Hamilton Heights Schools Deepening Connection To Community
By: Derek Arrowood
As we continue our dynamic journey of becoming a FORD Next Generation Learning (NGL) community, I continue to see examples of next generation learning in play throughout our campus. For example, last week, students at the middle school celebrated its annual Beyond Hamilton Heights week (formerly College Go! Week) to focus students on options for their life after high school in the areas of employment, enlistment, enrollment, and entrepreneurship. Representatives from local businesses and organizations participate this week and throughout the year as resources, interviewers, and guest speakers to give our students a more enriching experience and deeper connection to the community.
Another example is among our Construction Trades Education program at the high school where strong industry partnerships have been developed since the program’s inception. Last week CTE students had the opportunity to showcase their skills at the first of what is expected to be an annual Golden Shovel Competition in Indianapolis hosted by MacAllister Machinery. It was centered around the Civil Construction Pathway education program. Designed to help bridge the gap between high school students and the construction industry directly, it was a win for everyone involved.
I want to give a shout out to Lori Hippensteel, HHHS Media Center Specialist, who received a 2023 education grant from Forum Credit Union to purchase books for the 2023-24 Kindergarten and Senior classes to support the Chapter 1 to Chapter 12 book exchange. The program gives senior students the opportunity to connect and encourage younger students in their educational endeavors while she works with them to promote literacy. Lori continues to find innovative and creative ways to build relationships with students through service with great success for everyone involved.
Speaking of shout outs, Hamilton Heights Lady Huskies Basketball program turns 50 this year! This season we will be celebrating this historic moment in Husky athletics at each home game, decade by decade, through video and trivia.
Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation’s (HHEF) latest newsletter is available on our website. The Foundation helps support rich, authentic opportunities that bring learning to life in innovative and creative ways. In fact, I would be hard-pressed to find a student who did not benefit from Foundation money during their K-12 journey at Heights. Learn more about the invaluable role in education the Foundation plays at Heights and how you can get involved on the HHS website.
Members of the Hamilton Heights High School Drama Department cordially invite the community to attend its live production of the comedy-murder mystery Murder Runs in the Family by Pat Cook on November 10, 11 and 12. This year’s play is being directed by Hamilton Heights Theatre teacher Brooks Myers in collaboration with her theatre class. What’s cool about this production is it is the theatre arts class’s class project. The students in the class comprise the cast and crew. Plan to take in a show and enjoy local talent live on stage! Tickets are $5 and will be sold online and will also be available at the door. All proceeds benefit the High School Drama Department. Hamilton Heights High School is located at 25802 State Road 19 in Arcadia.
As a reminder, Friday is the second of our scheduled e-Learning days this year. Students do not report to school but will have their lessons and assignments to complete for the day. We appreciate our students and families preparing to help maximize the off-campus education day.
On Friday, November 10 we will be hosting special Veteran’s Day celebrations at the Middle and Elementary Schools. This is a wonderful time for our community and family veterans to be honored for their service to our country. If you are a veteran, or active member of the military, I encourage you to participate in our events that day. All Veterans are welcome to attend the elementary school program on November 10th at 9:30am. Contact Tracy Zachary if you are a Veteran interested in reading a book and answering questions to students in K-2. We celebrate your dedication, courage, and the way you champion our freedom this month! Thank you today and every day for your sacrifice and service to our country. #WeAreHuskies
– Dr. Derek Arrowood is the Superintendent of the Hamilton Heights School Corporation.