Heights Schools Dive Into Second Nine Weeks

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful and rejuvenating fall break. As we dive into the second nine weeks, it’s great to see our students back in action — refreshed and ready to learn. There’s a lot to look forward to in the weeks ahead, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going together.

This week marks National School Bus Safety Week, serving as a timely reminder for all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and exercise caution when approaching school buses in our community. While school buses remain one of the safest modes of transportation for students, accidents and injuries can occur when drivers disregard flashing lights or fail to stop for extended stop arms. Your attentiveness behind the wheel helps protect lives.

As we spotlight bus safety, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our exceptional team of school bus drivers. These professionals navigate thousands of miles each year often through challenging weather and unpredictable traffic to ensure our students arrive safely at school and school-sponsored events. Their dedication, vigilance, and care for the children entrusted to us do not go unnoticed. They are the quiet heroes of our daily routines, and we are deeply grateful for their service. Thank you for helping us keep safety a priority on the road and in our schools.

For a ghoulish good time for the whole family, Hamilton Heights High School FFA is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the high school parking lot. At the same time, just steps away inside the high school, the HHHS theatre arts class will transform the stage into a spine-tingling Haunted Auditorium. Open to the public ($1/person) this immersive experience is geared toward older audiences and includes blood, gore, and jump scares galore!

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Hamilton Heights Elementary School will be hosting its annual Veteran’s Day celebration beginning at 9:30 a.m. We are looking for veterans (active members or retired) to read a veteran’s book in K-2nd grade classrooms before the program (books will be provided). Our students in third and fourth grade will be attending our Veteran’s Day program following the book reading. If you have a son, daughter, grandchild or any loved one and would be willing to come read to a class, contact the school for more information.

In addition, HHES staff are creating a video with pictures of loved ones currently serving or have served in a branch of the military as part of the program. If you would like your loved one to be included, send an email with the veteran’s name, branch of the military, years of service, and name of student or staff member in which you they are related to HHESveteransdaypictures@gmail.com by Nov. 5.

We are deeply grateful to our veterans for their selfless service, steadfast courage, and enduring commitment to our nation. #WeAreHuskies

Dr. Derek Arrowood is the Superintendent of the Hamilton Heights School Corporation. His columns appear periodically in The Times.