By DR. DEREK ARROWOOD
Heights Superintendent
I would like to underscore how happy I am with the progress made by our staff and students during the first nine weeks of school. Everyone has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in meeting this moment. We are seeing successes inside and outside the classroom that give us reasons to take note and remain optimistic that we can keep our buildings open and most of our students in school for the foreseeable future.
With fall break ahead of us, I know this time will allow our students, staff, and their families the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge. Whether you are vacationing out of town or enjoying a staycation in Hamilton County, please use good judgment and follow basic health guidance during this time. How we interact with others over the break can have an impact on our school operations and community afterwards. As much as we’d all love to return to life as normal, we’re not there yet, and we need to remember that.
October is National Principal’s Month, and it is with great pride that I share a shoutout to the best principals a superintendent and community could ever hope for: Jarrod Mason, Whitney Gray, and Mitch Street (HHHS), Bret Bailey and Nicole Ridens (HHMS), and Julie Griffey and Ken Watson (HHES).
What you have endured during this pandemic, to do what is safe and best for our students and staff is heroic, selfless, and invisible to many. Your dedication to your profession, to this district, and most importantly, to the children in our classrooms is commendable and deeply valued. I see, almost daily, what each of you sacrifice and give to our students, staff, and district while putting yourselves at the bottom of the care chain. I know not only because I am your superintendent, but because I, too, was a principal for more than a decade. Thank you! #NationalPrincipalsMonth.
Mark your calendar to attend our Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 28 beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting, held in conjunction with the Hamilton County Health Department, will focus on the benefit and impact of community collaboration in reducing community spread of COVID-19 and keeping kids in school, followed by a Q&A at the end. This informative meeting is open to the community and we encourage everyone to tune in. Access to the meeting can be found here.
As always, thank you for your patience, participation, and commitment to our schools. Let’s continue to move forward with confidence and success. Wishing you good health and a great fall break!
#WeAreHuskies