From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 182

One of the greatest measures of a school district’s success is not only what students accomplish while they are with us, but how they choose to serve and lead after graduation. That is why I am always encouraged to see Hamilton Heights alumni investing their talents back into our communities.

Graduates Lydia and Sterling Weatherford (Class of 2017) are doing just that through Born Again Gardens, a nonprofit they founded this year with a mission of serving others and strengthening the community they call home.

On Nov. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m., Born Again Gardens will host its inaugural fundraising gala, Garden Party, at House Family Farms, 26510 State Road 37, Atlanta. The event will bring community members together in support of the organization’s mission while celebrating the power of local giving, service, and connection. Lydia and Sterling’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for impact reflects the values we strive to instill in every Husky. It is inspiring to see former students using their vision, passion, and leadership to cultivate positive change right here at home. Learn more at BornAgainGardens.org.

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This month, we take time to recognize a group of leaders whose influence reaches every corner of our district: our principals.

Julie Griffey and Ken Watson (HHES), Bret Bailey, Jill Landers, and Andy Smith (HHMS), and Whitney Gray, Mitch Street, and Lori Hippensteel (HHHS) guide their buildings with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our students. Their leadership is felt in the culture they build, the relationships they nurture, and the countless decisions they make each day to support teaching and learning.

We are grateful for the steadiness they bring to Hamilton Heights and for the heart they pour into this work. Their impact is profound, and we appreciate all they do for our children, staff, and community.

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This week is National School Bus Safety Week, a meaningful reminder for all of us to slow down, stay alert, and use extra care when driving near school buses in our community. School buses remain one of the safest ways for students to travel, but that safety depends on every driver honoring flashing lights, extended stop arms, and the responsibility we share to protect children on the road. Your attention behind the wheel truly matters.

As we highlight bus safety, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our outstanding team of school bus drivers. Each day, they navigate thousands of miles through early mornings, changing weather, and unpredictable traffic to ensure our students arrive safely at school and at school‑sponsored events. Their professionalism, patience, and genuine care for the children they transport are evident in every route they run. They are the quiet, steady heroes of our daily routines, and we are deeply grateful for the essential role they play.

Thank you for your commitment and for the difference you make.

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You won’t want to miss Hamilton Heights High School’s spooktacular double feature on Thursday, Oct. 29! Our FFA chapter will hold its fourth annual Trunk or Treat in the high school parking lot, while our Theatre Arts students transform the auditorium into the eerie and immersive Haunted Circus.

Families can enjoy safe, festive trick-or-treating from 5 to 7 p.m., then step right into a hauntingly creative experience designed and performed by our talented theatre students for just $1 admission.

Both events are open to the public and offer a fun, family-friendly evening that showcases the creativity, leadership, and school spirit of our students.

#WeAreHuskies