As a volunteer blogger/reporter, I have provided coverage of the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board and written many stories, sat through a number of meetings and hosted podcast all about what’s happening with local schools. In my mind, I knew a lot about what was happening with HSE Schools.
As part of that coverage, the HSEngaged program caught my eye. It allows local community members to learn more about what is happening with HSE Schools.
So, should I apply to be a participant in HSEngaged? After all, I talk with school officials all the time and maybe I should not take way a slot that could go to another community member.
In the end, I applied and was accepted into the HSEngaged program. Now that the program is over for this school year, I am very glad I applied.
Our meetings took place in school buildings during the school day, giving us a feel for what it is like in a school building on a school day. We had one session at Hub & Spoke, where some HSE classes are held.
Yes, I have covered the HSE School Board for 11 years and learned a great deal about local schools during that time. But HSEngaged opened my eyes to a more detailed learning experience.
For example, I sat through a number of presentations to the board about technology, but I learned much more about how technology is used in HSE classrooms through HSEngaged.
When our group had the end-of-year celebration May 11, it was a bit sad. I had started to get to know many of my fellow HSEngaged members and realized this would be the last time I would be together with them as a group.
What we all take away from this experience is a much better understanding of the HSE Schools. I credit Emily Abbots, Director of School and Community Relations for HSE Schools, for putting together a first-class program.
At our final meeting, just about all participants of HSEngaged said they learned a great deal and plan to share their newly-acquired knowledge about HSE Schools with people they know in the community. I can say I learned a lot as well.