From the desk of Principal Deborah Finn

February 15, 2024

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: 

1. There’s no school on Monday, February 19 in observance of Presidents’ Day
2. The 5Essentials survey for parents is now open. See the District News section for more details.
3. Our Musical, The Little Mermaid opens tonight!

Don’t miss seeing the HPHS Musical, The Little Mermaid. I had the pleasure of seeing our talented students perform for D112 yesterday and they were spectacular! And that includes both the students on the stage and off. This was a Giant effort - including our newest team members Ms. Emma Harmon (Theatre Director), Mrs. Maria Barnhill (Choral Director), and Mr. Ron Bowden (Technical Theatre Director), and their artistic collaboration with the amazing Mr. Josh Chodoroff (Director of Bands). The play opens tonight, Thursday 2/15 at 7 pm, with additional performances Friday 2/16 and Saturday 2/17. Get your tickets now and join us under the sea! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at this link. 

I attended the Black History Month breakfast yesterday and it was a spectacular way to start my day. LaShandra Harris and her daughter Taylor Moore shared their stories of resilience, optimism and their steadfast belief that “Winners Never Quit.” Their message was empowering for students and staff.

Finally, Charity Drive 2024 wraps up today.  Thank you to everyone for investing your time and energy in support of Cancer Wellness Center.  

Monday, February 19 - President’s  Day, No School

Tuesday, February 20 - Giant Schedule Day

Wednesday, February 21 - Blue Schedule Day

Thursday, February 22 - White Schedule Day

Friday, February 23 - Giant Schedule Day

ACTIVITIES



Ms. Samantha Toro and the Freshman Class Council ran a wonderful Skate Night on Saturday, Feb. 10. Take a look at a few photos of the magic that they created for our HP community in support of Charity Drive 2024!

Today is the last day of Charity Drive as we supported The Cancer Wellness Center. To donate click here.

ATHLETICS

Weekend Highlights

1. On Saturday, Clara Ugaz qualified for the IHSA State Finals in Girls Wrestling.  Clara finished 4th at the Evanston Sectional.  This is her second consecutive year qualifying for the State Finals.
2. Senior Diver Noam Kulbak continues to impress.  He set a pool record at the CSL North Conference Meet at Vernon Hills High School on Saturday.  The Sectional Meet is Saturday at Libertyville High School.  Best of luck to Noam and all the HP swimmers and divers.
3. Amelie Gerber and Maddyn Cohen performed well at the IHSA Girls Gymnastics Sectional at Glenbrook South last week.  While both missed out on qualifying for the State Finals, they have a lot to be proud of.
4. In Boys Wrestling, Dmitry Derbedyenyev also became a two time state qualifier.  Dmitry earned a 3-0 win in the wrestlebacks over a very strong wrestler from Fremd High School to punch his ticket to Champaign.

Congratulations to our January Athletes of the Month: 

Andrew Blauer - Boys Swim & Dive

Amelie Gerber - Girls Gymnastics

Julia Leshtz - Girls Basketball

Benny Marcus - Boys Swim & Dive

Riley Moore - Girls Wrestling

Maddie Reitmayer - Girls Basketball

A document containing Spring sports information and start dates has been posted on the HPHS Athletics Homepage.  Our athletic department meeting for all Spring Sports is Wednesday March 13 at 7:00pm in the HPHS Auditorium.

Homeroom @ Home

Like you, as caregivers, students had the opportunity to share their voice about their experience at HPHS via the 5 Essentials Survey during Monday’s extended homeroom. 

On Thursday, students had the opportunity to ensure the accuracy of their schedules for next year and take a moment to appreciate some of this year’s most celebrated wildlife photography, as a way to disconnect during their busy days.

Please remember to complete the 5 Essentials parent survey by visiting this site. This survey provides valuable data that helps us ensure the voices of our community inform the decisions and considerations we make in the operation of our school. Your participation in the parent survey will help us understand the conditions at HPHS and guide improvement.

Your response will only be examined in aggregate. There is no way to connect a parent’s response to a particular student.