By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Hamilton Heights Superintendent
Update #55 from Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent, Hamilton Heights School Corporation.
As we return refreshed from spring break, we now turn our attention to finishing out a challenging year on a high note. As we move toward a more “normal” life and consistent “traditional” school setting, we are at an inflection point – for many it is exciting and long awaited. For others, it is being met with trepidation and anxiety. We understand the many different perspectives and the impact of this past year. We have all been through a lot.
We are committed to beginning in-person classroom instruction four days a week for Middle School and High School students starting Monday, April 26, and are planning for the return of full, in-person attendance in the fall. Despite the upward trend of COVID-19 cases in the county at this moment, transmission rates on our campus remain extremely low thanks in part to our current schedule, along with students and staff following layered prevention strategies. Our quickest route to a post-pandemic world remains in adhering to the recommendations from the CDC and our local health partners.
April is National School Library Month. School libraries (media centers) are integral to our schools and school librarians play an invaluable role in the education of our students. Our media centers are the hub of school activities. They foster a sense of belonging and are an engaging place to think, connect, create, discover, and explore. They also offer our students the opportunity to grow through access to technology, multimedia, and incredible resources of every variety. Thank you, Karen Jones (HHES), Emily Beechler (HHMS) and Lori Hippensteel (HHHS) for transforming lives and impacting student achievement at Hamilton Heights as our Media Center Specialists. #ThankYouINTeacherLibrarians
Last week was National Public Health Week. While we may have been on break, I know public health never takes a break. Our public health professionals went well above the call of duty over the past year. I wanted to share a note of appreciation to all those who serve in the public health field, especially the staff at the Hamilton County Health Department, which has been a steady partner and a beacon of light in guiding us through one of the most challenging public health crises of our lifetimes. Thank you for your tireless efforts to protect the health of everyone in our community every day. You are our heroes! #ThankYouPublicHealth
Also last week, history was made again at 420 W. North St. in Arcadia when a section of the East Wing (added in 1975) of the former middle school was demolished. Built as the original Jackson Central High School in 1957, this building served the corporation well as a high school and middle school. The corporation has kept this building well maintained throughout its over 60-year history to ensure it can continue to serve the school corporation and the community well into the foreseeable future. The transformation of this building into the new Student Activity Center will begin another incredible chapter in its amazing history.
Thank you for your continued diligence in the weeks ahead so that we can finish this year strong and in person.
#WeAreHuskies