From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 130

Now that we have reached the end of another successful year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for all your support and dedication throughout the academic year. It has been a year filled with remarkable achievements, growth, and countless memorable moments.

A special part of bringing the school year to a close is our annual End of Year Employee Recognition Breakfast. This tradition, nearly 30 years strong, draws in a full house of current and past staff to celebrate service milestones, special recognitions, and honor our retiring personnel.

I would like to extend our deep appreciation to our 2024 retirees for their more than 200 years of collective service to the district. Each played a vital and valuable role impacting the lives of countless students and families. They selflessly gave of themselves for the advancement of students and helped make a difference in a child’s life every day. We wish you all the best in the next chapter of your lives.

• HHHS: Kim Kaiser (Business Teacher, 25), Cyndi Morse (Registrar, 10), Debbie Reeves (English Teacher, 30), and Dee Roper (Instructional Assistant, 7)
• HHMS: John Walsh (fifth-grade teacher, 32)
• HHES: Joyce Sowers (Title 1 Instruction Assistant, 10)
• Food Service: Kay Davis (ES Café Worker, 28), Patty Hicks (Director, 28), and
• Karen Versprille (ES Café Worker, 20)
• Transportation: Jeff Hasty (Bus Driver, 13)

Emilie Carson, HHHS Agriculture Teacher/FFA Sponsor, has been selected as our Teacher of the Year. She was among three outstanding professionals from the district nominated as the top pick for their building for this year’s recognition. Carson will represent HHSC at the state Teacher of the Year competition in Indianapolis in the fall.

In addition to Carson, this year’s building nominees included: Heather Greider (HHMS fifth-grade teacher) and Melissa Martin (HHES Technology Integration Specialist). Our Support Staff of the Year honorees include Krystal Hickman (HHHS Instructional Assistant), Kristi Moe (HHMS Secretary), and Erin Hileman (HHES Head Custodian). Congratulations!

Speaking of congratulations, I would like to give a shout out to Andrew Morrison (HHHS ’24) who was among eight finalists for the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs’ Youth Service Award; Peyton McQuinn (HHHS ’24) who won the state championship in the pole vault competition at 16’3”; and to our softball team who won their second sectional championship in a row and brought home their first regional title since 2016. Congratulations!

Looking ahead to next school year, as per Indiana State Law, students are required to be up to date with their immunizations (for all grades, but specifically in grades Kindergarten, sixth, and 12th) by the 20th day of school to avoid exclusion on day 21 (Sept. 4, 2024). If you have a student attending Hamilton Heights this fall, getting state-mandated vaccinations just got easier. The Hamilton County Health Department will be hosting a back-to-school vaccination clinic at Hamilton Heights Middle School from 1 to 6 p.m. as part of the Middle School Husky Connect Day. Click here to register and learn more about what you need to know about your child receiving a vaccination at this event.

Remember, education is not confined to the walls of a classroom. Learning happens everywhere, every day, and the world is your classroom. No matter where you are and what you are doing, seize the opportunity to grow, learn, and make a positive impact. Stay curious and stay connected. Have a great summer!

#WeAreHuskies