November Newsletter

As we move deeper into the second quarter, I want to take a moment to remind everyone how important it is to stay focused and finish strong. This is the time to make sure all assignments are turned in, grades are up to date, and learning remains the top priority. Every effort counts toward building success for the semester!

We’re also looking forward to the Thanksgiving Break, which begins on Monday, November 24th. I hope everyone takes that week to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends.

November marks the beginning of the festive season, and as the cool air settles in, our school community is filled with excitement and gratitude. Let’s continue to support one another, stay engaged, and celebrate the many things we have to be thankful for, especially our wonderful students, staff, and families.

Wishing you all a warm and joyful month ahead!

We’re thrilled to share that our CYSP Leadership Camp at Camp Timber-Lee was an incredible success once again! From October 17–19, seven mentors and thirty-two students came together for a weekend full of learning, growth, and unforgettable memories.

The group departed on Friday afternoon and returned Sunday filled with stories, laughter, and lasting friendships. It was truly one of the best camps we’ve ever had!

Special Thanks to Our Amazing Mentors

This camp wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and guidance of our mentors: Mr. Ruslan, Mr. Jo, Ms. Solmaz, Ms. Yu, Ms. Farooq, and Ms. Kelly.

Friendly Competition and Leadership Lessons

Beyond the fun and games, students took part in activities designed to build teamwork, responsibility, and leadership skills. From group challenges to late-night reflections, each moment helped strengthen their confidence and sense of community.

Thank You, Parents and Principal!

A heartfelt thank-you to our principal, Mr. V, for his continued support, to our CYSP students for their enthusiasm and energy, and to all parents for trusting us and allowing your children to be part of this three-day adventure.

TWIST Robotics Competition

Team HOTH 5125 recently competed at TWIST (Together, Women in STEM Thrive), a FIRST Robotics off-season event focused on empowering young women in STEM. Held at Muskego High School in Wisconsin, TWIST provided an inclusive space for girls to lead, build confidence, and strengthen both technical and leadership skills.

The event was filled with excitement, teamwork, and collaboration as teams from across the region celebrated innovation and friendly competition. Our students fine-tuned our robot, tested strategies, and supported one another throughout each match.

TWIST was an incredible opportunity for new members to gain hands-on experience and for the team to grow stronger together. We left inspired, motivated, and ready for the upcoming FRC season!

We’re excited to announce that VEX Robotics Team 99744A, the MechaHawks, has officially launched at HSA McKinley Park High!

Our dedicated students have already begun preparing for the upcoming competition season — diving into robot design, teamwork, and innovation.

This year, the MechaHawks will compete in the VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2025–2026: Push Back, taking on thrilling challenges that test their creativity, strategy, and engineering skills. We’re looking forward to a year full of problem-solving, collaboration, and discovery as our students proudly represent our school in the world of robotics.

Volleyball

The volleyball season is wrapping up, and our teams have had an incredible run! The varsity team showed that they were true fighters this season, earning a well-deserved spot in the playoffs. The JV team had a successful year with an 8–9 record, winning three more games than last season — a great sign of growth and progress. We were also proud to celebrate our five varsity seniors during a special senior night, honoring their leadership, dedication, and impact on the team.

Soccer

This season the Hawks showed tremendous grit, growth, and unity. From the first whistle to the final match-day, the boys put in the work—on early mornings, after school, in practice, and on the field. They battled each game with heart, every training session with purpose, and built something special together. While the journey fell just short in the Regional Playoffs, the effort and dedication were never in question. The playoff loss stings, but it doesn’t define what this team achieved: a season of improvement, teamwork, and character. Each player embraced the challenge of competing, raising the bar, and trusting one another in every moment.We also want to pause and recognize our senior class—those players who have carried the program forward, shown leadership on and off the field, and left a legacy for younger Hawks to follow. Thank you for your years of commitment, for the life in the locker room, for sacrifices and late-night practices, and for representing HSA McKinley Park with pride. Congratulations to every player, coach, parent, and supporter for a season that mattered. And to our seniors: your journey doesn’t end here—it inspires the next chapter of Hawks soccer!

Cross Country

The Hawks Cross Country team set three separate top ten records for fastest times in school history this season. This includes 5th all-time for Gabino Rivas, with a three-mile run time of 19 minutes and 31 seconds (19:30), Julius Martinez 6th at 19:34, and Eder Molina 8th all time at 20:09. Additionally, the team set another record on Oct. 24 at Regionals, where the team qualified for the first time to advance to the second round with an average overall run time of 21:26!

None of this would have been possible this season without the hard work of the team, the commitment to success we shared, and the assistant coach, Coach Mario Palos. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments this year. Until next season--Go Hawks!

On October 3rd, our school community came together for a monumental celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event, a festive Block Party, marked a special moment of unity by bringing together students, staff, and families from both the elementary and high school, as well as members of our local community.

The block party was filled with vibrant energy, music, and cultural pride. Families enjoyed delicious food, games, and community booths that reflected the warmth and spirit of togetherness.

What made this event truly special was seeing all parts of our school community, including young learners, older students, teachers, and families, come together to learn from and celebrate one another. It was a day that celebrated culture, connection, and pride, reminding everyone of the strength that comes from unity and shared experiences.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our school welcomed Carlos Ramírez-Rosa, General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, as a special guest speaker on October 10.

Of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, he spoke about the importance of embracing one’s culture, standing up for others, and using education to create positive change. His personal stories about leadership and representation inspired students to take pride in their identities and recognize the power of unity and community.

We are grateful to Carlos Ramírez-Rosa for sharing his experiences and wisdom, leaving a lasting impact on students and staff alike.

To wrap up our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, students and staff enjoyed a surprise live performance from Grupo LEMANZ, a Chicago-based group known for their regional Mexican music.

The lively performance had everyone clapping and dancing along as the band filled the room with energy and pride. It was a fun and memorable way to celebrate the richness of Hispanic culture and close out the month with music, joy, and community spirit.

We are grateful to Grupo LEMANZ for sharing their talent and energy with us and helping make this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration truly memorable.

We were excited to welcome the 8th graders from HSA McKinley Park Elementary for a special school visit and tour this month! The visit gave students a glimpse into high school life and celebrated the strong connection and unity between both campuses.

The day was filled with excitement and curiosity as future Hawks experienced the welcoming atmosphere and school pride that define our campus. This visit not only helped students envision their next steps but also strengthened the bond between the elementary and high school communities.

We look forward to seeing many of these bright young students return as official Hawks next year!

We were honored to welcome Dr. Steven Isoye, President of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), to our school for a special visit. His visit provided a wonderful opportunity to highlight the outstanding work of our students, staff, and school community, as well as the strong sense of unity between both campuses.

My name is Mario Delgado III, and I’ve been a proud student at HSA for 12 years. Throughout my time here, I’ve had an amazing experience filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. HSA has truly shaped me into the person I am today, thanks to the supportive teachers, encouraging staff, and positive environment that pushes every student to reach their full potential.

Being part of this school for so long has allowed me to build strong friendships and get involved in opportunities that helped me grow as a leader. I am currently the Senior Vice President of the Student Council, where I have the privilege of representing my classmates and helping organize events that bring our school community together. I’m also proud to be part of CYSP, which has given me valuable experiences in leadership, teamwork, and community service while motivating me to set and achieve personal goals.

Recently, our school made an exciting switch to a brand-new building, and so far, it’s been a great transition for all of us. The new space has provided a fresh start, better facilities, and an even more welcoming environment that makes learning and connecting with others easier and more enjoyable.

Overall, HSA isn’t just a school it’s a family. The environment here motivates students to aim high, support one another, and always strive to be their best. I’m incredibly proud to be part of such an amazing community and grateful for everything HSA has done for me over the past 13 years.

I teach English and I have the pleasure of working with all the sophomores, and AP juniors and seniors. What inspires me most as an educator is witnessing students discover their own voices-- when they realize their ideas matter and that they can express them with confidence and clarity. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing that moment of pride and ownership in their learning, whether it’s through a breakthrough in writing, a meaningful class discussion, or a creative project that reflects their growth. Every day, I’m reminded how capable and thoughtful my students are, and I feel lucky to play a small part in helping them reach their goals.

This fall has been an exciting and impactful season for our College & Career Counseling program. On October 8th, we proudly hosted our First Annual College Fair, which was a huge success and brought incredible opportunities directly to our students. We welcomed representatives from Wright College, UIC, Millikin University, NEIU, Elmhurst University, DePaul University, National Louis University, Richard J. Daley College, and the U.S. Army Recruitment Office. Students were able to ask questions, explore programs, and make meaningful connections as they plan their future pathways.

Beyond the fair, our seniors have been engaging in experiences that support both career exploration and community building. A group of students visited the Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, where they learned more about trade careers and observed live technical demonstrations.

Another senior outing included a fun and memorable trip to the Johansen Pumpkin Patch in Bolingbrook, giving students a chance to enjoy fall festivities and bond as a class.

We are excited to continue offering meaningful college and career opportunities throughout the year. Up next, our seniors will attend a College Visit to National Louis University on November 6th, where they will tour the campus, meet with staff, and explore academic programs as they prepare for their next steps.

Contact the Counseling Team

• Ms. Katie Fortman: fortman@hsamckinley.org

• Ms. Amra Imamovic: imamovic@hsamckinley.org

Gilberto Ceja Jr. a graduate of the Class of 2023 from Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, and current undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Human Resources and Information Technology at the University of Illinois Chicago, where I combine my passion for people and technology to create meaningful impact in my community. As a proud graduate of Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, Class of 2023, I continue to give back through the Alumni Committee, helping guide current students toward success.

I serve as a youth soccer coach at HSA McKinley Park, mentoring young athletes and fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership both on and off the field. Horizon Science Academy will always hold a special place in my heart, as it shaped me into the person I am today and inspired me to give back to the next generation.

Homecoming Week 2025 was one to remember! From October 20–24, our halls were filled with school pride, laughter, and excitement as students and staff came together to celebrate what it means to be a Hawk.

Our Student Council worked hard to plan a fun-filled week of themed dress-down days, friendly competition, and memorable events that brought the entire school together. Each day, students showed off their creativity and enthusiasm through Spirit Week themes:

The energy built up all week and reached its peak during the Homecoming Pep Rally on Friday, October 24, held during 6th and 7th periods. The rally featured exciting school-wide games, a lively students vs. staff volleyball match, and a fantastic performance by our school band, which kept the crowd pumped with upbeat music and school spirit. The gym was electric with cheers, laughter, and friendly competition as everyone showed their Hawk pride.

• NOVEMBER 1 – Re-Enrollment Period Begins
• NOVEMBER 6 – Senior College Visit - National Louis University
• NOVEMBER 10 – Picture Retake
• NOVEMBER 15 – Enrollment Period Begins for New Students
• NOVEMBER 19 – Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
• NOVEMBER 20 – Science Field Trip - iFly
• NOVEMBER 24-28 – NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving break

As we gear up for another incredible school year, we’re excited to announce that re-enrollment for current students is NOW OPEN for the 2026–2027 academic year!

This year, we are moving our re-enrollment window before the new year, so please be sure to act quickly to secure your child’s seat for next school year.

Please take a moment to carefully review the letter below from our school principals, Mr. Akkurek (Elementary) and Mr. Vedziovski (High School), which outlines the re-enrollment process in detail. Your prompt attention to this matter is essential to ensure your child’s seat is reserved.

Re-Enrollment Letter

Re-enrollment Deadline: December 31, 2025

To guarantee your child’s placement for the 2026–2027 school year, please complete the re-enrollment process by December 31, 2025.

Re-enrollment Instructions

To begin the re-enrollment process, please follow these steps:

1. Visit https://concept-il.powerschool.com/public/ and log in using your PowerSchool credentials.
   

2. Confirm that your child’s name appears in the top left corner. If you have multiple children, you can switch between them by clicking their names. (Note: The re-enrollment form must be completed separately for each child.)
   

3. Scroll down and click on the “Forms” section.
   

4. Locate and open the “Re-enrollment Form 26–27.”
   

5. Indicate whether your student will attend HSA McKinley Park High for the 2026–2027 school year.
   

6. Sign the electronic form and click “Submit.”
   

7. Complete payment of the $70 registration fee to finalize your child’s registration.
   
   

Payments can only be made on the PowerSchool Portal using a computer (not the mobile app). You may also pay in person at the front office via credit card or cash.