H2Know Podcast - Hamilton Community Schools (MI)

Equestrian National Champions: Hamilton Grads Alyssa Jipping & Jenna Berghorst Shine at South Carolina

Two Hamilton High School graduates are officially national champions! On this episode of the H2Know Podcast, Zach Harig sits down with 2022 Hamilton graduate Alyssa Jipping and 2023 Hamilton graduate Jenna Berghorst after helping the University of South Carolina equestrian team capture the 2026 NCEA National Championship — the program’s first national title since 2015. The conversation dives into: * What it took to win a national championship at the collegiate level * The pressure and excitement of the dramatic championship win over Texas A&M * How Hamilton Community Schools helped support their dreams * Their experiences balancing academics and elite competition * The impact of teachers, coaches, teammates, and the Hamilton community * Their unique journey from elementary school classmates to national champions together in South Carolina * Life lessons learned through equestrian and collegiate athletics Plus, Alyssa and Jenna share stories about traveling the country for competitions, adapting to college athletics, overcoming adversity, and what comes next after college. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Hamilton Virtual School: Breaking the Misconceptions with Principal Mary Wilkinson

What is Hamilton Virtual School—really? In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, we sit down with HVS Principal Mary Wilkinson to take a deep dive into one of the district’s most talked-about (and often misunderstood) programs. From flexible, personalized learning to hands-on experiences, Mary explains how Hamilton Virtual is far more than just students sitting behind a screen. Learn about the different enrollment options, including fully virtual, hybrid, and in-person opportunities, along with unique offerings like project-based learning, community partnerships, and elective experiences that bring learning to life. We also discuss the program’s rapid growth, the upcoming move into a brand-new building for 2026-27, and how Hamilton is meeting families where they’re at—especially in a growing homeschool landscape. Whether you're a current family, considering enrollment, or just curious about what HVS has to offer, this episode answers your biggest questions and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a program that continues to evolve and expand.

From Hawkeye to Doctor: Jacob Charron’s Match Day Journey

What does it take to go from Hamilton High School to becoming a doctor? In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, we sit down with 2016 Hamilton High School graduate Jacob Charron to talk about his 10-year journey through college, medical school, and the highly competitive Match Day process. Jacob shares what it means to match into a family medicine residency at Trinity Health Muskegon, why staying in West Michigan matters to him, and how Hamilton helped lay the foundation for his success. We also dive into the realities of medical school, balancing family life (including raising twin boys during med school), overcoming challenges, and advice for students interested in careers in healthcare. Whether you're a student exploring your future or a member of the Hawkeye community, this episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to be Prepared for Purpose.

District Construction Update (HMS Roof, HVS, 2023 Bond) with Dr. Lusk - January 2026

Episode Overview In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, Zach Harig sits down with Superintendent Dr. Brad Lusk for an in-depth conversation about major construction initiatives happening across Hamilton Community Schools. The discussion focuses on the why behind key decisions, including the full replacement of the Hamilton Middle School roof, the temporary relocation of 8th grade students to the high school for the 2026–27 school year, and progress updates on the Hamilton Virtual School facility. This episode emphasizes transparency, long-term planning, and how the district is balancing safety, instructional continuity, and responsible use of bond funding. Key Topics Covered • Why the Middle School Roof Must Be Replaced Dr. Lusk explains the severity of the roof issues at Hamilton Middle School, including ongoing leaks, snow-load safety concerns, and professional evaluations that confirmed a full replacement is required — not a patch or surface repair. • Construction Timeline & Project Scope Listeners learn why the project spans two summers and one full school year, why a five-summer plan was not feasible, and how compressing the timeline actually protects taxpayers while ensuring contractors can complete the work efficiently. • Why 8th Grade Is Temporarily Moving to the High School (2026–27) The conversation walks through the extensive options that were considered — including portables, alternate buildings, and grade reconfigurations — and why relocating 8th grade to the high school for one year emerged as the safest and least disruptive solution. • What the 8th Grade Experience Will Look Like Dr. Lusk outlines how 8th graders will remain grouped together, continue being taught by their 8th grade teachers, stay connected to middle school athletics and clubs, and receive added structure and supervision within the high school setting. • Impact on Grades 5–7 The episode explains how grades 5–7 will remain at the middle school, what classroom shifts may occur as construction phases change, and what “construction detours” may look like during the year. • Bond Funding & Long-Term Value Zach and Dr. Lusk discuss how this project fits into the 2023 bond, why addressing the roof now prevents far greater costs later, and how recent bond projects have focused on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. • Hamilton Virtual School Updates Dr. Lusk provides an update on the Hamilton Virtual School facility, including fire suppression, well and water planning, elevator work, interior renovations, and how the space is being purposefully designed to support virtual and early childhood programming.

Keeping Kids Safe: Inside the Role of Hamilton’s School Resource Officer with Deputy Dekkinga

Episode Description In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, host Zach Harig sits down with Deputy John Dekkinga, School Resource Officer for Hamilton Community Schools and a deputy with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office. A 2018 graduate of Hamilton High School, Deputy Dekkinga reflects on what it’s like returning to his home district in a new role — one that goes far beyond law enforcement. Together, they dive into school safety, relationship-building with students, school zone speed enforcement, red light violations around school buses, and how parents can help keep kids safe both on the road and online. This candid conversation pulls back the curtain on what an SRO actually does day-to-day, why presence matters, and how proactive communication and trust can prevent problems before they start. ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Topics Covered 👮‍♂️ From Hawkeye to SRO * What it’s like returning to Hamilton as a School Resource Officer after graduating in 2018 * How familiarity with buildings, staff, and the community helps in the role * Transitioning from road patrol to a proactive, relationship-focused position 🎒 What a School Resource Officer Really Does * Why an SRO isn’t “the scary cop” * Wearing many hats: safety, counseling, mentoring, monitoring facilities * Building trust with students before problems arise 🚸 School Zone & Traffic Safety * Why M-40 / 136 is a 25 mph school zone during arrival and dismissal * Common misconceptions about speed limits near the schools * The dangers of speeding during winter weather and high-traffic times * What parents and community members need to know — and watch for 🚌 School Bus Red Light Violations * How new stop-arm cameras are improving accountability * How often violations are occurring — especially along M-40 * What Michigan law requires drivers to do when bus red lights are flashing * How citations are issued and why enforcement is increasing 📱 Social Media & Student Safety * What Deputy Dekkinga shares with students during lunch presentations * Why “temporary” apps aren’t really temporary * How online actions can follow students longer than they realize * Real-world examples of how technology misuse is identified and addressed 🤝 Relationships First, Discipline Second * Why the goal is prevention — not punishment * How having a relationship makes tough conversations easier * Helping students learn from mistakes without defining them by those mistakes 🏫 Why Police Presence in Schools Matters * Daily building safety checks parents never see * Securing doors, identifying issues, and working with maintenance * Providing resources schools don’t always have access to * The balance between safety, trust, and approachability 🗣️ Key Takeaways for Parents * School safety is about relationships, not fear * Slowing down in school zones protects real kids, not just rules * Bus red lights mean stop — always unless there’s a physical median * What students do online can be traced and carries real consequences * Deputy Dekkinga is a resource for families, not just enforcement