Harrison Hills City School District's Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Academic Recovery Plan

The recently passed American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides federal resources to support state and local school districts. Schools are required to develop a plan detailing the safe return to in-person instruction and the continuity of services. This plan will be reviewed and revised as needed through September 2023.

A message from the Harrison Hills superintendent, Mrs. Dana Snider:
Harrison Hills City School District’s mission is to “To collaborate with parents and the community to educate and empower all students to become compassionate contributing citizens who will excel in an ever-changing world”. The school family including 1574 students and 198 faculty strive for great things for our students as they enter the world as educated adults.

Harrison Hills has established belief statements: We believe student learning should encompass academic, extra-curricular, and social activities for a well rounded education. We believe the purpose of the school is to provide students with a safe environment that is conducive to learning and to provide to the students a staff that is caring and compassionate. We believe that effective teaching is essential to the successful education of students. Teachers should have a thorough knowledge of the subject to be able to communicate well with students, staff, parents, and administrators. They must be willing to change their teaching styles to benefit the ever-changing educational environment. We believe the principal’s primary job is to provide a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for students, staff, and parents, Principals should be able to communicate well with others and have an open mind concerning problems and/or changes that need to be made for a better school. We believe the parent/guardian’s role in education is to reinforce the homework and supply additional information at home. Parents/guardians should encourage their children to conduct themselves appropriately so as to produce a productive learning environment at home and school. We believe that a positive, safe, and successful education of our students needs to be a combined effort of teachers, administrators, parents, and community. These are our guiding principles that drive our instruction and promote a safe welcoming environment as we enter the 2021-2022 school year.  

Harrison Hills City School District has partnered with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center staff and participating schools to discuss academic recovery and safe school environments.  A focus will also be on academics and social-emotional well-being. Assessments and surveys will be given to establish a base for our students. Harrison Hills free/reduced percentage is nearly 52%. The district will provide all school supplies and individual technology devices. The federal government will continue free breakfasts and lunches and student encouragement to participate in these programs will continue. The Back to School Rally will be held again in August in our new track complex. Thirty community partners will provide food and school items to the students.

The district worked with the Harrison County Health Department and Harrison Community Hospital throughout the pandemic. In February staff were offered the vaccine and in May students 15 years and older were offered the vaccine.  District nurses provided contact tracing for positive student or staff cases. An additional custodian was hired to ensure a sanitized school environment.  These procedures will continue throughout the 2021-2022 school year. Physical distancing will still be recommended but not required. Frequent handwashing for all will be emphasized. Accommodations for students with disabilities will be reviewed through student health plans. Mask wearing will be optional for all.