an American, and I'm proud to be such a small part of the lives of the future of this country.  To all of my students, I pray that you never have to go through such a national tragedy as the events of September 11, 2001.  However, I do believe the USA has come out strong and amazing, and I know whatever you decide to do with your lives, you will do it in a strong and amazing way, too!!! 

Today has been a day of reflection.  September 11, 2001 is everywhere.  And it should be!  As my husband and I sat watching the memorial services on NBC this morning, Joseph stood in awe and watched the TV as well.  He walked over to me and held his little hands in the air for me to pick him up.  He sat in my lap for what felt like only a few minutes but turned out to be 35 minutes just watching and listening.  Even my 18-month-old son understood the importance of that service and what today means for so many people.  Students, I urge you to think ahead to 10 years from now.  What will you be doing?  What goals have you set that make you want to achieve your very best in all that you do?  Just remember, one day you could be looking back and saying, "Ten years ago today I was..." 

God Bless America!!!  :-)

Thank you to all of the parents and students who joined us for Open House last night!  It was great meeting the parents and seeing the students in "normal clothes".  :)  Overall I think Open House was a huge success!

Just a few reminders: Make sure parents and students are keeping up with SchoolNotes for latest updates and announcements.  Also, parents, please make sure you have signed up for an Active Parent account if you have not already done that.  This program allows you to keep track of your child's grades (and often you will know the grade before the students!).  You will need to see the secretaries in C-building office for more information and/or to sign up.

As always, if you have any questions/concerns/comments, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or call the school to set up a conference!  :)

Hello all!  :)  This is the first time I've ever utilized the blog section of SchoolNotes, and to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure how this even works.  We will experiment with this feature in the coming weeks, and I hope to really begin using it after Christmas as part of class assignments, study help, etc.

I want to thank everyone for such a wonderful start to the new school year.  The students have all been amazing and I'm really looking forward to working with them this year.  Just a reminder to everyone: I set high expectations for my students.  LCSD does not settle for less than great, and I want to strive for greatness in my classroom.  

Please know that I am always available.  Simply email me at leslie.langham@lamarcountyschools.org or call the school (601.264.4634) to set up a parent conference.  Students, you may use this blog as a way to communicate with me outside of class.  Eventually, I hope to use this for discussion boards as we get into our novels this year.  

Have a great weekend, everyone!  :)

Mrs. Langham