Hemlock Public School District - Innovate, Collaborate, Educate

A Brief Public Thank You Recently, an anonymous Facebook personality broke the news on something that I don’t believe is much of a surprise to anyone in Hemlock. I am married to Becky. I have never hidden that fact. Actually, I am incredibly proud to be her husband. When I came to Hemlock 14 years ago, Becky attended my interviews along with our two oldest children. We said then that coming to Hemlock wasn’t simply going to be my job. It was going to be a family commitment, and it was a decision we made together. After my decision of faith, marrying Becky, and deciding to build a family together, I believe choosing Hemlock, and Hemlock choosing us, has been one of the best decisions of our lives. Not every day has been easy. Neither of us is perfect. Our children aren’t perfect. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world, doing our best to faithfully steward and care for what has been entrusted to us. And this week, we have been reminded just how blessed we are to call Hemlock home. The outpouring of support, encouragement, and love shown to both of us, but particularly to Becky, has been overwhelming. The messages, conversations, kind words, and people simply reaching out to say, “We see you, and we appreciate you,” have meant more than I can adequately put into words. Thank you. Yes, my wife works at Hemlock Public School District. Around here, she is simply “Nurse Becky,” a name she actually carried with her from her previous medical office. It is easy for kids to say, but more importantly, it just fits. She doesn’t walk around flexing a title, a relationship, or a position. She takes care of kids. She helps families. She serves. And anyone who has watched her work knows exactly what Nurse Becky brings to Hemlock. When I arrived here 14 years ago, there was a LOT of conversation about the “good ol’ boys club.” Since then, we have worked hard to move in a different direction. Merit matters. Qualifications matter. Performance matters. Service matters. When someone in district leadership has a family member working for the district, safeguards matter too. Relationships are disclosed. Our governing Board is aware. Appropriate separation is maintained, and supervision and personnel decisions are handled by administrators who are not related. We don’t hide those relationships. We address them openly and put safeguards around them. There will always be critics. There will always be people willing to throw stones from behind a keyboard. But there is some ancient wisdom that has always resonated with me. You will know them by their fruit. When our family came to Hemlock, the district was struggling financially and in ways that went far beyond the balance sheet. Staff were emotionally drained. Facilities were tired. Curriculum needed alignment. Opportunities were limited. Fourteen years later, the fruit is visible. Better opportunities for kids. Better curriculum and resources. Better facilities. Better systems. Better support. Better partnerships. Better stewardship. Better opportunities for our staff and community. Better. My wife, my children, and I didn’t do all of that. Not even close. I wouldn’t attempt to take that credit. What has happened in Hemlock is much bigger than one superintendent or one family. It is the work of hundreds of incredible employees, Board members, students, parents, volunteers, community members, businesses, partners, and supporters who believed Hemlock could be better and rolled up their sleeves to make it happen. But our family has been part of it. We have poured a significant piece of our lives into this community, and we are proud of that. So, those that haven't invested anytime or energy into building up our school or community and the other anonymous personalities who thought they were breaking some big story about my wife working at Hemlock, thank you. You actually gave me an opportunity to say publicly something I probably don’t say nearly enough. I am proud of Becky. I am proud of our family. I am proud of the people we work alongside. And I am incredibly proud of Hemlock. Fourteen years later, we’re still here. Still serving. Still working. Still trying to get better. Still pulling the sled. And at the end of the day, the fruit can speak for itself. All the best, Don Killingbeck Jr., Ed.D., Supt.

Huskies at The Big House 🏈 Some of our Hemlock Youth Tackle Football players were representing the Huskies at The Big House in Ann Arbor yesterday.

Big stadium. Big experience. Same Huskie pride.

#HemlockHuskies #Huskietastic #HemlockStrong

Hemlock Public School District invites you to learn more about our upcoming November ballot initiative. September 30th at 8 AM at the district office, located at 1095 N. Hemlock Rd.

#WednesdayWisdom #HemlockHuskies

🧠 Move your body. Wake up your brain.

Movement does more than build strong muscles - it helps our brains focus, process information, and learn. When students get moving, they’re not stepping away from learning; they’re supporting it.

Mr. Bauer is an expert at getting students up, moving, and engaged. Because sometimes the best way to get the brain working is to get the body moving first.

Move more. Learn better.

#HemlockHuskies #Huskietastic #HemlockTogether #Since1863

GET THE FACTS.

Keyboard warriors, Facebook experts, coffee-shop accountants, curious taxpayers, supporters, skeptics, and everyone in between. We welcome your questions. Just don’t make up the answers.

On November 3, Hemlock voters will see two separate school proposals with two separate purposes. The non-homestead operating millage is a renewal of an existing millage. The bond proposal is structured so the estimated net increase in the district's current debt tax rate is 0.00 mills. District materials likewise describe the non-homestead renewal as representing no net increase in the existing rate.

0.00 mill net increase.
0.00 mill net increase.
Two proposals. Two different purposes.

You don't have to take our word for it. Check the facts. Ask questions. Read the ballot information.

Hemlock Election Information: https://www.hemlockps.com/o/district/page/election

Or join us for our “Plain English” Q&A on September 30 at 8:00 AM. Bring your questions. Tough questions are welcome. Different opinions are welcome. We ask that the conversation start with accurate information.

Know the facts. Ask the questions. Make your own decision on November 3.

⚡ Physics isn’t just about memorizing formulas, it’s about understanding how the world works.

In Mr. Slate’s Physics classes, students put concepts into action through hands-on activities, experimentation, problem-solving, and discussion. They’re challenged to think like scientists, ask questions, test ideas, and use physics to explain the world around them.

Learning physics by doing physics. 🔬

#HemlockHuskies #Huskietastic #Since1863

School is a place for learning, discovery, and growth - but not all of the learning happens in a classroom.

It’s also where friendships are formed, confidence grows, laughter happens on the playground, and kids find their people.

Because belonging matters, too.

And around here, Huskies make the best besties.


#HemlockHuskies #Huskietastic #HemlockStrong

Athletes practice. Musicians rehearse. Leaders learn. Whatever your goals may be, showing up today is one step closer to achieving them.

#HuskieAttendance #HuskiesRunInPacks #YouBelongHere

The Huskie Express runs rain or shine! With conductor John Mulvaney at the controls and his beautiful ticket taker, Diane, onboard, the train completed 11 runs at Sawdust Days today. Passengers young and old stepped off with huge smiles on their faces. Thank you, John and Diane, for bringing a little extra joy to Sawdust Days!

✨Congratulations to our 2026 Homecoming Court + Class Representatives ✨

• Senior Court: Holly House & Jericho Orange | Lindsey Tausch & Grady Galbraith | Maycee Vanderwall & Colton Siler | Laini Wardin & Mason LaVigne
• Junior Class Reps: Gracyn Gronski & Samuel Dunton
• Sophomore Class Reps: Gabriella Rodriguez & Nevin Fournier
• Freshmen Class Reps: Natalie Casey & Henry Salowitz

Be sure to join us Friday, October 2nd, for our Homecoming game, where our king and queen will be crowned at halftime.
#HemlockHuskies #Huskietastic #Since1863 #Homecoming2026

Today's the Day 🌲 The 47th annual Hemlock Sawdust Days kicks off today.

Join us September 18–20 for a weekend packed with live music, crafts and activities, food trucks, the parade, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate with friends and neighbors.

Three days. One great Hemlock tradition. Let’s make some sawdust.

Be sure to follow Hemlock Sawdust Days on Facebook for the full schedule and all the latest updates.

#HemlockStrong #Since1863 #Huskietastic

✨ Congratulations to Jaxon Billips, our Hemlock Middle School Student of the Month.

This 8th grader and active Student Council member is a wonderful example of what it means to Lead the Pack. Jaxon leads by example with his quiet, steady presence, genuine kindness, respect, and strong character.

We’re proud to have Jaxon representing Hemlock Middle School. ⭐

#HemlockHuskies #StudentOfTheMonth
#Huskietastic #HemlockTogether #Since1863

#PullTheSled

Fall tastes delicious at the Hemlock Farmer’s Market 🍎 Head out today between 4:00 and 7:00 PM to the Richland Township Park, by the red barn, for an evening of local goodness.

Fresh produce, homemade treats, local vendors, friendly faces — and all the flavors that make this time of year so good. 🍂

Come stroll, shop, visit, and enjoy a little bit of fall right here in our community.

See you at the market!

#HemlockHuskies #HemlockStrong #Since1863

#ThrowbackThursday takes us back to summer, when Soren and his traveling Huskie pup, Hollis, headed to Torch Lake for a little adventure.

The trip had a few unexpected twists when heavy wildfire smoke rolled in, but they made the best of it! Soren, who is headed into 1st grade this fall, enjoyed some puzzle time, a visit to a cheese plant, shopping, and, of course, lots of good food.

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don’t go exactly according to plan. Thanks for sharing your #PawsomeSummerAdventure with us, Soren and Hollis.

#HemlockHuskies #Huskietastic #HemlockStrong #Since1863

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO COOKS WITH A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA!

Sure, we need someone who knows their way around a kitchen. Someone who can work with ingredients, prepare great food, stay organized, and help keep things moving.

But we’re looking for more than someone who simply cooks food.

We’re looking for someone who wants to be part of our Food Service team and step into a leadership role within the department. Someone who understands that feeding kids is about more than what goes on the tray.

We want someone who knows how to roll in a little bit of love, or, well, a WHOLE LOT OF LOVE, into every dish we serve the Huskie Pack.

Someone who takes pride in their work. Someone who loves kids. Someone who supports their teammates, brings positive energy to the kitchen, and understands that a great meal and a warm smile can make a difference in a student's day.

If you’re looking for just another job, this might not be it.

But if you love food, love people, can lead, and want to become part of a school community that takes care of one another, we would LOVE to talk with you.

Come cook with us. Come lead with us. Come be part of the Huskie Pack. Click the link to apply: https://hemlockps.bamboohr.com/careers/314

#HemlockTogether #HuskiePack #JoinOurTeam #PullTheSled