Leading the Way - December 11, 2025 | | Leading Moments - Indian Hill Primary & High School | | |
BRAVE RAVE: Celebrating Leadership, Community, and School Spirit at Indian Hill Primary School
Last Friday morning, I had the joy of beginning my day at the Indian Hill Primary School’s weekly BRAVE RAVE, a full-school assembly that shines as a model of student leadership and community building. What unfolds each Friday is far more than a routine gathering, it is a vibrant celebration of belonging, connection, and the joyful culture our youngest Braves help create.
From the moment students entered the gym, their excitement was unmistakable. The assembly is entirely student-led, giving children authentic leadership opportunities that build confidence and voice. Students proudly opened the morning with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a spirited performance of the school song, filling the space with enthusiasm and unity.
Lastly, students led the entire school in a 'morning meeting' type activity. Whether it’s a short exercise routine, a movement game, or a coordinated dance, this shared experience serves as a joyful reminder of the power of community. Watching hundreds of young learners participate, laugh, and support one another demonstrated the strong sense of belonging cultivated within these walls.
BRAVE RAVE exemplifies what happens when students are empowered to lead and when a school intentionally creates traditions that foster connection and pride. It was inspiring to witness our primary students modeling leadership in such authentic ways while also embracing what it means to love their school and care for one another. Moments like these reflect the heart of who we are and the community we continue to build—every student, every day.
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Building Strong Math Foundations in Mr. Campbell's Classroom
In Mr. Campbell’s kindergarten classroom earlier this week, students stepped into the world of addition and subtraction for the very first time. Using the principles of Building Thinking Classrooms, partners worked together to solve basic equations—one student writing while the other thoughtfully directed each step. Students were encouraged to think and talk through the work with their partners. They discussed what numbers to use, how to form them correctly, and how to approach each problem with curiosity and confidence.
Watching our youngest learners make sense of these foundational skills was both inspiring and humbling. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible cognitive leaps children make as they begin to understand ideas adults often take for granted. Their excitement, collaboration, and determination were on full display, showcasing the joyful, authentic learning happening every day in our classrooms.
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Celebrating Culture and Traditions
In Mrs. Wise’s classroom, students are engaging in a meaningful activity centered on identity, family, and personal traditions. Each child was invited to bring in an item that represents who they are and what matters most to their family. As the holiday season approaches, this intentional space to recognize, honor, and celebrate every student’s story feels especially important.
Today, Finley shared a cherished family “surprise bag,” a tradition his family has enjoyed for years. Watching him proudly explain its meaning—and seeing the class respond with curiosity and excitement—was both heartwarming and inspiring.
Mrs. Wise then invited students to contribute their items to a classroom “museum,” a special place where everyone’s traditions and treasures can be showcased throughout the season. It’s a beautiful example of collaboration, connection, and creating a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and included.
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Creativity Through Shapes
In Mrs. Monahan’s art class, our kindergarten students were introduced to the idea of geometric and organic shapes, discovering how math and art beautifully connect. With gentle guidance, students explored these concepts through drawing and painting, eagerly identifying shapes and expressing them in their own creative ways.
Their enthusiasm was contagious—students proudly shared their work and even invited me to join their table. The joy they showed in recognizing what they knew and in creating something uniquely theirs was a powerful reminder of the importance of play, creativity, self-direction, and fun in early learning. Moments like these highlight how the arts help our youngest learners grow as thinkers, creators, and confident individuals.
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Kindness is a Superpower
In Mrs. Ervin’s kindergarten classroom, Primary School Counselor Mr. Henry Reid brought unforgettable energy to a meaningful lesson on kindness. Through an engaging story and thoughtful conversation, he helped students understand that kindness is more than a simple action, it’s a true superpower. He emphasized that being intentional about showing kindness, recognizing bullying, and choosing to be leaders and upstanders can help make their classroom, and the world, a better place.
Mr. Reid’s passion and natural connection with students were evident throughout the lesson. Kindergarteners eagerly embraced the activity as they designed their own “kindness superheroes,” proudly sharing the qualities that make someone caring, brave, and supportive. Getting down on the floor with them, listening to their ideas, and asking questions brought out their confidence and creativity, making the experience even more meaningful.
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Leadership Summit on the Hill: 5th Edition
Mr. John U. Bacon
The Indian Hill School District proudly hosted bestselling author and nationally recognized leadership voice John Bacon for the fifth installment of the Leadership Summit on The Hill on Friday, December 5. Bacon delivered an energizing keynote on the stage of the Sue Harder Memorial Performing Arts Center, where Indian Hill High School students joined families, staff, and community members for an inspiring afternoon of leadership learning. The event, free and open to all Braves, was generously supported by Humanex Ventures and the Indian Hill PTO.
Bacon, a prolific author of 14 books including seven national bestsellers, is best known for Let Them Lead: Unexpected Lessons in Leadership from America’s Worst High School Hockey Team—a work Good Morning America called “The real Ted Lasso.” His insights on team building, perseverance, and transformational leadership have been featured in major publications, on national television, and through his acclaimed Let Them Lead podcast. His distinguished career also includes NPR’s 2014 award for best national commentary, the University of Michigan’s Golden Apple Award for teaching, and a 2022 commencement address at Michigan Technological University.
Mr. Bacon stressed that commitment, trust, togetherness, self-leadership and shared values are paramount to ensure success!
The Leadership Summit on The Hill series, launched during the 2023–2024 school year, continues to bring world-class leaders to the Indian Hill campus. Previous speakers include Stephen M. R. Covey; Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey (U.S. Army, retired); former professional athlete and inspirational leader Chris Singleton; and legendary collegiate coach Sue Enquist.
With each summit, Indian Hill reinforces its commitment to developing future-ready leaders who embody character, courage, and purpose—ensuring our students not only learn about leadership but learn to lead now.
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Leadership in Action: Students Engage With Cincinnati’s Innovators
Leadership Cincinnati Youth, a signature program of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, continues to make a powerful impact on our student leaders. As stated by Junior, Ardisha Thawrani, "Leadership Cincinnati Youth has been an incredible opportunity to expand my understanding of what leadership can look like in different spaces. Through our sessions, whether exploring the P&G Towers, touring the Reds Hall of Fame, or visiting other iconic Cincinnati organizations, I’ve gained insight into how leaders make meaningful community impact. One of the most valuable parts of the program has been connecting with inspiring professionals and other student leaders who share a passion for change. Each meeting focuses on a new theme or challenge, pushing me to think creatively, collaborate confidently, and grow both personally and professionally. LCY has broadened my perspective and strengthened my drive to lead with purpose beyond the walls of my school."
These hands-on opportunities, combined with meaningful connections to local professionals and peers, have inspired deeper thinking, stronger collaboration skills, and personal growth. Aligned with the program’s mission to provide students with the resources, network, and space to develop as leaders, LCY challenges young people to step into greater community roles and lead with purpose well beyond the walls of their school.
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Jeff Damadeo, Director of K-12 Leadership & Career Development
Jeff.Damadeo@ihsd.us
Twitter: @indianhillEC
My #IHPromise - to work tirelessly for our students, providing them with the most exceptional educational opportunities & experiences to help ensure that they develop into outstanding academic students and future ready individuals!
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