New Opportunities and Cherished Traditions at HBRHS
We are off to a great start to the 2021-2022 school year at Hinckley-Big Rock High School! As I reflect on the start of this year, two words come to mind. Those words are energy and connection. The energy the students and staff have brought to the building this year has been awesome! The hallways and classrooms are filled with the sounds of students engaged in their learning and in conversations with one another as they head to the next class. This is a simple thing but something I have come to appreciate more and more as we have walked through the pandemic together. As we began the year, a central focus has been on connection. We had a recent ‘Get Involved Fair’ to highlight all the clubs and athletic opportunities available to students. There is a wide variety of options that appeal to many different interests. We are taking every opportunity to encourage each student to get involved. To get connected. There is a place for each and every one of our students here at HBRHS, and we want them to experience this through their connections with students and staff.
One of the ways we are seeking to build on this energy and to strengthen the connections among our students is through our Flex Periods. Flex Periods take place immediately following students’ 7th period classes. This time is dedicated to fostering student responsibility and ownership of their learning, engaging the social-emotional well-being of our students, and building relationships. Often students will be able to choose which teacher they need to work with for additional support or to push themselves further in a particular course. On other days students will meet with their grade level to foster community building activities like planning for Homecoming and electing student officers for their class. Another important element of learning and relationship building is having fun together. We will learn better together if we have a little fun together. We will be having Fun Fridays throughout the year. So far these have featured trivia contests, Bingo, and the ‘Get Involved Fair.’ The student hosts for the trivia and Bingo competitions did a great job!
Cherished
Traditions: Homecoming Week
Next week, the week of September 20th, is Homecoming Week. We are bringing back many of our traditions for this week. Student Staff Volleyball teams are being created, floats are being constructed, food choices for the Taste are being finalized...it is going to be a great week! See the graphic below for the Homecoming Week events. To help fuel some of the excitement I have a bold prediction. I predict a first place finish for the high school staff team at Student Staff Volleyball. You heard that correctly, seniors. You are going to need to prove me wrong (if you can).
I began this post with the words connection and energy. Both will be on significant display during Homecoming Week as we gather together as a community. I want to say a big thank you to the high school staff for all they are already pouring into the preparations and for all the extra hours they will dedicate next week to making these events happen for our students and community. Homecoming Week is a great time to remember that #WeAreHBR.
Lastly, to all our athletes competing in the Homecoming Week athletic events - Let’s GO ROYALS!
Thank you,
Brandon Kriesch
Principal
Hinckley-Big Rock High School