By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Heights Superintendent
Last Friday, we conducted our annual leadership retreat at Red Bridge Park. This is one of my favorite days of the year.
The corporation leadership team consisting of school board members, administration, and representatives of our classroom teachers come together to review the goals from the past year and set benchmarks for the year ahead.
It was a half-day of deep thinking and strategizing for the coming year. We also spent time examining ways to strengthen existing and create new ways to make Hamilton Heights a better place for students to learn.
We were honored to have Jim Ginder, Health Education Specialist for the Hamilton County Health Department, as part of our retreat. He has his pulse on all things health-related in our county and is among the local and state health experts helping us navigate through this pandemic in the most responsible and safe way possible.
I do not use the term “expert” lightly.
Taking a deep dive into Jim’s background, education, training, and experience during his near quarter of a century in public health, and I can say with confidence, “We are in good hands.”
Jim continues to provide helpful information and insight as it relates to reopening schools and daily life in these times. He left us with the following thoughts: 1) COVID-19 will be with us for the long haul; 2) the virus is not to be feared but to be respected; 3) we are still learning more about this new virus every single day; and 4) based on what we do know at this time there are things we can do to reduce our risk of exposure and transmission while work is underway for an effective treatment. They include wearing a face covering when in indoor public spaces, avoiding crowded places, distancing appropriately, hand washing, and staying home when sick.
I can’t say enough about our team, Hamilton County Health Department, and IDOE for helping to provide the latest scientific data and guidance, along with considering the academic, social and emotional needs of students. This has enabled us to create a re-entry plan that makes the most sense for our district at this moment in time and as safety conditions allow. Our community can best support our efforts by practicing the basics, as listed in the preceding paragraph, to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission. Working in tandem will have the potential to significantly expedite our school’s ability to keep our doors open and kids in the classroom.
The adjustments that the new processes, protocols, and practices involve to allow for in-person classes to resume are not lost on us. We know it’s different and will take time to shift and adapt. Nothing is really off the table at this point, but right now the plan we have in place offers parents high quality, innovative face-to-face and virtual options with student and staff safety as our top priority.
I know our community recognizes we are trying really hard, under incredible obstacles and challenges, as we keep moving forward. We are doing our best to accommodate every family’s unique situation with our current plan, including a remote option for circumstances where a student cannot attend in-person classes.
The Class of 2020 has had it rough, but I am so excited about the potential for a really cool finish on Saturday, and we’re working to make the long-awaited commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 special. As Superintendent, I couldn’t be prouder, and as a father, I couldn’t be more thankful that my daughter is among this special class of graduates.
#WeAreHuskies