From the desk of Principal Deborah Finn

November 30, 2023

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: 



1. There are two special schedules next week - Monday and Friday.  See Happening Next Week for more information.
2. Fine Arts Takeover begins on Monday, 12/4! More information about this special week below in Academics
3. Hot Cocoa Friday’s start next week.  Encourage your student to stop by the cafeteria Friday mornings in December for free hot cocoa served by our Giant staff.

I hope that all our Giant families had a restful Thanksgiving break.  While having a few extra days off is great, I am always so excited to see our House on Vine alive with Giant spirit from our students and staff.  Can you believe we are in the final few weeks of the 1st semester of the 2023-2024 school year? These next few weeks are filled with a lot of great events, including our Fine Arts Takeover Week/Assembly and Hot Cocoa Fridays. Please take a moment to review Happening Next Week, as we have a number of upcoming special schedules.

Now feels like the right time to express my sincere gratitude to the organizations that partner with us in providing the best opportunities for our students.  PTO, Giants Club, Patrons of the Arts, De Padre a Estudiante, District 113 Education Foundation are just a few of the many parent/guardian groups that add so much to our Giant home.  It is never too late to get involved! To find out more about these and other organizations visit the HPHS website.

Monday, December 4 - Special Giant Schedule Day, Extended

Homeroom - Counseling/Registration

Tuesday, December 5 - Giant Schedule Day

Wednesday December 6 - Blue Schedule Day

Thursday, December 7 - White Schedule Day

Friday, December 8 - Special Giant Schedule Day, Fine Arts 3A/3B Assembly

December 4 through December 8 is our official Highland Park High School Fine Arts Week. To celebrate, we will come together for a final culminating performance December 8 during 3A/3B assembly times. Please see information linked here for your designated period and location. If you have questions about your attendance, please contact Shanova Friend.

Congratulations to our HPHS students recognized by Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) for excellence in the following areas; The most elite high school musicians are selected throughout Illinois to participate in these prestigious ensembles.

ACTIVITIES

Charity Drive 2024 will benefit the Cancer Wellness Center. While Charity Drive doesn't officially kick off until January, apparel is on sale NOW. Use this link to buy Charity Drive apparel for the whole family. Orders are due December 15th and extras will not be available. Thank you for your support! 

Parents! Now is a great time for you to purchase Baby Ads for our yearbook as they are now on sale! If you would like to celebrate and commemorate your senior with a baby ad and quote, please click here. There, you can submit a photo and well wishes. One ad per family please. The deadline to submit is December 15, 2023.

Other Happenings This Month…

ATHLETICS



Looking for some HPHS gear for you and your family members for the holiday season. Click here to purchase your spirit wear and support the Giants Club.  

As the Fall season has come to a close and the winter season starts up, now seems like an appropriate time to recognize the efforts of our Athletic Trainers. A big thank you to Brie Montmarquette and Tayler Strand for keeping our athletes safe and putting in countless hours to support HP Athletics.

Congratulations to Highland Park Quarterback David Finfer and the HP Football Program. David was recognized at the Class 6A state championship game on Saturday in Bloomington for being selected to the All-State team. Another fantastic accomplishment for one of our HP athletes.

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

Congratulations to our Varsity Girls Basketball team on winning their first home game on Tuesday Night.  Our Giants defeated Niles West 39-30.  There is more exciting winter season action coming up in the next few weeks.  You can check out the entire athletic schedule here.  Go Giants!

Holiday Shopping for a Cause

Mark your calendars! The District 113 Education Foundation invites you to join our Third Annual Virtual Auction December 8-10, 2023. We will have exciting auction items including Bulls Tickets, Bucks Tickets, a HPHS parking spot, reserved graduation seats and more. Support District 113 this holiday season by participating in this event —  your contribution directly benefits students with innovative education initiatives requested by teachers. For more information on the District 113 Education Foundation, please visit our website at www.district113foundation.org