For most teachers at Stafford High School, the opening of Hartwood High School isn’t just about a new building.Hartwood is about leaving behind a place that’s felt like home.
As Stafford County gets ready for the transition, some teachers are facing a mix of emotions: excitement, uncertainty, and nostalgia.
“I don’t really want to leave,” Stafford High School business teacher Donald Brock said. “I have mixed feelings, but I am very excited about opening a new school.”
Brock, who has built his career teaching business courses, plans to continue teaching subjects like economics, personal finance, and business law at Hartwood. In addition to his academic role, he will also take on a new position as the school’s golf coach.
While the building and environment will be new, Brock says his approach to teaching will stay the same.
“The building will be new, but how I teach and what I do will stay the same,” he said. “I’m ready to meet new people—so far everyone I’ve met has been great.”
For others, the transition brings both enthusiasm and hesitation. “Yes and no,” history teacher Jessie Whitmer said when asked if she wants to leave Stafford. “I truly love the students and my department so much, but I am ready to start new beginnings and create a whole new school culture.”Whitmer expects to teach a range of courses at Hartwood, including ESOL, special education, Virginia and U.S. History, with the possibility of eventually teaching Dual Enrollment and sociology classes.
Despite her excitement, she admits that change isn’t without worry.“I am definitely scared and a little nervous,” Whitmer said. “But the administration and the other teachers seem lovely and so welcoming.”
The opening of a new school offers opportunities that don’t often come around. Teachers have the chance to help build traditions, culture, and community from the ground up. At the same time, it means stepping away from familiar classrooms, colleagues, and students.
As the doors to Hartwood High School are preparing to open, both teachers—and many others—are learning that sometimes moving forward means leaving a little piece of home behind.
Theater Program Changes at Stafford High School
With staffing shifts happening across the school, the theater department is also entering a new chapter.
Theater teacher Natalie Mullanaphy will be expanding her role, moving beyond Theater Arts 1 to teach all levels of theater, including advanced classes and technical theater.
“I’m so excited,” Mullanaphy said. “Getting to work with students who have a strong passion for theater is something I’ve been looking forward to since I started teaching.”
While she plans to maintain the program’s strong reputation, some changes are expected—especially in technical theater. With a background in costume design and makeup, Mullanaphy hopes to introduce new units that reflect those skills.
Starting next year, she will likely be the department’s only theater teacher, teaching multiple courses and using both the classroom and auditorium spaces more flexibly.
Despite the changes, one thing remains clear: theater is for everyone. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is,” Mullanaphy said. “If you have even a little curiosity, this is a class that can benefit you.”
