From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 142

Welcome back and Happy New Year. With 2024 in our rearview mirrors, we look ahead with anticipation as 2025 unveils roadways to exciting new beginnings and opportunities ahead of us.

As we start this new semester, I want to express my gratitude to our extraordinary educators, support staff, administrators, and volunteers who continuously go above and beyond to create an enriching and supportive learning environment for our students.

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January is School Board Appreciation Month. We are honored to celebrate and recognize members of our School Board of Trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district and its students. We have five extraordinary individuals who are tasked with the enormous job of governing our school district. They include Dr. Kevin Cavanaugh, Arnett Cooper, Julie Davis, Benjamin Lehman, and Gretchen Pennington. These individuals diligently work to safeguard two of our community’s most precious resources – our children and tax dollars – while striving to create the best educational environment possible with the resources available.

Our school board members are the unsung heroes of our education system. They navigate complex challenges, make tough decisions, and advocate for the needs of students, teachers, and families. Their efforts directly impact the quality of education, school safety, and the overall well-being of our community.

Please join me in expressing appreciation to these individuals for their unwavering commitment to public education, visionary leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Let’s celebrate the positive impact they have on our schools and communities and recognize the vital role they play in shaping the future of education this month and throughout the year!

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In recognition of National Mentoring Month, I want to take this opportunity to thank the many community mentors for the positive impact they have on our students’ lives every day. Through supportive, one-on-one relationships, these volunteers help students reach their potential in inspiring and life-changing ways. Our mentors are invaluable, and we appreciate you!

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Hamilton Heights High School National Honor Society is partnering with Versiti to help save lives and make a positive impact through a community blood drive. The drive is set for 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the North Vestibule (athletic entrance H) of the high school. Click here to register to donate desperately needed blood products.

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Today, Jan. 9, is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I want to give a shout out to Hamilton Heights’ three School Resource Officers (Josh Ireland, Jon Tindal, and Kevin Neal) for their service and contributions to our schools and community. Their unwavering commitment to protect our children, maintain a safe and orderly climate, and influence in creating a positive learning environment makes a remarkable difference at Heights.

I also want to extend a note of gratitude to members of the Atlanta, Arcadia, and Cicero police departments and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. Our community is safer, and we sleep more soundly because of you. We salute, honor, and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

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Let’s embrace this new year with resilience, curiosity, and a shared commitment to excellence. Thank you for working with us to ensure our students have the tools, support, and opportunities they need to reach their fullest potential.

#WeAreHuskies