From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 104

Beginning April 1, the community can enjoy an up close and personal visit to 12 different historical sites in Jackson Township (Atlanta, Arcadia, and Cicero) through self-guided video tours. These videos, created by a talented crew of HHSC educators and staff, including Jeff Beechler, Connor James, Lucia Garber (HHMS), and Melissa Martin and Julie Davis (HHSC), along with 20 middle school students, can be seen on YouTube. Bonus! Many of these sites will be open to the public between 2 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 15.

* * *

By the same token, on that same day and time, Saturday, April 15 from 2 to 5 p.m., Hamilton Heights will hold a community open house at our newly renovated Student Activity Center. The tour is in collaboration with the Hamilton County Bicentennial Committee’s April spotlight on Jackson Township. Guests will be given a personalized tour of the facility and meet and greet with Hamilton Heights’ leadership team and school board members. The Student Activity Center is located at 420 W. North St., Arcadia. Enter through doors B and H.

Today, the Student Activity Center is home to the HHSC History Hall (history of all things Hamilton Heights), HHSC Board Room, HHSC Community Room, HHSC Husky Orange Room, Healthy Way Clinic, and Early Childhood Assessment Team. Additionally, the building and its athletic facilities are utilized by several student clubs and sports, including HHHS Robotics, HHMS Football, Wrestling, and Track & Field, Jr. Husky Basketball (K-5), HH Wrestling Club (elementary age kids), and many HHHS sports on and off season.

* * *

I’ve been involved with a Kiwanis club for over 23 years, the past 10 with the Cicero Kiwanis Club. I also had the pleasure of leading the organization as its president last year. I’m passionate about the work this group does for the children in our community, including offering scholarships for graduating seniors. The members, whom I consider friends, are the backbone and driving force of this organization, now in its fourth decade of service.

Those who join Kiwanis want to do more than contribute financially. They want to find fulfillment in volunteer activity, community involvement, and fellowship. Kiwanis gives them this and a lot more, including a chance to shape their communities through hands-on activities and interaction with children. The ability to change the course of a child’s life in our own community is a compelling reward.

Mark your calendar to join me to learn more about how you can be a part of this impactful group at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, April 29 at the Red Bridge Park Community Building in Cicero. Kids Need Kiwanis. Kiwanis Needs You.

* * *

Registration is now open to new students planning to attend Hamilton Heights for the 2023-24 school year. Registration for returning students is also open. Click here for more details on registering your new Husky today.

* * *

Our much-anticipated spring break is underway. I would like to wish our students and staff a well-deserved break. Take the time to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy the extra hour of daylight before we head into the home stretch of the final semester of the school year. See you back on campus on Monday, April 10.

#WeAreHuskies