Update #107 from Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent, Hamilton Heights School Corporation
Wednesday was School Nurse Day, a part of a weeklong celebration as part of Nurse Appreciation Week. We are extremely fortunate to have a team of compassionate, committed, and highly skilled nurses serving our students and staff. Our school nurses are on the front lines every day providing comfort and care for students and staff while promoting health and wellness through information, outreach, prevention, and education, among a few of their many responsibilities. These extraordinary individuals play a significant role in keeping our schools, students, and communities safe. Thank you Jami Steffen (HHHS), Lori Jones and Tracy Shaffer (HHMS), and Tasha Smith and Emily Wooldridge (HHES) for all you do!
Last Friday, eight high school students enrolled in our Construction Trades Education (CTE) program put their knowledge gained in the classroom to the test at the Sandbox, our outdoor classroom. At the end of the day, all proved they knew what they were doing, demonstrated their knowledge and safe handling of this piece of heavy equipment, and earned their Level 1 Mini Excavator Certification. In addition, this certification gives them another edge toward a career in an industry that needs talented young workers.
Our CTE program, the first one in the state and currently among two that offers this type of experiential learning program, continues to grow in size and scope offering students valuable hands-on experience, certification, and essential career-ready skills upon graduation. The program is under the leadership of Construction Trades teacher Kevin Sheets. The two-day interactive course compliments classroom instruction, and testing was made possible through our industry partners at Reith Riley, MacAllister/Caterpillar, Beatty Construction, and E&B Paving. Well done! Keep up the good work!
Speaking of good work, Bret Bailey, who has served as our middle school principal since 2014, has just been notified he was selected as the Indiana Association of School Principals District 5 Middle School Principal of the Year! District 5 includes schools in Miami, Howard, Tipton, Boone, Hamilton, and Madison counties. This is a high honor and speaks volumes about Bret’s vision, leadership, dedication, and hard work for students, families, and staff at Hamilton Heights.
I get to see the impact of Bret’s work every day. I know firsthand Bret’s value at Heights and the amount of time, thought, and meaningful action he invests to foster a culture of trust with students, staff, and the community. He has successfully helped build a collaborative culture working closely with staff on professional learning communities to strengthen curriculum, innovative programming, assessments, and interventions. It’s paying big dividends in positive student behavior, achievement, and outcomes. He inspires, motivates, engages, and continues to set the bar high. Through this honor, his peers recognize it too. Congratulations!
While we are talking about good work and impact, the Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation is readying for its 34th Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, June 8 (rain date June 15) at Bear Slide Golf Course in Cicero. The community is invited to join friends, neighbors, and colleagues for a day of fun and networking on the green to support the work of this worthwhile organization. All proceeds from the event supports student achievement at Heights. This year’s title sponsors are Beck’s Hybrids, Beaver Materials, and Blades Audio Video Security. To register, sponsor and/or for more information about this year’s event click here. I look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you for your partnership, participation, and commitment to our schools! #WeAreHuskies
– Dr. Derek Arrowood is the Superintendent of the Hamilton Heights School Corporation.