From the desk of Principal Deborah Finn

November 16, 2023

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: 



1. Next week is shortened due to the Thanksgiving break, so there won’t be a newsletter next week.  See Happening Next Week for details.
2. Focus on the Arts 2025 planning has begun - check out Student Life for information.
3. Stunts opens tomorrow - see Activities for more information and come out and see the fabulous show!

It is hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  I am particularly reflective at this time of the year, considering my role in making the coming year better for all of us in our HPHS community.  Today, I am thankful to a number of our staff leaders who recently attended the Courageous Conversations about Race conference and returned asking, “How can we work to ensure that all our students know they matter”? The word mattering was a central focus of the conference and conversations that followed, defining the term as to experience belonging (feelings of safety and value), but also the knowledge that you add value.  I was left reflecting, with gratitude, on the times when I felt that I mattered both personally and professionally.  When we lean into deep listening, we can build bridges amongst one another and not divisions, which increase our feelings of safety and belonging.  So at this time of giving, I ask all of us to consider how we can help to create conditions where young people feel like they matter without giving up pieces of themselves. 

Throughout my childhood, my grandparents always made me feel like I mattered.  I have many stories to share about special moments between us, including when my Papa Joe came to school with me on GrandGiants Day many years ago.  I am excited to open our House on Vine to our special guests for GrandGiant Day 2023 next Tuesday and start the holiday off with a big dose of Giant spirit.  

To all of our HPHS families, I wish you all a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving holiday.  

Monday, November 20 -Giant Schedule Day

Tuesday, November 21 - Giant Schedule Day/GrandGiant Day

Wednesday, November 22 - No School

Thursday, November 23 - No School/Happy Thanksgiving

Friday, November 24 - No School

Monday, November 27 - Giant Schedule Day

Tuesday, November 28 - Giant Schedule Day

Wednesday November 29 - Blue Schedule Day

Thursday, November 30 - White Schedule Day

Friday, December 1 - Giant Schedule Day

ACTIVITIES

Focus on the Arts 2025 is seeking Parent Leaders and Volunteers! Click here to fill out an interest survey. Take a look at this amazing video, created by Bitter Jester, recapping Focus 2023!

Attention Seniors! Final call for GrandGIANTs day registration! All outside  guests attending must be registered! Members of the Class of 2024 may bring their GrandGIANT(s) or VIP older adult(s) in their life to share the day with on Tuesday, November 21. Use this link to see the details for the day and click here for the registration link. Registration should be completed before November 16.

Yearbook Senior Tributes/Baby Ads Now on Sale:

Use the holiday to travel down memory lane.  Baby Ads for our yearbook are now on sale! If you would like to celebrate and commemorate your senior with a baby ad and quote, use this link to upload and submit your photo and well wishes. One ad per family please.  CLICK HERE to see the postcard that will be in your mailbox soon.  The deadline to submit is December 15. 

DANCE SHOW 2024! Auditions for pieces begin November 2 through November 17th, open to ALL SOPHOMORES through SENIORS (see below for Freshman Dance information). For more info and sign up form, please use this link to read through the introduction letter. Use this link to sign up! Hope to see you there!!!

FRESHMAN DANCE for the 2024 Dance Show! Freshman dance is open to ANY and ALL freshmen students, no experience necessary! Informational meeting for the piece is on November 16th 3:15-4:00 pm in room/studio H213. Rehearsals start November 30th and go through the first week of March. Read information here and fill out the registration form here! Hope that you can be a part of this wonderful experience!

SLEEPAWAY STUNTS! Tickets now on sale!! November 17 & 18 - $10! If you have a Student Activity pass you get a free ticket and you can pick it up in the bookstore! You must pick up the ticket by the end of School on Friday! Click here for ticket

ATHLETICS

The 2023 Fall Season came to an end with The IHSA Swimming and Diving State Finals this weekend in Westmont, IL.  Congrats to our state qualifiers: Freshman - Brooke Eliacin, Junior - Marisa Miller, Sophomore - Emily Fraser and Sophomore - Megan Kim.  Brooke advanced to Saturday’s medal round in both the 50 yard Free and 100 yard Breaststroke.  She finished in 13th place in the 50 Free and 5th place in the Breaststroke.  Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches in the Girls Swim & Dive Program.

HPHS Athletes of the Month for October



David Finfer - Football

Tyler Gleyzer - Football

Brian Hatoum - Boys Cross Country

Nate Wehner - Boys Cross Country

Keilah Payne - Girls Volleyball

Annie Isaacson - Girls Cross Country

Taylor Singerman - Girls Cross Country

Boys Swimming & Diving Begins on Monday, November 20.  There will be an informational meeting today in room H210 at 3:15pm.  Contact Coach Bacinich with any questions.

Along with Boys Swimming & Diving, there is still time to join the winter sports listed below.  Reach out to the coaches as soon as possible because competitions are starting soon.

Girls Gymnastics - Coach Kopp 

Girls Wrestling - Coach Carter

Boys Wrestling - Coach Moore

Giants Club is looking for parents to volunteer as team liaisons.  The requirements are minimal and the benefits are huge to the program you represent.  To find out more information, come to the next Giants Club Meeting on Wednesday, November 29 from 7:00-8:00pm in the Giant Conference at HPHS.  

The Deerfield Parent Network is partnering with Districts 113, 109 & 112 to bring nationally renowned speakers to our communities. Their first speaker is the New York Times best selling author of “How to Raise an Adult”, Julie Lythcott-Haims. Julie will be presenting “How to Raise Successful Kids” on Thursday, November 30 from 7:30-9:00 pm in the Deerfield High School Auditorium. Spanish flyer, English flyer  

General Public RSVP