From the desk of Principal Deborah Finn

February 22, 2024

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: 

1. See Academics below for information on the March Illinois Science Assessment for the Class of 2026.
2. There is a lot of exciting news in Athletics - take a look.
3. Ask your student about the fun in homeroom today.



At the board meeting on February 20, there were two announcements made by Dr. Law and the Board of Education.  First, I hope you had an opportunity to read the email sent from the district welcoming Dr. Chala Holland as the newly hired Superintendent of District 113.  I am thrilled to welcome such a powerful leader, lifelong learner, change agent, and student advocate to serve at the helm of our District 113 family.  Dr. Law also announced a proposed structural change to science classes in D113. Please know that discussions are still ongoing at the district level. As a result, at this time, students do  not need to make any changes to their requested courses for next school year.

HPHS continues to be a busy place.  This past week students had the chance to visit our midyear Activity Fair.  Now is a great time to consider joining a club or activity, especially if you are looking for a way to get involved in extracurriculars at school.  

The first focus for our new superintendent will be to hire our next principal. Focus groups are underway to create a profile of the next principal for HPHS. Students had the chance during lunch periods today to share their thoughts. The next parent/guardian session is tonight, RSVP here. In addition, you can complete this survey (Spanish version) to add your thoughts. Your voice is important to this process. HPHS deserves outstanding leadership that represents the ideals of our Giant community.

Monday, February 26 - Giant Schedule Day

Tuesday, February 27 - Giant Schedule Day

Wednesday, February 28 - Blue Schedule Day

Thursday, February 29 - White Schedule Day



Friday, March 1 - Giant Schedule Day

ACADEMICS

3/11 ALL JUNIOR STUDENTS - ILLINOIS SCIENCE ASSESSMENT

On Monday, March 11, 2024 all junior students (no matter if they are currently enrolled in a Science class) will take the Illinois Science Assessment, which is an assessment required by the Illinois State Board of Education.  Students must use their school issued Chromebook.  Personal devices will not allow access to the testing application.  The assessment will begin at 8:35 AM, the standard start time for a Monday Giant Schedule.  Buses will run on their normal schedule in the morning for juniors to arrive on time.  The assessment will last approximately 2.5 hours.  At the conclusion of the assessment, students will have time to eat lunch before attending classes.  More information will be shared in Science classes and via email (for those not currently enrolled in a Science class).

ATHLETICS

1. Senior Wrestler Dmitry Derbedyenyev went 2-2 at the IHSA State Finals in Champaign, IL this past weekend.  Dmitry is the first HP wrestler to win a match downstate since 2016.  He ended the season with an overall record of 34-5, capping off an amazing career.
2. Congrats to our Varsity Girls Basketball Team on a great season.  The season came to an end with a 3 point loss to Chicago Taft last week in the Regional Semi-Final. The team won 14 games this year and earned a share of the CSL North Conference Title.
3. We had three members of the Boys Swim & Dive Program qualify for this coming weekend’s IHSA State Finals in Westmont, IL.  Liam Hoyer qualified in the 50 Free and 100 Free for athletes with disabilities.  Freshman Andrew Blauer qualified in the 100 Butterfly and Senior Noam Kulbak qualified in diving, placing first at the Libertyville Sectional.
4. Good luck to Clara Ugaz who will be competing at the IHSA Girls Wrestling State Finals in Bloomington, IL this weekend.
5. The Boys Track & Field Program had a great day at the Illinois Meet of Champions on Saturday:  Doug Anderson and Lukaas Nales ran :49.75 and :50.05 respectively to take 1st and 2nd place. These are the 2 fastest indoor 400 times in school history. Shamar Wilson ran :22.96 in the 200 meter dash to shatter the sophomore school record.  Barak Goldstein ran 1:59.84 in the 800 meter run which ranks 10th all-time indoors at HPHS. Russell Czerwinski took second in the high jump clearing 6'1.5" which also ranks 10th all-time indoors at HPHS.  Finally, multiple relay teams performed at a high level at the event.
6. In Girls Track and Field, junior Grace Welhouse broke the fieldhouse record at Glenbrook North in both of her hurdle events.
7. Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team’s season came to an end last night.  Our Giants were defeated by Glenbrook South in IHSA Regional action.  The team battled hard from start to finish and represented HPHS with class.  Congratulations to the players and coaches for their efforts throughout the season.
8. HPHS partnered with the Highland Park Park District to run a Girls Flag Football Clinic on President’s Day.  Thanks to everyone who helped to make this a special event for the community.

Homeroom @ Home

There was an extra dose of fun, spirit, and energy in homeroom today! Students played trivia together, guessing the identities of staff members through vintage photos and fun facts. Check in with your student–what did they think was the funniest picture or fact?

Juniors also received information about the upcoming Illinois Science Assessment. More details forthcoming.