Page 8 - JOHN DIPAULA POY APPLICATION 2021

Dr. DiPaula has encouraged collaboration between the
Community and
Hammond well
High, which has served to complement
and strengthens values, as
as provide opportunities for students,
staff, parents, businesses, and nonp
rofits to work side by side and truly make a difference in the lives of many.
organizations
ongoing have food
regularly donated for our student food pantry and well as donations for our instructional materials (bag packs, binders, utensils), coat drives and food for evening programs.
Hammond holds an “Empowerment Evening” once a month where struggling students and their parents are invited to come to the school, receive advice on the inner workings of the learning platform, how to access grades and attendance, and strategies for supporting and being a successful student. These events are sometimes offered in Spanish and they encourage students and parents to communicate during the sessions. Meals are provided by Trattoria, Chick-fil-A, and other local restaurants.
Approximately, 40% of the Hammond population qualify for free and reduced meals based on family income and size. Because of the vast number of students in need of financial assistance, Dr. DiPaula anonymously gives money to assist with field trips, holiday gifts, clothing, and basic needs. His personal office is stocked with snacks and beverages for those in need and students come by all hours of the day. He is giving in his time, even when that is limited because of other commitments, he finds a way to ensure that no student goes without. This is really at the heart of what all staff at Hammond do and Dr. DiPaula leads by example.
He has leveraged partnerships with various local businesses and
religious
. These partnerships make our school stronger
and often provide
support. Hammond is able to