Update No. 166
As winter settles in and the need for support grows, many families in our community face challenges that are often unseen. As a district, we remain committed to ensuring every student has access to the essentials they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
We are grateful for our partnership with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana and The Feeding Team, both of which play an active role in supporting Hamilton Heights families. Together, they host mobile food pickups at Hamilton Heights High School on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. This resource is open to the entire community and provides a variety of fresh produce, meat, and non-perishable items.
Gleaners supports families across Indiana through a network of more than 300 partner agencies, including The Feeding Team, which help distribute food through emergency pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community-based programs. Their work ensures that families facing food insecurity have reliable access to nutritious options throughout the year. We are profoundly grateful for the meaningful impact these organizations have on the wellbeing of our school community.
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Speaking of partnerships, the Northern Hamilton County Academy (NHCA) continues to thrive thanks to the strong partnership between Hamilton Heights and Sheridan Community Schools, whose shared commitment to students helped secure the program’s future.
Created to support students facing academic, behavioral, or personal challenges, NHCA offers a structured, supportive environment with in-person instruction, online coursework, job-readiness training, and mentorship.
When recent state funding changes threatened the program, both districts worked together – alongside generous local families, businesses, and foundations – to secure nearly $1 million in support, including a Lilly Endowment matching opportunity through the Hamilton County Community Foundation. Last year alone, NHCA students earned more than 200 credits, with most seniors graduating on track.
This collaborative effort ensures that students who need a second chance continue to have one, reflecting the power of partnership and a community that puts students first.
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I want to take this opportunity to thank the many community mentors who make a meaningful difference in our students’ lives every day in recognition of National Mentoring Month. Their steady presence, encouragement, and belief in our young people help create the conditions where students feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving more than they imagined.
Through supportive, one-on-one relationships, these volunteers enrich the educational experience in powerful ways – offering guidance, listening with care, and helping students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Whether they are reading with a young learner, offering advice to a middle school student, or helping a high schooler navigate future goals, mentors play an essential role in helping our students reach their potential in inspiring and life‑changing ways.
We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our schools and for the positive ripple effect their service creates throughout the Hamilton Heights community.
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As we pause to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that his enduring message of service, compassion, and unity continues to guide and inspire our work. His legacy encourages us to lift one another up and to build a community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
#WeAreHuskies
