From the desk of Principal Deborah Finn

March 14, 2024

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: 

1. Spring Break is almost here! March 25 - April 1.
2. Classes resume after spring break on Tuesday, April 2.  See Happening Next Week for more details on the schedule.
3. State required PSAT/SAT testing is April 10, 2024 - see Academics for more details.

Can you believe it?  Spring Break is just around the corner and we are approaching the final quarter of the 2023-2024 school year.  Now is a great time for you and your student to review their academic progress in Schoology and Infinite Campus. While Spring break is a time to rest and rejuvenate, it is also a time to catch up on any missed work and plan for the last few weeks of classes.

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend the Girl Up International Women’s Day Symposium.  Our student lead Girl Up group curated an inspiring group of panelists including HPHS graduate Lena Munzer, journalist Elizabeth Flock, Real Estate Professional Brandi Hampton and Marketing/Media Specialist Lia Monroy.  They all shared stories of their professional paths, perseverance and their hopes for women in the future. We are so grateful for this group of empowered women who continue to empower others in our community and beyond.

There is a LOT still happening at HPHS, including concerts, clubs and athletic competitions. If you are looking for something to do, check out our school calendars (HPHS main, Athletics) and join us in showing our Giant pride.

Wishing you a very Happy Pi-Day!

Monday, March 18 - Giant Schedule Day

Tuesday, March 19 - Giant Schedule Day

Wednesday, March 20 - Blue Schedule Day

Thursday, March 21 - White Schedule Day

Friday, March 22 - Giant Schedule Day

Monday, March 25 - Monday, April 1 - Spring Break, No classes

Tuesday, April 2 - Giant Schedule Day

Wednesday, April 3 - Blue Schedule Day

Thursday, April 4 - White Schedule Day



Friday, April 5 - Giant Schedule Day

ACADEMICS

On Wednesday, April 10, 2024 all Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will take the required Illinois State Board of Education accountability assessments.  Freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9, Sophomores will take the PSAT 10, and Juniors will take the SAT.  No classes will meet on Wednesday, April 10 because of the testing.  All students will be notified of their specific testing information (room number, testing accommodations if applicable, timing, etc.) as the date gets closer.  It is important to note that this year’s testing will be completely digital for the first time.  Prior to testing, students must complete specific steps to make sure that their device is updated and that their information in the digital platform is accurate.  This slideshow details how students can complete the Digital Readiness check and Exam Setup that is required prior to testing on April 10.  Please ask your student if they recently completed this in Homeroom.  If they have not, they can complete the steps outside of school if needed.

GRADUATION



Seniors, are you interested in being the commencement speaker for the Class of 2024 graduation ceremony? If so, please fill out the Commencement Speaker Try Out Google Form. Only District 113 emails will be able to access the form. Important information related to the tryouts are included in the form. If you have any questions, contact Assistant Principal Matt Wallace (mwallace@dist113.org).

Our yearbook has two additional pages available for senior baby tribute ads! If you missed submitting your student’s picture and well wishes, you have until March 31 to complete. CLICK HERE to make your purchase and submit your information. 

Forgot to purchase a yearbook?  You can still go into Infinite Campus and make a purchase.  Yearbooks are delivered in August 2024!  Please do so ASAP!

ACTIVITIES

A huge congratulations goes to Lexi Plonsker, Nate Wehner, Robert Oboza, Eli Levin, Clara Gillis, Kaleah Liang, and Lexi Rosenthal for their participation in the IHSA Solo/Ensemble Contest on March 2nd. Each of these students made HPHS proud in their beautiful solo performances. And a special shout out to Lexi Plonsker for receiving the "Best of Day" award from her room, and Nate Wehner who also received a perfect score! Thank you all for representing the HPHS Music Department so well!

Please join us for the 2024 Charity Drive Closing Ceremony tomorrow as we celebrate our community effor to support The Cancer Wellness Center! Details below:

 Yesterday students had a blast trying to guess how many marshmallows were in the container in order to win a $150.00 HPHS swag bag! The winner was Martin Castro! See photos of the fun below:

ATHLETICS

It was an exciting weekend for our Track & Field Programs.  The girls hosted and finished 3rd in the Giant Relays.  It was great to see the Indoor Track rocking with excitement.  The good feeling continued on Saturday as the boys took on Deerfield in their annual dual.  The boys were victorious and it was obvious our seniors took a lot of pride in keeping the shared trophy painted blue.  Congrats to both programs!

Here are a few ways to stay up to date with HP Athletics on social media:

X - @HPHS_Athletics

Instagram - hpgiantathletics

Spring Sport Parents/Guardians: Your athlete's photos will be posted online at vipis.com within 3 weeks of your photo day for viewing and ordering.   Please click here to sign up for email notification when your photo is ready to view and order.  If you have any questions about sports team and individual pictures, please contact Visual Image Photography at support@vipis.com.

If you missed the most recent athletics information/registration meeting you can access the presentation by clicking this link:  HPHS Athletics Information for Spring.  Feel free to reach out to the athletic office if you have any questions.

DEANS



Gambling: With the upcoming NCAA March Madness Tournaments, please see the link regarding our communication to students/parents and the district's policy regarding gambling. Please reach out to the dean's office with any questions.

PERTUSSIS UPDATE

As you have seen, there have been several cases of pertussis reported here at HPHS. Please be aware that the stereotypical “whooping” sound of the cough may not be present in your child, even if they are positive with pertussis. Please keep a close eye on your child and follow up with your doctor for further guidance and testing as needed to help stop the spread of pertussis. If you have any questions, please contact the nurses at 224-765-2200 or hphshealthservices@dist113.org

STUDENTS GOING HOME SICK

Parents and guardians, while we understand that your students may be feeling ill, we urge you to let our nurses assess your students before allowing them to go home. Oftentimes, students come to health services already called out to go home and are exhibiting no major signs of illness and may have been deemed okay to stay at school by our nurses. If you ultimately decide to allow your child to come home for an illness, please contact health services, as they are required to check out there before leaving the building. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please contact the nurses at 224-765-2200 or email at hphshealthservices@dist113.org.