The Warrior
A monthly Huber Heights City Schools digest
Save the Date: Learn More About the HHCS Redistricting Process on April 22
Huber Heights City Schools is working with Cropper GIS, a company specializing in data and mapping, to review our current district map and provide recommendations on the best ways to balance our school enrollment and plan for future needs, as indicated in our recently approved strategic plan.
Cropper GIS is hosting a virtual information session on Monday, April 22, at 6 p.m., to provide an overview of the redistricting process and project timeline. A link to the event will be shared with our community via email, text, and social media when available. After the event, a recording of the session will be posted to our website.
We look forward to communicating and engaging with our HHCS community during this redistricting process. We welcome your feedback as we explore our options and prepare for the future at HHCS.
Testing Information
HHCS students and staff are gearing up for end-of-year testing to evaluate student academic progress. Testing begins on April 9 and will continue through the middle of May. To view your student's testing calendar, visit our website at myhhcs.org, scroll down to the News & Announcements section, and click the State Testing graphic.
To help student succeed during the testing process, we encourage them to:
Arrive at school on time each day.
Eat a good breakfast before school. Breakfast is available for FREE to all students in the cafeteria each morning, regardless of meal benefit eligibility. It is typically served 30-40 minutes before the start of the school day. Students should check with their school for exact times.
Get a good night’s sleep (8-9 hours if possible) before their tests, and cut back on evening activities the night before.
Do their best.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year is Now Open
The 2024-2025 school year registration for incoming kindergarten students is now open. To register, visit myhhcs.org/register-a-new-student and click on the FinalForms graphic. Once you log in as a parent, be sure to click the BLUE button to access the 2024-2025 new student registration form.
If you have enrollment/registration questions, please email the HHCS Registrar at registrar@myhhcs.org.
Purple Star Spirit Week: April 15-19
April is the Month of the Military Child. Join HHCS as we come together and show our heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices and strength of our military families during the Purple Star Spirit Week, April 15-19.
Monday, April 15: Purple Up! - Wear your favorite purple attire
Tuesday, April 16: Red, White, and Blue Day
Wednesday, April 17: Wear your favorite Military Branch day
Thursday, April 18: “Digi” Day - Wear your favorite camouflage attire
Friday, April 19: Wear RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) Day
Be sure to share your spirit on social media by using the hashtags #PurpleUpOhio or #PurpleStarSchools.
Students Top Alumni During Annual Volleyball Game
Several Wayne alumni recently returned to the court to take on our current boys volleyball team in the annual Alumni Game. This competition allows current players an opportunity to polish their skills. “It’s also awesome practice for the team before their season, playing against more physically mature and experienced players,” said Daniel Cornelius, Wayne HS Volleyball Coach.
The current high school team claimed victory this year. They beat the alumni squad by a score of 3-1.
Thank you to our alumni, Aidar Takirbashev '21, Caleb Burke '23, Brandon Jones '11, Wyatt Bier '22, James Chappell III '23, Trung Cao '23, and Daniel Cornelius ‘07 (Vandalia-Butler High School), for returning to Wayne to support our players with some friendly competition.
Principal Student Leadership Committee Receive Inspiration from Top Area Executive
Members of the Principal Student Leadership Committee, led by Mr. Carey, Principal at Wayne High School, recently participated in an enriching discussion on leadership approaches with Lavar Glover, Director of Operations for the West Campus Community Services Center at Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley. Students were inspired by Glover’s work with youth projects around the Dayton area and enjoyed the opportunity to get further insight into the life-changing work he does for our region.
The presentation was part of the committee’s monthly meeting where students explore leadership through discussion and participation in projects at the high school. Comprised of leaders from Wayne clubs and organizations, the purpose of the group is to allow students to be more involved in what is happening around their school. They collaborate with other students and administrators on topics such as school improvements, academics, culture, behavior, and more. “Student leaders should be able to have an extended voice and provide input in improving Wayne High School,” said Carey.
Track Team Honored at Board of Education Meeting
Members of the Warrior Track and Field teams were recognized at the recent Board of Education meeting for their stellar season and outstanding performance at the state competition. This year, we had a whopping 22 track and field student-athletes qualify for the state meet where three students were named individual state champions, one team was named relay champion, and six other students were awarded Top 9 All-State honors! Our boys and girls teams were both named state runner-up for the Division I meet team standings.
State Champions:
Ric'Keya White: 60-meter hurdles (8.66 seconds)
Jamier Averette-Brown: 60-meter dash (6.75 seconds - school record)
Eric Pugh: pole vault (16’3”)
Sean Westmoreland, Key'Shawn Garrett, Jackson Solomon, and Jamier Averette-Brown: 4x200 meter relay team (1:27.88 - .04 off state record)
Top 9 All-State Honors:
Aubrey Mullins: triple jump - 5th place (34-3.5)
Ric'Keya White: 60-meter dash - 4th place (7.65 seconds) and 200-meter dash - 5th place (25.10 seconds)
Sydney Williams: weight throw - 6th place (44-8)
Larreon Brodie: weight throw - 7th place (56-10)
Key'Shawn Garrett: long jump - 8th place (21-1.5)
Sean Westmoreland: 60-meter dash - 7th place
Weisenborn Students Gear Up for Ohio State Tests with March Madness-Inspired Prep Competitions and Participate in Hands-On Learning Experiences
Weisenborn students have continued to work hard at preparing for the upcoming Ohio State Tests through the GWOC (Growth Within Our Content) competition. With March Madness-themed incentives and competitions on the line, students are excelling as they guide to the finish line by practicing prep questions during their classes, in the cafeteria, and with prep materials sent home weekly.
The March Madness competition isn’t the only thing our students are buzzing about. Mrs. Doolos’s seventh grade science class recently completed a unit on invasive species. As part of the unit, they studied different species of fish from the Great Lakes region and how the invasive species survived and became more prevalent in their habitat. The unit culminated in a dissection activity where they looked at the structures of lake perch compared to the freshwater lamprey.
And while the seventh graders were exploring fish, our eighth grade students were busy thinking about their futures. They recently toured the Wayne CTC labs to learn more about the intro labs available to them starting their freshman year. Wayne students warmly welcomed our students and introduced them to welding, HVAC, and construction. Almost 100 Weisenborn students attended the field trip, and many are excited about the possibility of these courses for next year.
Engaging Activities Abound at Charles Huber
Charles Huber Elementary recently transformed into a Winter Wonderland for its annual Read-A-Thon and Book Fair. Students set reading goals to grow their reading and literacy skills and also raise money for field trips and playground equipment. Their enthusiasm was off the charts as our students reported to have read for more than 90,000 minutes collectively!
But the festivities didn’t end there, our Parent-Teacher Organization also hosted two special dances for our students and their VIPs. Students and their guests enjoyed dancing the night away with some of their favorite people.
In addition to participating in the fun activities, our third grade students have been deeply engaged in learning about solar eclipses. Through vocabulary exercises, reading passages, and exploring cultural tales related to eclipses, students are expanding their scientific understanding. They're also exercising their creativity by illustrating eclipse myths, crafting their explanations behind these fascinating solar events, and creating Moon Phase and Eclipse spinners to demonstrate their understanding of the stages of an eclipse. The students look forward to continuing their lessons after Spring Recess in preparation for the solar eclipse on April 8.
Monticello Students March Into Memorable Moments
Monticello students had a busy March filled with making lasting memories. Fifth graders enjoyed spending a few days at Camp Kern, with Zander’s favorite activity being archery, while Khloe and Josiah respectively enjoyed GaGa Ball and rock climbing.
The PTO also hosted donut events, where students shared tasty treats with influential people in their lives. “This event always brings everyone so much joy,” said Dwon Bush, Principal of Monticello.
But that’s not all. Students also watched an exciting performance by Wayne High School’s Marching Band and Warriorette and kicked off their March Madness Tournament of Books competition, sparking friendly competition between the upstairs and downstairs book choices.
Rushmore Celebrates Achievements in Math and Culture
Rushmore is proud to have 130 Super Math Masters roaming the hallways in our school building. Their exceptional skills were on display at the recent March Board of Education meeting where ten standout sixth graders showcased their fluency with “mental math,” wowing the Board members with their lightning-fast calculations and problem-solving abilities.
Our third grade students participated in a memorable experience of their own when they visited the Victoria Theatre for a magnificent performance of “Cenicienta-A Bilingual Cinderella Story.” The bilingual aspect of the play enhanced the students' cultural understanding with a fresh take on the classic tale.
Young Stars Ready to Make a Splash at Valley Forge
Valley Forge first and second graders have been sharpening their music, acting, and dancing skills while preparing for their upcoming spring musical, "Go Fish!" The musical showcases an unforgettable array of characters, including a Star Fish that can't get an acting job, a Tuna Fish that can't carry a tune, a Blow Fish with allergies, a seven-legged Octopus, and a Tiger Shark who wants to be friends with everyone. The unique cast of aquatic friends embarks on a journey to embrace their differences rather than feel ashamed of them.
The students look forward to sharing their performance with family and friends on May 2. They will perform during a daytime show for their school, and an evening performance for family and friends at 6 p.m. in the Valley Forge gymnasium.
Feeding Minds and Bodies through Unified Arts at Wright Brothers
All third quarter long, Wright Brothers students were busy exploring their physical and creative sides through art, physical education, and music classes. These Unified Arts courses provide enrichment opportunities that promote an understanding of the arts and wellness, and allow students an opportunity for self-expression.
In art class, younger students explored abstract and Pop Art techniques using chalk and paper, while older students used markers and paint to create landscapes and Keith Haring-inspired action figures. Some of the artwork is proudly on display in the art room for all to enjoy.
In physical education, students moved their bodies by jumping rope, playing basketball, and always a favorite, exploring sports that require striking a ball or puck with an object, such as tennis, pickleball, baseball/softball, hockey, and golf.
In music class, students enjoyed using Quaver, a music resource that provides grade-level specific lessons, movement activities, and songs to stay engaged. Students worked hard at using music to convey emotions, practicing their vocals, learning how to read music, and even trying out new instruments, including the recorder and ukulele.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/y3bpdws3 to learn more about our third quarter Unified Arts activities at Wright Brothers and see photos of the student work.
Exploring Literacy and Wildlife at Studebaker
March was a month filled with excitement and exploration at Studebaker! Students enthusiastically celebrated Read Across America Week (March 2-6). Each day, they dressed up for fun theme days like Superhero Day, Wacky Wednesday, and the beloved Pajama Day, all while diving into books related to the daily theme.
In addition to the Reading Across America Week festivities, our preschoolers had a blast studying animals throughout the month. Several even participated in a safari adventure right here at Studebaker! Equipped with binoculars, they roamed the halls in search of animals. When spotted, students identified the animals by name, imitated their movements and sounds, and discussed where they lived.
