beBRAVE | March 1, 2024

Special features in this issue:


  • A Brave New Era: Reflecting on the State of Our Schools
  • Indian Hill Athletic Fieldhouse Project Moves Forward
  • IHHS junior Lillie Waltz Advances to JustWrite State!
  • IHMS students WIN the #STEMorbitsOhio Design Challenge!
  • IHES students collaborate with city officials to innovate for a better community
  • IHPS student art on display in Madeira and Blue Ash
  • #beBRAVE: Campus Life at IHMS
  • IH EduHERO: Meet Barb Jacobs!
  • EduHERO Podcast Episode 21: Our Partners in Education – LOTH
  • IH Master Class: Thank You from IHMS
  • Experienceships Expo on March 12
  • District STEM Night!
  • REGISTER NOW: Conquer the Hill on April 27!
  • A Video Celebration of IHHS Student-Directed Shows!
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Learners as DOERS | Learners as INDIVIDUALS | Learners as the WHOLE CHILD

A Brave New Era: Reflecting on the State of Our Schools

By Kirk Koennecke, CEO/Superintendent, Indian Hill School District


This past January, the Indian Hill School District rolled out the red carpet, quite literally, for our community. This event was not just a celebration of the new Indian Hill Middle School building, but also a testament to the vibrant spirit and collective ambition of our entire district. As students, parents, community members, and our distinguished educators walked the connector to the Sue Harder Memorial Performing Arts Center, the air buzzed with excitement, underscored by the melodies of our incredible student-musicians. This was the prelude to our live State of Schools presentation, a first of its kind for Indian Hill, and a moment of pride for all involved.


The evening was a powerful demonstration of the culture of leadership we are cultivating across our district. It was an honor to share the stage with our remarkable students and educators, showcasing their achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts. Their stories of success, from the innovative learning experiences to athletic records and artistic accolades, filled the auditorium with inspiration and a sense of community pride.


Now, every member of the Indian Hill School District will have the opportunity to experience the magic of that evening, as we present our #IHPromise State of Schools Special Edition, available digitally now and to be mailed to every resident within our school community. This publication will give all members of our Brave Family access to the video recording of our entire State of Schools presentation.


Our district's commitment to excellence was on full display, from The BIG Pitch program at Indian Hill High School, which fosters entrepreneurial skills, to the recognition of Indian Hill Middle School as a beacon of inclusivity and leadership through the Special Olympics Unified Champion School program. Our elementary and primary schools are leading the way in STEM education, a testament to our forward-thinking approach and dedication to preparing our youngest learners for the future.


Looking to the future, we are excited about the new opportunities on the horizon. The support from our community for the combined operating and bond issue has been instrumental in bringing our vision for the new middle school and other district-wide improvements to life. The plans for an Indian Hill Arts Conservatory and an Entrepreneur Center within Indian Hill High School are bold steps towards enhancing our educational offerings and ensuring our students have the resources to pursue their passions.


As we reflect on the State of Our Schools, it is clear that there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the Indian Hill community. The support from our Board of Education, PTO, Boosters, Foundation, and individual partners has been unwavering. Together, we are not just dreaming big, but we are also making those dreams a reality for our students.


To everyone who has supported us, thank you. Your belief in our vision fuels our drive to innovate, inspire, and lead. As we look forward, let us continue to be Brave, bold, and brilliant, for the future of Indian Hill Schools is indeed a bright one.


In service to our children,


Kirk Koennecke

CEO/Superintendent

Indian Hill School District

Indian Hill School District Athletic Fieldhouse receives Board of Education and Village of Indian Hill approval to proceed


Project construction funded through majority private donation.


Read more.

Indian Hill High School Competitive Writing Team shines at JustWrite Central Ohio Regional Tournament


Junior Lillie Waltz advances to state competition.


Read more.

Indian Hill Middle School students WIN the #STEMorbitsOhio Design Challenge!


Congratulations to students Devyanshie Rautela and Ava Mehzad for winning the regional #STEMorbitsOhio Design Challenge


Read more.

Indian Hill Elementary School students collaborate with city officials to innovate for a better community


In a remarkable demonstration of civic engagement and creativity, third-grade students from Indian Hill Elementary School teamed up with the Village of Indian Hill government officials, to brainstorm and develop innovative ideas aimed at enhancing quality of life for the entire community.


Read more.

Indian Hill Primary School student art on display in Madeira and Blue Ash


The Indian Hill School District celebrates 120 IHPS student-artists featured at two shows running now in Madeira and Blue Ash. 


Read more.

#beBRAVE: Campus Life at IHMS


Once each quarter, Student Engagement and Campus Life Coordinator Lateef Johnson is featuring one building and highlighting what makes it so Uniquely Indian Hill. This quarter, we visit Indian Hill Middle School!


Watch here.

(Video runs 8 minutes 25 seconds.)

IH EduHERO: Meet Barb Jacobs!


This month, we visit Indian Hill Elementary School to celebrate outstanding educator Barb Jacobs as our February IH EduHERO! Nominated under our #IHPromise strategic focus area Learners as Individuals, Ms. Jacobs has shown her dedication to the #IHPromise each day caring for our students!


Read more.

EduHERO Podcast Episode 21: Our Partners in Education – LOTH


In the 21th episode of our EduHERO Podcast, we meet Adam Kocher, district parent and vice president of sales, and Andrea Akin, senior workplace consultant, both with LOTH, one of the primary furniture providers for our multi-building renovation.


Listen here on Podbean.


Watch here on YouTube.

(Runs approximately 25 minutes.)

February 2024 Indian Hill Master Class: Thank you from IHMS


This month, we feature Indian Hill Middle School Principal Lauren Gentene and counselor Nick Carpenter, who have a special thank you to the community for the resources we have to offer in the new IHMS building. 


Watch here.

(Video runs 19 minutes.)

The EXPO is the biggest event of the year for Experienceships! 


Students and parents are invited to learn more about the program and meet our Experienceships partners face-to-face to learn about the career opportunities they are offering. These include job shadows, onsite learning and paid summer internships. This is the only chance students have to meet all the partners and see ALL of the opportunities!



The event is on March 12th and begins at 7:00 p.m.

Sign up using this link, or the below QR code.


beINFORMED
Click the image of your student's building below to see weekly video celebrations, important upcoming dates, and announcements.

IHPS

IHES

IHMS

IHHS

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DISTRICT STEM NIGHT!


THANK YOU TO ALL WHO JOINED OUR PARTY!

National STEM Designation celebration at IHPS.

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Access IH Arts

Indian Hill Arts & Activities

Click here to see this week's news:

  • Video: A recap of our Student Directed Festival!
  • Important Dates
  • Weekly Highlights
beATHLETIC

Sports Spotlight


Indian Hill Athletics

@ihbravesad


Click here to see this week's news:

  • Video: Meet Kristen Brewer!
  • Buy your Booster Pass
  • Weekly Athletic Updates by Sport
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Sign up to receive email updates directly from our Indian Hill School District support organizations! Click here to enter your email address and select the organizations you want to subscribe to.

Register HERE for Conquer the Hill!

Our Board of Education

Board Members


Indian Hill Board of Education (L to R, front/back): Niki Singh, Board Member; Bear Tullis, Board Vice President; Craig Sumerel, Board Member; Nolan Marx, Board President; Robert Warfel, Board Member.

2024 Board Meetings - Agendas & Minutes


2024 Board Special Meetings & Committee Meetings


The next Board of Education Meeting will be held on March 19, 2024.


The above links will be updated with notices and agendas to inform you of exact times and information that will be reviewed, along with all livestream information.

2023-2024 Calendar


Click the calendar image to access the latest dates through our online calendar.

IMPORTANT CALENDAR UPDATE


Early Release Day: Monday, April 8, 2024


Due to safety precautions in planning for the historic total solar eclipse in Ohio, the Indian Hill School District has implemented an early release day for both students and staff on Monday, April 8, 2024. The adjusted school schedule will be as follows:



  • Indian Hill High School: Noon
  • Indian Hill Middle School: Noon
  • Indian Hill Elementary School: 1 p.m.
  • Indian Hill Primary School: 1 p.m.


Additionally, please note that all school activities, including after school practices or games, will be delayed and will not start until 5:00 p.m.



Final Coffee with Kirk!


Wednesday, May 8, 2024

4 – 5 p.m.

Indian Hill High School


2024-2025 KDG Registration

Kindergarten Registration Open!


Registration for our Fall 2024 Kindergarten Class is now OPEN!


Click here to begin registration.

We are and always will be BRAVES!


Student-directed performances at IHHS!

(Click the image to see the video.)

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To submit news, learn about our App, access our logos & brand guidelines, or search our publication archive, visit our Communications Hub!


Heather Higdon

Chief Communications Officer

[email protected]

p | 513.272.4505

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