By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Hamilton Heights Superintendent
Update #59 from Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent, Hamilton Heights School Corporation.
May is always an incredibly busy month in our schools. As I looked at my calendar it is chock-full of the type of student activities, spring sports, banquets, end-of-year concerts, senior trips and graduation ceremonies that signal the end of the year is near. The fact that we are together, in school, and can experience a more traditional close to the school year is really something to celebrate in and of itself.
On the topic of celebrating, Wednesday was the last day of National Nurses Appreciation Week. I may be biased, but we have an incredible nursing staff serving Hamilton Heights. Danielle Hess and Tasha Smith (HHES), Lori Jones and Amber Osswald (HHMS), and Erin Bilderback (HHHS) each play a significant role in keeping our schools, students, and communities safe. This was even more evident over the past year as they helped our schools prepare for, address, and remain in compliance with frequently changing COVID-19 guidelines from local, state, and national health agencies. They invested many hours ensuring that staff were well-prepared, protocols were in place, and any signs of illness quickly addressed all while continuing to meet the standard requirements of their jobs. Thank you for your diligence and dedication to support students and staff to their safe return to in-person learning.
In case you missed it, Volume #66 of my monthly update (April) may be one of the best to date. It features several of our amazing students, a time lapse video, a special thank you to one of our community partners, Student Activity Center update, and a special shout out about recognizing the award our cafeteria staff received. You can check it out here.
Speaking of amazing, our middle school choir program made school history by earning its first All School Music Award by the Indiana State School Music Association. Last week, 35 middle school and 49 high school students were inducted into their respective Honor Society programs. The high school Student Government organization hosted another successful walk raising over $1,500 for the Ryan White Scholarship Fund. On Friday, members of our high school Business Professionals of America chapter spent a day of service working with the Indy Parks and Recreation Department as part of National BPA Day of Service. They spread mulch and volleyball sand, and painted tables to assist with beautification efforts of a downtown park.
We are pleased to share that the Hamilton Heights Food Pantry has returned to in-person service and will be open on Monday, May 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. Kindly enter through Door A of the high school.
On a side note, the Cicero Friends of the Park will kick off its summer concert season with the smooth sounds of our award-winning high school and middle school Jazz Bands this Sunday, May 16 at Red Bridge Community Park beginning at 6 p.m. Bring a chair and enjoy live music performed by some of our best student musicians.
On behalf of the Hamilton Heights School Corporation, I want to extend again our deep gratitude to our greater Hamilton Heights community, who continue to show they are with us in every way whether it is to celebrate student successes or rally in solidarity and compassion during times of challenge or loss.
#WeAreHuskies