Printer Friendly Version - Haddam-Killingworth High School Honored in D.C.

Haddam-Killingworth High School (HKHS) Principal Donna Hayward, Regional School District 17 Assistant Superintendent of Schools Holly Hageman, and HKHS Athletic Director Lynne Flint traveled to Washington D.C. in Novemebr 2018 to receive HKHS’s recognition as an Exemplary High Performing School at the National Blue Ribbon Award Ceremony. Photo courtesy of Pamela Hensel

In November 2018, representatives from Haddam-Killingworth High School (HKHS) were invited to attend the National Blue Ribbon Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School, HKHS exceeds expectations in graduation rate and student performance on standardized test scores while offering a highly personalized school experience.

“Haddam Killingworth High School provides extensive opportunities to students while nurturing and supporting them within a familial learning environment. We offer 27 courses for college credit, with most students completing a post-secondary endeavor before they graduate. We are proud of a variety of instructional arrangements including traditional, online, internship, independent study and a new blended learning initiative. We personalize the student experience and supports across both the academic and social-emotional domains. Student voice is developed and honored in the classroom, through direct advisory relationships with school leaders, and through student involvement in larger community and global issues. We mindfully support students in balancing achievement in the classroom, on the athletic field, and beyond with self-care and restoration. Midway through our day, there is a structured pause in our academic schedule with a clear message: It is important for all of us to eat, to rest, to breathe, and to take time for conversation and friendship. We uphold this principle during other stressful times as well. For example, after a long morning of standardized testing, students choose from a variety of stress-breaking activities to enjoy; activities range from guided meditation to yoga to basketball tournaments to nature walks...At HK, we are a family and our family thrives.”

Highlights from the National Blue Ribbon ceremony included the welcoming keynote address by Assistant Secretary for Secondary and Elementary Education Frank Brogan and congratulations from Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.