From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 129

As the 2023-24 school year draws to a close, I want to share my heartfelt appreciation to students, staff, and our families for another year filled with achievements and growth. I want to congratulate all our families and students on your extraordinary accomplishments. The district’s success wouldn’t be possible with your ongoing partnership, involvement, and support.

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Each week, I make it a priority to visit classrooms across our campus, attend as many extracurricular activities as is humanly possible, and meet individually with our teachers and staff. I saw students at all grade levels engaged with and excited about their learning; teachers who brought innovative ideas and activities to life; and staff members who met their responsibilities with great passion, enthusiasm, and pride.

I am thankful for the ability to work in collaboration with our educators, staff, parents, and community to build a school district that provides a rich tapestry of learning options and enriching experiences for students.

What stands out about our educators and staff across every level is their unique ability to think outside the box and create innovative programs, lessons, and opportunities that inspire, engage, and motivate students. An example that comes to mind is the work of Connor James, Business and Preparing for Colleges and Careers Teacher, and Lucia Garber, Business Computer Science Teacher at HHMS. They are a dynamic duo who are the backbone of two impactful programs: Husky Business Leaders Program and the Reaching New Heights Initiative.

The Husky Business Leaders Program was designed to provide inclusive learning experiences for all students by exposing them to real-world industry and careers that involve our business partners from around the county.

The Reaching New Heights Initiative offers engaging and immersive exposure to real-world industry and careers to help foster student interest and increase engagement to help narrow their focus on career pathways prior to entering high school.

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Speaking of our partners, Invest Hamilton County is asking for our help as it works to develop a Childcare Action and Investment Plan. Kindly take a few minutes to take the short parent survey about the challenges and possible solutions to childcare and pre-K access that you may have experienced here. Thank you for making your voice heard and being a part of this important conversation. The deadline to respond is June 14.

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Graduating from high school is a once in a lifetime achievement. It marks both the end of a student’s secondary journey and the beginning of their next chapter. Some of our graduates will attend post-secondary institutions, while others have obtained the necessary certifications to go directly into the workforce or began a career in the military. Regardless of the pathway chosen, I believe they are poised for success thanks in part to their journey at Hamilton Heights.

We are looking forward to celebrating commencement for the Class of 2024, Hamilton Heights High School’s 59^th graduating class, on Saturday, June 1 beginning at 6 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. The event will also be live streamed and can be viewed here.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and involvement in helping these graduates as they prepare for the next step of their journey. Wherever they go and whatever they do, they will make us proud!

#WeAreHuskies