By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Hamilton Heights Superintendent
Update #40 from Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent, Hamilton Heights School Corporation
With the end of the semester upon us, I find myself looking back even as we prepare for next semester. I think each one of us could categorize all the things that didn’t happen in 2020, from traditional school and festivities to milestones, travel and holidays. It has been a tough year that brought circumstances that no one could have anticipated for our schools, community, country, and where normalcy has become an elusive concept. Yet, I marvel at all the things we were able to do and at how far we have come in this incredible year.
In a matter of weeks, we rethought hundreds of years of formal education and put together a plan for our students to learn remotely. We found a way to keep our buildings open and safe for students to learn for the majority of the first semester of this school year. We have also learned to meet many of these upending moments through collaboration, creativity and technology.
The increased use of technology, e-learning, and a variety of digital platforms have provided opportunities to continue to teach, learn and stay connected in new and different ways. In fact, we have found that teaching and learning has become more personal than ever. Teachers and students are in each other’s homes virtually. They get an inside glimpse of each other’s world beyond the desk and the computer. Teachers are becoming better acquainted with families. Families are becoming more engaged with their children’s learning.
While it has not been perfect, we continuously work to improve the system to make it more successful for all students. The experiences, successes, and even the setbacks are helping to pave the path forward throughout this tumultuous time. It’s still hard but not as hard as it was at the beginning of the semester. Each day gets a little better as we learn from our experiences. We’re all learning and after all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Speaking of better, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our district for the way we have come together to support our students, staff, families and schools. It has made us better and stronger. I also share a note of gratitude for what’s possible and for brighter days ahead. I hope that each of you have a wonderful holiday season and winter break and look forward to the start of the second semester on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021!
#WeAreHuskies