This past Friday ended the first week of school for Lake Hamilton School District students, and things ran amazingly well given the pandemic world we’re experiencing. There is no doubt that almost every student, parent, and school employee had something go wrong throughout the week. That said, what about the other side of the story? What went right?
- Over 3,300 students showed up for onsite learning during the first week of school. Another 923 students enjoyed the brand new Lake Hamilton Virtual Academy learning option. It is so great to be able to have these two options for our students at Lake Hamilton.
- 487 students with special needs are being served through a full continuum of special education services and therapies. We are proud to provide school-based mental health services through 3 district employees and agreements with 4 local mental health agencies.
- Over 1,300 students had a safe bus ride to and from school during the first week. Though the number of students riding the bus is much lower than usual, those riding the bus enjoyed dependable service with a smile. Our 53 buses cover an average of 2,200 miles every day. Our district is a large with a geographic area of 167 square miles. Our bus drivers, aides, and transportation staff do tremendous work!
- 85 children (and counting) and their parents are benefiting from the Lake Hamilton Pre-K that is housed in the primary school building. We are proud to see our future Wolves begin their journey on campus through the Lake Hamilton Pre-K.
- The Chartwell’s food service team at Lake Hamilton served over 4,000 breakfasts and over 7,000 lunches to our onsite students. They served another 260 bulk meals via curbside pick up to Lake Hamilton Virtual Academy students. 54.3 % of our students are eligible for free and reduced meals. For some students, these meals might be the only meals of the day. Our food service team is awesome!
- Over 500 teachers, administrators, and other instructional and support staff greeted students, helped them find their classes, began the teaching process and in general did an exceptional job. This did not happen by accident. Most teachers and school personnel spent much of their summer preparing for this school year so that things would start right. We have a very dedicated group of professionals at Lake Hamilton!
- Schools were clean and the grounds were well manicured. Our maintenance staff and custodial crew spent the summer renovating buildings, reworking spaces, waxing flooring, making sure walls were painted, roofs were repaired, air conditioners worked, floors were swept, areas were sanitized, supplies were stocked, and made sure schools were ready for staff and students! These jobs did not go unnoticed and are very much appreciated by all!
- School secretaries, bookkeepers, administrative assistants, and other office staff greeted students and parents. We all know as the year goes along, these people handle thousands of jobs, and virtually every one of these jobs will in some way impact students. Thank you for doing what you do every day for Lake Hamilton!
- District administrators, principals, and school board members spent much of their time making sure the district remains focused on doing what is best for students. It’s not just a motto or tagline. We really are one pack, with one purpose, our students’ success!
- Lake Hamilton parents, guardians, and community members are the absolute best. The support received leading up to the first week of school and through the first week of school has been greatly appreciated! Thank you for supporting us and for sharing your students with us each day!
- The coordination of over 4,300 students (onsite and virtual) and over 500 employees in 6 schools on campus does not happen by accident. It takes a hard-working, dedicated group of individuals to make our school so great!
- Finally, face-coverings and physical distancing measures were abundant on every campus, classroom, cafeteria, bus, and common area. Kudos to everyone working hard to make sure our Wolves are healthy this year by following state guidelines and directives.
This is going to be a truly amazing year for the Lake Hamilton School District. In looking back on the first week of school, we discovered, once again: this is a wonderful community in which we live, and despite what others and the media might say and how COVID-19 has impacted us all, we have great schools, great staff, great students, and great parents and community members. Are there problems? Absolutely. Are they insurmountable? Absolutely not! The main thing we must do is keep our eyes on the target, and for the Lake Hamilton School District, this means always doing what is best – for students!
This year, please share your own “what went right” perspective with us and others from time to time! When teachers and other staff do a great job – tell them (this goes for all of us: parents, families, colleagues, bosses, etc.). When your kids experience success – celebrate! When you see something that needs to be improved – tell those involved and be part of the solution, not the problem!
Here’s to a wonderful 2020-21 school year! Let’s all #MakeItCount each and every day!