By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Hamilton Heights Superintendent
Update #66 from Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent, Hamilton Heights School Corporation.
With the school year in full swing, each day brings newfound appreciation for the opportunity to simply be at school learning and growing together. I want to commend our teachers and staff for doing a great job of welcoming our students back to school and leaning into the new school year with a thoughtful and intentional mindset in supporting our students academically, socially, and emotionally.
In addition to all the “new” this school year brings, there is a lot going on in the world around us with complexities and uncertainties that can cause additional stress, frustration, and anxiety above and beyond the “back to school” jitters. If you see your child struggling in any way as the school year progresses, please reach out to your child’s teacher, school counselor, nurse, or principal. Our students will benefit best from our working together in supporting their growth and overall well-being.
I would like to share a note of appreciation to SHHAG, a new charitable advocate group comprised of businesses and individuals from Northern Hamilton County and The Duke Energy Foundation. Both have allocated grant money to Hamilton Heights. SHHAG provided a grant of $32,500 to the Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Program which has grown into a lifeline for district children in need. The Duke Energy Foundation awarded Heights $20,000 to support our career and technical education program. In fact, Heights was among 11 workforce development and educational programs in the state to receive a part of the Foundation’s $280,000 in grant money to help create a pipeline of workers prepared for employment. We are humbled and grateful for their investment in our schools and in our youth. Thank you!
While we are on the topic of gratitude, we deeply appreciate our district and transfer families’ patience with our school transportation process as we worked through a few glitches. We have brought on David Hildebrand, a lifelong resident of Northern Hamilton County and former Cicero Police Chief, as our interim Director of Transportation while the current Director is out on leave. Dave and our team of drivers have risen to the challenges of a new schedule and new school year. We appreciate each of you and your dedication to the safe transportation of our students to and from school.
I also want to give a shout out to HHMS Art Teacher, Erin Goodman, and members of the HHMS Art Club for sharing their talent with the community. Their bright and inspiring work on the west side of the Hair Happenings by Robin building in Cicero is truly a masterpiece. Erin and her student artists were also involved with another special art project over the summer. The project, spearheaded by the White River Alliance, involved 10 canoes individually painted with scenes that reflect local culture, history, or the spirit of the river are strategically placed along sections of the White River from Strawtown to Indianapolis. Erin’s canoe, the only one painted by a group of young artists, is on display at Koteewi Park through October. Click here to read the story featured in the Indianapolis Star on this special project. #hhmsartclub
Thank you for your confidence and support as we work together to offer the most impactful educational experience for our students in spite of the challenges of adjusting to the ever-changing circumstances in our world.
#WeAreHuskies