Congratulations and good luck to two Vikings who will be chasing after a state medal at this Saturday's IHSA Cross Country State Meet! Junior Caroline Schoen — who finished in 3rd Place at IHSA Sectionals — will compete in the girls' competition, and sophomore Habtamu Epley — who finished 32nd — will compete in the boys' competition. Both competitions will take place at Detweiller Park in Peoria on Saturday, Nov. 6. Go, Vikings!

Click here to see more IHSA Sectional photos by Scott Schoen...

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held online tomorrow — Thursday, Nov. 4 —from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and from 5-8 p.m.

You can still sign up for conferences with your student's teachers by visiting our event website! All necessary information and instructions for signing up for 2021 Parent-Teacher conferences at H-F can be found there:

https://sites.google.com/hf233.org/parent-teacherconf-11-04-21/home

The site contains a copy of the general letter from the Principal's Office, a copy of the individualized letter that was sent home to parents' email accounts, a master list of all teachers' conference sign-up links, and instructions for the event day itself. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the instructions for the event day to minimize technical difficulties. Here are some questions to consider asking your teachers during your conference:

• What can I do at home to help my student succeed in your class?
• What is the best way to communicate with you?
• Are there any major assignments, projects or exams coming up that I should be aware of?
• What are two things my student should work on to find success in your class?

Our teachers look forward to meeting with you tomorrow! Questions? Please contact Interim Principal Dr. James Mitchem at [email protected] or 708-335-5541.

No classes: Nov. 4 & Nov. 5

As a reminder for students, there are no classes at H-F on Thursday, Nov. 4, due to Parent-Teacher Conferences nor on Friday, Nov. 5, due to Institute Day. Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 8. That week will have a special schedule due to the Veterans' Day holiday. Please note:

• Monday, Nov. 8 — Block 1 Day
• Tuesday, Nov. 9 — Late-Start/Block 2 Day
• Wednesday, Nov. 10 — Block 3 Day
• Thursday, Nov. 11 — Veterans' Day (School is closed)
• Friday, Nov. 12 — Viking Day Periods 1-7

Illinois School Report Cards now available

On Friday, Oct. 29, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced the release of education data from the unique 2020-21 school year. The data illustrate the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of access to in-person learning on student achievement, enrollment and attendance in Illinois. The data reveal higher rates of chronic absenteeism, lower rates of 9th Graders on track to graduate, and declines in students across grade levels attaining proficiency in math and English language arts. However, the data also show Illinois schools overcame significant challenges to reach new heights in preparing students for college and career and to increase teacher diversity and retention. Click here to review H-F's 2020-21 school report card...

It's November, National Native American Heritage Month (also referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month)!

This month celebrates the history, heritage and culture of Indigenous Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.

Our amazing H-F Librarians have posted a collection of resources for the month, which includes videos, book lists, recent news articles and a slideshow.

Check it out by clicking here...

Get ready to be inspired as our talented student-performers present The Lion King, Jr., as this year's H-F Theatre Children's Play on Nov. 17-19 in the Mall Auditorium! Directed by Mr. Willard-Rose with technical direction by Mr. Tholl, our cast features:

• Jadon Smith — Simba
• Jazmin Rhodes — Nala
• Gabriel McKinney — Young Simba
• Stella Hoyt — Young Nala
• Charisma Boler — Rafiki
• Ronald Gerring — Scar
• Emma Leak — Shenzi
• Harmoni McKinney — Banzai
• Tessa O'Keefe — Ed
• Cayden Speerbrecker — Mufasa
• Madison Vitolka — Zazu
• Sullivan Matthys — Timon
• Bryce Stewart — Pumbaa
• Amy Ward — Sarabi
• Elle Jenkins — Sarafina

Ensemble performers are: Araceli Adames, Ashira Blakey, Langston Fantroy, Sean Haggerty, Tanya Harvey, Savannah Howard, Faith Kenshol, Flannery Marak, Rylee Miller, Benjamin Peden, Jordyn Richardson, Casey Siengo, Blessing Simon Ohia, Karani Tabor, Kayla Young & Khyla Young. Student production assistants are Christopher Albert & Paris Bayless.

Tickets — $10/adult, $5/student/senior — will be sold online. Stay tuned for ticket link and more info!

The Winter Sports Season begins soon! See the tryout dates below:

BOYS' BASKETBALL: Nov. 8 & 9

Varsity — 3:30-6 p.m. @ South Gym

Sophomores — 6-8 p.m. @ South Gym

Freshmen — 3:30-6 p.m. @ Fieldhouse

GIRLS' GYMNASTICS

Nov. 8 & 9, 3:30-6 p.m. @ Gymnastics Room

WRESTLING

Nov. 8 & 9, 3:30-6 p.m. @ Wrestling Room

BOYS' SWIMMING & DIVING (updated date)

Nov. 22 & 23, 3:30-5:30 p.m. @ Natatorium Pool

Physical examination forms must be on file in the Athletic Department Office by the start date in order to participate. Forms can be submitted at the Security Desk in the North Building or emailed [email protected] note: The Physical Exam / Vaccination Report required for incoming freshmen can be used to participate in athletics. 

Students interested in participating in a winter sport must be registered on the 8to18 Dashboard: https://hf.8to18.com/accounts/login

COVID-19 Dashboard & Reporting Form

Vikings: Thank you for doing your part to keep our school safe by properly wearing a mask indoors, watching your distance and washing your hands frequently. Most importantly, thank you for staying home when you are feeling ill.

Parents & guardians: Please remember to complete the D233 COVID Family Reporting Form to report positive COVID-19 cases in your household, close-contact COVID-19 exposures and if your student is experiencing suspected COVID-19 symptoms. The form is available by clicking here...

Also, remember that you can track COVID-19 cases and quarantines at H-F, as well as see community data at the D233 COVID-19 Dashboard — click here...

Halloween Spirit at H-F

Special Education Department staff

Registrar Ms. Arehart

Science Teacher Mr. Pavinato

Science Department Chair Ms. Smith

Anything But a Backpack Day

Anything But a Backpack Day

Anything But a Backpack Day

Science Teacher Ms. Coerper

Science Teacher Mr. Stiglic

Science Teacher Mr. Roberts

H-F Library staff

Speech Team: 3rd Place finish at Halloween Classic

Congratulations to our H-F Novice Speech team, which opened the season at home last Saturday, Oct. 30, with a 3rd Place team finish — out of 23 schools — at the H-F Viking Halloween Classic! Congratulations to the following finishers:

• Rachel Griggs — 1st Place Original Oratory & Tournament Champion!
• Ini Odumosu — 1st Place Oratorical Declamation
• Sidney Bester — 2nd Place Informative Speaking
• Joshua Bray — 2nd Place Extemporaneous Speaking
• Stella Hoyt — 3rd Place Dramatic Interpretation
• Amy Ward — 3rd Place Prose Reading
• Simon Howard — 4th Place Original Comedy
• Halena Laven — 4th Place Dramatic Interpretation
• Alex Pease — 4th Place Oratorical Declamation
• Brianah Williams — 4th Place Special Occasion Speaking
• Meir Bassey — 5th Place Oratorical Declamation
• Tinbit Dogisso — 5th Place Informative Speaking
• Ariel Miller — 5th Place Informative Speaking
• Tessa O'Keefe — 5th Place Humorous Interpretation
• Nailyn Offett — 5th Place Poetry Reading
• Braeden Greer — 6th Place Radio Speaking

Chess Team: Successful at home match

Congratulations to the H-F Varsity Chess team for winning its first conference match on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The team defeated Stagg H.S. with a score of 44 to 24! Junior Joshua Bray and freshmen Matthew Brison, Eli Burr, Lyndon Proby & Everett Van Til all had impressive victories. The team is coached by Mrs. White, Math / Career & Technical Education teacher.

D233 Board Member honored at meeting

Congratulations to Pam Jackson, District 233 Board of Education member, who was recognized at the board's Oct. 19 regular meeting, as a Master School Board Member! She received a certificate and honors pin for participating in nearly every training offered by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) since being elected to the board in April 2019.

Note: Only home games & playoffs are shown below. For complete athletic schedules, click here...

Did you know that H-F sends out dedicated emails prior to every regular District 233 Board of Education meeting? Update your "H-F FYI" subscription by clicking here and add "District 233 Board of Education Regular Monthly Meeting Preview" to your list of requested messages from our school. Thank you!