Dr. DEREK ARROWOOD
Hamilton Heights Superintendent
By now, I think we all understand that weekends can present additional challenges in exposure and transmission for COVID-19.
The data continues to support that there can be exponential spread at sleepovers, busy playgrounds, pool parties and family gatherings. It’s tempting to want to gather as we have in the past to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. It can be easy to let our guard down and inadvertently spread the virus when simply wanting to have a good time.
With the Labor Day holiday upon us, followed by the start of cold and flu season, we could be facing a crucial moment in the pandemic. At present, we have about 90 percent of HHSC students attending and participating in on-site instruction and just two active cases of COVID-19 in our district (one student and one adult). The handful who were impacted at the start of the school year have since returned to school and are doing well.
No one’s efforts to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19 can be complete unless the same efforts are taken at home and on weekends. Let’s continue to remain diligent so we do not dismantle the progress we are making in curbing the spread in our community. This will continue to help us keep our buildings open and our students in school.
In addition to all things COVID-19 prevention, education and mitigation, our buildings are filled with a flurry of activity that we have come to associate with the first month of school. The callouts for school clubs, scheduling of school pictures, and settling into our daily school schedule cause me to see a newfound sense of the value and importance of our learning environment that we may have taken for granted in the past.
Our high school students and staff have transitioned well into their one-semester home at the former middle school as construction and upgrades press on at the high school. As part of National Preparedness month, there will be various emergency and safety drills taking place throughout our buildings. This is especially important this year because of the new building configurations.
Our first 2020-2021 New Sub Academy for substitute teachers was last Friday. Our substitute teachers are some of our most remarkable assets. They adapt effectively to all the situations, help fill in the gaps, and contribute greatly to the classroom environment.
This Friday marks our first home football game which will be streamed live. In fact, you can follow our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel for the most up-to-date information on the Hamilton Heights Huskies!
Thank you for your support and engagement in our schools. Your involvement and willingness to work together through these unchartered times is making a difference. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
#WeAreHuskies