HF FYI
August 9, 2024
Wednesday, August 14 7:30 a.m.: Freshmen & Transfer Students' 1st Day!
On this day, students will complete a modified partial day of classes. All students are expected to report to the South Gym by 7:30 a.m. for a welcoming presentation from Administration, including our school expectations, safety guidelines, and instructions for the day. All students will then follow the modified Viking Day (Periods 2-7) schedule and tour the North and South Buildings within their classes. The orientation is designed to be informative but interactive. It will include building tours within specific departments to help students associate subjects, departments, and offices with respect to the buildings. The shortened day ends at 12:30 p.m.
Ross-Cook Named to Associate Principal
In July, Catherine Ross-Cook was named our new Associate Principal for Equity, Curriculum and Instruction. In this role she will work closely with Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Jen Hester to support the day-to-day curriculum and instruction work alongside teachers and staff.
“Catherine is a proven leader regarding student and staff equity, diversity and inclusion, innovative curriculum design and engaging instructional practices,” said Hester. “She will bring this important knowledge and skill set to working with teachers on curriculum and instruction across the school.”
Ross-Cook has served students, teachers and staff at Homewood-Flossmoor High School since 2015, including 11 years as an English teacher, as well as a mentor teacher, professional development coordinator and in her most recent role as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. Read more here.
Fall sports are about to kick off, so be sure to get your student-athletes prepared!
Physical Examination Forms must be on file in the Athletic Department Office (North Building) in order to participate. Forms can be submitted at the front Security Desk in the North Building (enter Door A) or, you can email them to dkorth@hf233.org. If you have not submitted a physical by Friday, August 9, HF is hosting exams on Monday, August 12 from 7-9 a.m. in the North Building. The fee is $30. No appointment necessary. Please note: The Physical Exam/Vaccination Report required for Incoming Freshmen can be used to participate in athletics.
Rising Senior Aydenn Harris Selected to Bank of America Student Leaders!
Rising Senior Aydenn Harris was selected as one of five Chicago-area students to be a part of this year's class of Bank of America Student Leaders! The paid summer internship offers students first-hand experience serving their communities while providing exposure to valuable financial literacy education. Aydenn had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. in July for a week-long, all expenses paid national leadership summit!
AP African American Studies Students Pass Exam With 3's and Higher!
During the past school year, HF participated in the AP African American Studies pilot. "As a pilot, students and I had the pleasure of growing through a new curriculum together, evolving various strategies and adapting to changes made throughout the year by the AP College Board," said teacher Mrs. Krystal Davis.
When AP Scores were released last month, we were pleased to find out that out of the 19 students who sat for the first AP African American Studies, 17 passed the exam with a 3 or higher and have the opportunity to earn college credit from the course! On average, these students scored above the state average and global when demonstrating mastery of skills and their understanding of course material. "I could not be happier for them and all of their hard work," said Mrs. Davis.
HF Theatre's Mr. Willard-Rose Receives Award of Excellence in Secondary School Theatre!
HF's own Mr. J.R. Willard-Rose received the 2024 Award of Excellence in Secondary School Theatre! Each year, the Illinois Theatre Association recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions of promoting quality theatre throughout the state. Mr. Willard-Rose says this is an "exciting statewide honor for me, our theatre program, Fine Arts Department and school!" A formal recognition was held on August 3 at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora.
HF's Director of Communications & Community Engagement Receives Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award!
Last month, HF's Director of Communications & Community Engagement Carla Erdey, APR, received the National School Public Relations Association 2024 Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award! The award recognizes a practicing school public relations professional for outstanding efforts in mentoring colleagues new to school public relations; providing counsel and advice on job success; and assisting colleagues in their professional development by creating or providing programs and activities designed to improve PR skills and knowledge.
"Carla helped shape me as a leader to understand how, why and when to share a message," says HF Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley. "Without hesitation, Carla was always willing to support the development of new professionals." Learn more about Carla here and watch her acceptance speech at the NSPRA Conference here.
HFPA Cookout: August 23
The Homewood-Flossmoor Parents Association (HFPA) is hosting a back to school cookout on Friday, August 23 at 4 p.m. during the HF Football scrimmage game. Join the HFPA for some grilling, dunk tanking, and FUNdraising. Volunteers are needed for:
Homewood Back to School Party: August 24
Join the Village of Homewood and School District 153 for the ultimate back-to-school festival on Saturday, August 24 from 3-6 p.m. at the Homewood Village Hall (2020 Chestnut Rd). The day will be filled with big trucks, a DJ spinning the best kid friendly music, interactive games for all-ages, a rock-climbing wall, bubbles, balloons, face painting, community resources, and more! Food trucks will be on-site to serve you the best festival fare! Questions? Email Marla Youngblood at events@homewoodil.gov.
