From the desk of Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD

Hamilton Heights Superintendent

Update #56 from Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent, Hamilton Heights School Corporation.

Wednesday was National Administrative Professionals Day. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who serves in this essential role throughout our corporation. Our administrative roles are incredibly diverse and those who serve in them invaluable to our operations. These professionals often represent the first impression of Hamilton Heights to those coming into our school buildings and district office.

Our administrative professionals work closely with our administrators, educators, staff, families, and community to ensure our schools are welcoming, organized, and efficient environments for learning. While much of their work is often done behind the scenes, their dedication and contributions do not go unnoticed, and they are deeply appreciated. Thank you for going above and beyond. #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay

Our partners at the Hamilton County Health Department have reached out for help in gathering some data from the local school districts through a one question survey. If you have a student between the ages of 12 and 15, please click here to answer the following question:

Would you likely want your 12- to 15-year-old vaccinated for COVID-19 with the Pfizer vaccine when it is approved for use in that age group?

Kindly respond by Monday, April 26. This information will help the department determine in advance how many supplemental vaccine clinics will be needed in Hamilton County. Thank you for your time and input.

Speaking of Monday, April 26, this will be the first day of our shift to in-person instruction four days a week at the middle and high schools. This has been made possible thanks in part to a successful hybrid scheduling format which has helped us keep our buildings open and more students in class since January. Classes will be held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with Wednesday as an E-Learning day for students in grades 5 through 12.

We are also planning to return to five days a week of in-person instruction at the middle and high schools in the fall. At this time, we do not plan to offer a virtual program next year but will take advantage of E-Learning days when needed throughout the school year.

Next week is Welcome Back and Spirit Week at the high school and it will be a week of fun, learning, and engagement. Through the week, students and staff will enjoy dress up days, friendly competitions, staff retirement celebrations, the annual Ryan White Walk, and much more. The Ultimate Fan 5K kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1 at the Athletic Center (north end of the building) with T-shirt pickup beginning at 9 a.m. Walkup registrations will be available, but register online at this link to guarantee a T-shirt. The 2021 Prom is set for the Kokomo Elite Banquet Center Saturday evening, May 1. The After Prom, open to all juniors and seniors, follows at Bowl 32 in Noblesville.

Finally, a special shout out to the HHMS choir who made history by earning the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) All-Music Award this year. Congratulations!

As we move through our last semester of the school year, let’s continue to celebrate the little things and work as one for the success and benefit of our students.

#WeAreHuskies