From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 128

May 8 was School Nurse Day, a part of a weeklong celebration of Nurse Appreciation Week. We are extremely fortunate to have a team of compassionate, committed, and highly skilled nurses serving our students and staff. Our school nurses are on the front lines every day providing comfort and care for students and staff while promoting health and wellness through information, outreach, prevention, and education, to name a few of their many responsibilities.

Thank you for your tireless efforts, unwavering dedication, and compassionate service.

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This is also Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers are the cornerstone of our organization and the driving force behind our students’ achievements. Our educators, principals, instructional assistants, and support staff at Hamilton Heights continually go above and beyond the call of duty, in shaping our students’ futures. We are extremely fortunate to have a district full of innovative, caring, passionate, and effective individuals who impact the lives of our students every day. I am in awe of their dedication, expertise, and the love of learning they inspire in our classrooms. Thank you!

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Speaking of teachers, Emily Beecher, HHMS Media Center Specialist, is a Top 10 finalist for the Classroom Quarterback Award and in the running for the Classroom Quarterback of the Year Award. Presented by the Indianapolis Colts and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the award recognizes teachers, administrators, nurses, and staff members who go above and beyond for their students, schools, and communities. Congratulations!

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Hamilton Heights FFA was one of seven FFA chapters chosen to participate in Indiana’s first ever Make48 contest for FFA chapters, sponsored by Corteva. Quentin Derrer, Marshall Frye, and Lauren Happel participated in the contest over the weekend at the Fishers Maker Playground.

Make48 is a 48-hour competition where teams are presented with a challenge and tasked to build a physical prototype, create a sales sheet, produce a one-minute marketing video, and pitch their big idea to a panel of judges. Innovation and collaboration are key. No matter the outcome for the teams participating, it’s a win in terms of an incredible learning experience!

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I want to give a shout out to Nate Press of E&B Paving, who took advantage of a perfect storm of opportunity on a current construction project taking place between E&B Paving and Irving Materials, Inc. (IMI). He hosted a group of HHHS CTE students for an interactive day of hands-on learning complete with a behind-the-scenes look at these two companies in action. Thank you for your partnership and support of our schools!

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The end of the school year is exciting, but it can also create stress for some students and families. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind everyone that there are resources in the community that are available to help those struggling with mental health challenges. They can be accessed here. In addition, you can reach out to your child’s school counselor for guidance and referrals.

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Thank you for your continued commitment to our students every day and especially on those days that may be challenging.

#WeAreHuskies