By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Hamilton Heights Superintendent
With the summer break upon us, our administrators have begun the scenario planning required to open schools for the 2020-21 school year. We are staying intricately connected to the Indiana Department of Education and health experts for guidance and tools for fleshing out important elements of school reopening plans in various situations.
As we continue to chart our path forward toward the fall, our families can help by participating in a needs assessment survey through the Indiana Department of Education in partnership with Panorama Education. Your input will help us better prepare for distance learning development for students and families as well as provide information on how we can continue to best support you in the midst of COVID-19, should distance learning occur in the school year ahead. Please take a moment to complete the survey link for each child in your household. The survey can be accessed via bit.ly/idoeremotelearning. Please complete it by Friday, June 5.
One of our annual year-end events that had to be canceled this month was our Seniors Honors Awards evening. However, this does not take away from the incredible accomplishments our students have achieved, or the qualities they have demonstrated throughout the past couple of months – perseverance, resilience and leadership. Of our 162 seniors who comprise the Class of 2020, close to a third earned nearly a $1 million in scholarships and awards toward their post-secondary pursuits throughout the state and around the country. For the second year in a row, we had a Lilly Scholar, who will be receiving a full ride to Butler University. They are among the best and the brightest and a testament to our educators and staff.
Speaking of our educators and staff, they were out in force Monday afternoon for the drive-thru graduation pick up. Students received their cap and gown, Honor Society tassels, some specialty awards and goodie bags. The connection and mutual admiration could be seen and felt by all in attendance.
It is with gratitude that I wish Jennifer Lively (HHMS, Math, 34 years), Laura Crawford (HHES, 4th grade, 31 years), Keith Ecker (Corporation Data Coach/Grant Coordinator, 25 years), Charlie Beard (HHPS, Head Custodian, 18 years), and Linda Fledderjohn (HHPS, Instructional Assistant, three years) all the best in their retirement years ahead. These five individuals whose combined service represents 111 years of commitment, dedication and excellence to the district. They have been vital members of our team and incredible role models. Their contributions helped make our corporation what it is today. They will be missed.
With Memorial Day right around the corner, let’s remember the courage, sacrifice and ultimate price that many paid in service to our country for the freedoms we enjoy today.
I remain grateful knowing that it has been our strength as a community that helped get us through this challenging time and supported our students to a strong finish this school year. As a community united in support of our children, there isn’t anything we can’t overcome.
#WeAreHuskies