By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Hamilton Heights Superintendent
Update #60 from Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent, Hamilton Heights School Corporation.
As the school year draws to a close, I have been asked about what the fall might look like. I am happy to report that it’s going to look familiar. We are committed to providing in-person instruction and the resumption of school activities for the 2021-22 school year. All students will attend in-person, Monday-Friday and schools will be at full capacity, as in a traditional school year. In terms of masking, social distancing, and other recommended health and safety guidelines, we expect to hear from various local, state, and national agencies over the summer. We will keep you informed of what guidance they provide us for the school year ahead.
As we plan for this fall, we are also taking the opportunity to learn from the events over the past year. We will continue to examine how we can incorporate new learning models and innovations that engage students by their individual strengths and needs. In addition, we continue to look for new ways we can be more impactful, inclusive, and equitable than before to ensure the best educational experience for every student.
Meanwhile, our last day for student instruction is Wednesday, June 2 and the last day for staff is Thursday, June 3. The first day of student attendance for the 2021-22 school year is Tuesday, Aug. 10 and we will be on the new time schedule: HHES 8:25 a.m. to 2:55 p.m., HHMS 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and HHHS 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Early dismissal continues every Wednesday. Student release times are: HHES 2:15 p.m., HHMS 2:25 p.m., and HHHS 2:35 p.m.
It is my honor to share this year’s Building Level Teachers of the Year: Denise Funston (HHES), Dawn Runner (HHMS), and Taylor Myers (HHHS). One of these educators will be selected to represent Hamilton Heights at the Indiana Teacher of the Year competition in the fall. In addition, our honorees for the Building Level Support Staff Member of the Year are Lisa Badgley (HHES), Tammy Rednour (HHMS), and Dee Roper (HHHS). Congratulations!
These annual recognition programs acknowledge and celebrate some of our district’s most exceptional educators and support staff. Their commitment to student success exemplifies all that is good in our public schools. What makes these awards so special is that the winners are selected by their colleagues, who see first-hand the impact these individuals have on students and families – in and out of the classroom. These amazing honorees represent education at its best at Hamilton Heights and we are grateful to have this caliber of professionals in our district.
This is #MentalHealthAwareness Month. We know that mental health and school success are closely linked, and untreated mental health challenges can create significant barriers to academic, social, emotional, and career success. Schools are an amazing place to destigmatize mental health concerns. Student Services Coordinator Tricia Rudy, a long-term educator who also provides counseling support at the Elementary School, believes one of the best ways to set our students up for success is to practice things that can give them a voice to ask for the help they need. She also works with our staff to provide opportunities, activities, and resources for students to help address and improve mental health and overall well-being throughout the year. Tricia shared one of her favorite quotes by Mr. Rogers that I think can provide inspiration to anyone struggling with mental health issues or experiencing difficult times: “If it’s mentionable, it’s manageable.” Let’s continue to take care of each other and ourselves.
#WeAreHuskies