From the desk of Principal Deborah Finn Issue 7 September 23, 2021

School News You Can Use

THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Don’t forget - tomorrow is an 8:00 am start!  See Homeroom below for details. Are you a parent/guardian who wants to get involved?  See Message from the Principal. Did you know our Drop-In Center is open in-person now - see Services and Supports below.

Message from the Principal

We are looking forward to our Homecoming pep rally tomorrow that will be live-streamed into homerooms.  We have planned a variety of ways for students to show their Giant spirit, have fun and build community!  Tomorrow is also our final spirit day when students and staff wear their class colors.  If your student is not sure what to wear, visit the Homecoming site. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and commitment to safety as we find ways to come together and celebrate being an HP Giant!. It is not too late to get involved at HPHS as a parent/guardian.  Click Here to learn more about organizations that support our students in a variety of ways.  There is something for everyone and a great way to be a part of your student(s) high school experience.  Thank you in advance for partnering with us in so many ways in order to make our school programming meaningful.

Happening Next Week

Monday, September 27 - Giant Day Schedule  Tuesday, September 28 - White Day Schedule  Wednesday, September 29 - Blue Day Schedule  Thursday, September 30 - White Day Schedule  Friday, October 1 -  Blue Day Schedule

View Calendar

Academics

We are midway through the first quarter and now is a great time to check in with your student(s) and see how they are doing in their classes. There are many resources available at HPHS to help students with academics and we hope you will encourage them to take advantage of what is offered. The best resource to improve understanding is the classroom teacher. Reach out in person or by email and set up an appointment to meet with the teacher during a common free period or before/after school. In addition, please be reminded of the other academic support available through The Learning Center (TLC), now located in the library. Staff and peer tutors are available to help with math, science, writing, etc. Finally, general support is available through counselors, case managers, deans, coaches, sponsors, etcetera, so please don’t hesitate to ask. HOMEROOM Don’t forget - we will have an extended homeroom TOMORROW Friday 9/24  to come together for our first Pep Rally of the year.

Student Life

This weekly newsletter includes the latest version of the GIANT Life News (GLN). This information is emailed to students twice a week. GIANT Life News contains specific details about student life at HPHS and is our main source of HPHS happenings. Archives are posted on the school website.   ATHLETICS THE NEXT GIANTS CLUB MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, 9/29 at 7:00 pm IN THE GIANT CONFERENCE ROOM LOCATED NEXT TO THE STUDENT CAFETERIA - ENTER THROUGH THE POOL ENTRANCE (DOOR 16).  Did you know that the Giants Club supports HPHS student-athletes that participate across 30 different recognized teams each year?  Want to find out how you can help our volunteer parent-booster organization?  Check out the Giants Club Website for membership details and other important information.   Homecoming is always an exciting  week.  We will welcome back many former athletes, and also get a chance to re-establish school traditions after a year of not being able to celebrate in this way.  We want everyone to enjoy the festivities safely.  Show respect for the work people have put in to make this week special and remember the standards HPHS athletes are held to, in and out of season.  Most importantly, have fun!  We Are HP! We will continue to highlight our Fall Sports over the next few weeks.  This week we’ll focus on Girls Field Hockey, Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball. The HP Field Hockey Team is off to a great start.  Led by a strong group of Seniors; Amanda Perper, Aria Peszek, Isabella Stolberg, Lucy Paull, Cassie Rubin, Ella Kaplan, Audrey Murphy, Alyssa Rosenfeld and Maya Sela the program continues to make strides.  Come watch the Giants take on Francis Parker in their next home matchup on 9/27 or come out to celebrate Senior Night on 9/29 at Wolters Field!   Participation in Field Hockey continues to be strong with almost 60 girls involved in the program this year. The boys soccer team is fighting through a difficult schedule and a number of injuries that have slowed their season.  The team is led by senior captains Victor Martinez, Jake Podbelsik, and Danny Lopez. Juniors Eric Slavin, Jack Illes, Jake Derfel, Erick Chavez, and Alec Peters have been big contributors to the team this season as well. Come out next week to support the Soccer Giants versus Deerfield. Led by Senior Captains Isa Dominguez and Kate Manning, the Giants Volleyball team is improving everyday and working hard to be their best on and off the court.  With a strong showing in our first few conference matches, the Varsity Giants strive to be even more competitive in the upcoming CSL games. Come cheer for the Varsity, JV and Freshman teams on Oct 4 and 5th for our next home matches!

ACTIVITIES Many of our clubs continue to look for new members. If you student has yet to decide on a club to join, please go to the activities website to look at the “At A Glance” Club listing page.  The Giant Life News continues to be the best place to find out what is happening at HPHS!  You will find the link above in this newsletter.

Services and Supports

The Drop-In Center is now open! Hours are:  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM  and Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

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