Defining what it means to be Brave is work we have been engaged in with thousands of our community members, staff, and students this semester. We are now finalizing our new Indian Hill School District strategic plan this December and preparing to present it to you with the arrival of the New Year. During this time of examination about how we will define our focus for the next five years, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be a member of the Indian Hill School District family.
It is my privilege as the Superintendent of Schools to have an “insider view” of the work we do as a District; it provides me with an up-close look at our truly amazing students. During this season of giving, our students have shown us all what it means to be Brave.
Our youngest students at Indian Hill Primary School collected more than 4,000 items – more than ever before – to donate to the Inter Parish Ministry. It was enough to fill three pick-up truck loads. At Indian Hill Elementary School, Kids Who Care organized two school-wide Compassion Projects; one in October and one in November. In October, students collected 3,054 pairs of socks for Matthew 25 Ministries. In November, students donated 3,578 canned/boxed food items to NEEDS food pantry.
Indian Hill Middle School kicked off a Holiday Drive for deployed troops on November 30. Students are adopting two units for this holiday season. One is a group of 21 who are deployed to the Middle East and one is a group of 25 who have been deployed to Fort Dix. Both units are working in support of the Afghan Refugee Relocation Mission. The school will work with Blue Star Moms to get all donations shipped so they arrive before Christmas. Service learning is integral to the Indian Hill High School student experience; students donate hundreds of hours both on and off campus throughout the school year to many worthy agencies. It is inspiring to see our students grow in compassion and understanding for others in our local and global communities through these service opportunities.
All of these are examples of what it means to be Brave.
The generosity of our students and our families is amazing.
As we continue to refine and define our focus moving forward, I’m humbled to see where we stand and am excited for what the future holds. My wish for you this holiday season is to be surrounded by those you love; to take joy in the small moments that create the memories that last; and to be Brave in all you do.
In service to our children,
Kirk Koennecke
Superintendent
Indian Hill School District
Photo caption: Indian Hill Middle School students pick up donated items to deliver to the Blue Star Moms organization to brighten the holidays for our military troops.