From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 175

While school may be out, the energy of Hamilton Heights is still very much alive. Learning doesn’t stop when summer begins; it simply shows up in new ways. Whether your family is traveling, reading together, tackling projects at home, or exploring the outdoors, those moments spark curiosity, confidence, and growth in our students.

Our teachers and staff are using this time to recharge and get ready for the new school year. They’re planning lessons, preparing classrooms, and thinking about the experiences that will inspire our Huskies when they return in August.

Over the summer, our transportation department organizes and completes its bus routes to best optimize service, ride time, and efficiency based on bus capacities, stop locations, and the number of students at each stop. Our drivers will contact parents of bus riders the last week of July to ensure an accurate count of riders, pick-up and drop-off points, and approximate times for their riders to help us better serve the families in our district.

Any requests received after Wednesday, July 22 may not result in a bus on the first day of school. If you don’t hear from a driver by Friday, July 31, and believe you signed up for a bus, please reach out to the Transportation Department at transportation@hhschuskies.org, by calling (317) 984-8404, or by emailing Jayme Speer directly at jspeer@hhschuskies.org.

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As a reminder, the Hamilton County Health Department will hold a back-to-school vaccination clinic at Hamilton Heights Middle School (students K-12) from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 29 as part of the Husky Connect Day. Registration is required. Click here to register and learn more about what you need to know about your child receiving a vaccination at this event.

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One of the most meaningful traditions that ushers in our school year is our Annual Prayer Breakfast. It’s a morning filled with connection, encouragement, and community spirit, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone on Friday, July 31, at the Hamilton Heights Middle School Café. Doors open at 7 a.m. Come early, greet friends, and start the day with purpose.

A light breakfast will be served, and our program will begin at 7:30 a.m. This year’s speaker, Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer Tom Abernethy, will offer a message designed to inspire and strengthen us as we begin a new year together. The program will also feature music provided by our local faith community, creating a warm and uplifting start to the morning.

This beloved event, now in its 13th year, is hosted by the Heights Area Pastors in partnership with HHSC. Guests are encouraged to bring Capri Sun pouches, fruit cups, or canned chicken to support the Hamilton Heights Backpack Program and help fuel our students for success.

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Summer may bring a different rhythm, but our mission remains the same and our focus is always on our students. As we move through these final weeks of summer, I’m grateful for the many ways our families, staff, and community continue to strengthen Hamilton Heights. Your support, your partnership, and your belief in our mission make a real difference in the lives of our Huskies.

We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, Aug. 4 – refreshed, energized, and ready for a year filled with learning, connection, and the unmistakable spirit that defines Hamilton Heights.

#WeAreHuskies