HF FYI

Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized September 15-October 15, honoring Latinx populations and their valuable contributions to society. At HF, we're fortunate to have students, staff and a surrounding community to share their diverse cultures with our Vikings. Follow us on social media (@hfhs559) throughout the month as we share learning resources, classroom happenings and more to celebrate Hispanic Heritage. ¡Nosotros Somos HF!

We're back with this week's Profile of a Viking, featuring the Class of 2026's Eric Baker on Citizenship & Character. "I feel this competency is important because everyone around, in the community, they take part in it; when you have great citizenship, it goes a long way." Check it out here.

Homecoming 2024 is almost coming to a close, but the big fun is still ahead! Bring that Viking Pride to the Stadium tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. as your Vikings face the Neuqua Valley Wildcats.

Next up: This year's Homecoming Dance, Light Up the Night, is Saturday, September 21 in the North Gym at 7:30 p.m.. As you get prepared to dance the night away, be sure to check out these FAQs so you can have the best time.

Vikings, remember to cast your votes for Homecoming Royalty by this Saturday at noon. Homecoming Royalty (2 underclassmen) and Senior Royalty (2 Seniors) will be announced at the dance. Each student will vote for 1 royalty candidate and 1 Senior royalty candidate! Use the Google Form here.

There's no place like home: Get your tickets today for HF Theatre's Children's Play, "The Wizard of Oz" happening on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, September 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on GoFan. We'll see you in Oz!

Director: Annie Calderón

Technical Director/Scenic Designer: Tim Tholl

Costume Design: Candi Helsel-Wilk

Property Design: Amie Day

Scenic Painting: Jane Nix

Producer: Gail Smith

Stage Combat Coordinator: Kyle Cassady

Our #1 Singles Adia Douglas won 2nd Place and #2 Singles Laila Williams won 3rd Place at the Lincoln Way-East Invitational on Saturday, competing against 14 schools!

Earlier this month, History Teacher Mr. Jon Elfner was invited to guest teach a Social Science Methods class at Governors State University, in which the students are future high school history teachers. Mr. Elfner's focus was on building inquiry into US History units and lessons, and he shared how to engage students with inquiry-based activities to deepen their engagement and understanding of the material. Later this semester, Jon, along with another HF History teacher, Mrs. Krystal Davis, will be teaching a class to Northwestern University professors and graduate students about the curriculum they wrote to accompany Dr. Kate Masur's new graphic history, Freedom Was In Sight.

Mr. Charlie McDermott created an interactive, charity mural at Southgate Market in Chicago's South Loop a few years back couple of years ago. During the first 3 months of the installation of the public mural, anyone could take a photograph with the mural and post it to social media with #butterflyeffect: Every post was matched with a $5 donation to the Greater Food Bank of Chicago, raising +$4,000!

Fast forward to now, Pokemon fever has fans seeking this painting out; Mr. McDermott's public mural is currently being featured as a POKESTOP on the Pokemon Go mobile game!

The Seniors couldn't beat the Staff in Wednesday's Homecoming Hoopla Basketball Game. HF Staff held their title again this year, winning 62-40.

Dad Squad is just a few weeks away, happening on Monday, October 28, 2024. Any father or legal guardian of a current HF student may register to volunteer to join a rotation of shifts during the day of the event. Participants can volunteer for one of the following shifts, depending on their availability:

• Half-day AM (7-11:30 a.m.)
• Half-day PM (11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
• Full Day (7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

Each volunteer will need to submit a valid state ID or driver's license, which will be run through HF's Raptorware system to do the background check. This is standard procedure for anyone who visits the school during school hours. Please email a copy of your driver's license or State ID to rlewis@hf233.org, with the subject "Dad Squad Security Pre-authorization".

The deadline to register is Friday, October 11, 2024. There will be an orientation meeting on Zoom on Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. We can't wait to have our dads join us!

Join HF for our Salute to Service football game on Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. We want you to pack the stands as we recognize all branches of the military during the halftime show. Use this form to RSVP by Monday, September 23. We will also be selling sling bags with ALL proceeds being donated to the Honor Flight Network. All active duty military and veteran participants will be on a Pass Gate list and admitted for free. We can't wait to honor those who've served!

Help us interview our next Superintendent! Nominate yourself or someone you know to serve on a community interview panel for the next HF Community High School Superintendent. Learn more and sign up here. Or click here to submit an interview question.

HF Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley announced his retirement during a faculty meeting this past school year. Effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year, Dr. Wakeley will conclude his education career that spans 34 years, including 20 years as a superintendent, with four of those leading Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233.

Principal Alexander is excited to announce our 1st Quarter school-wide incentive. This will be a way to thank our Vikings for performing well academically, maintaining a low level of tardies, and receiving zero referrals. Previous incentives included a silent-party--stay tuned for the official date and event details of this quarter's incentive!

Our Counseling Department is excited to announce that school and post-secondary counselors will be available to assist students with questions about their post-secondary plans on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during lunch periods throughout September, October, and early November. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to receive personalized guidance on their college applications and future educational or career paths.

All students are encouraged to take advantage of this support by visiting a school or post-secondary counselor during their lunch hour on the following dates (dates for October and November will be shared at the beginning of October):

• Tuesday, September 24-Outside South Cafe
• Wednesday, September 25-Outside North Cafe

We look forward to helping our students plan for their futures!

Juniors, this year's exam is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9. Also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, this exam provides an opportunity for high-scoring students to move on to the next round of the competition for national recognition.

The test will be digital and administered on Chromebooks. More information will be provided to registered students the week of September 23. Participation in the PSAT/NMSQT is optional, and there is no penalty for Juniors who choose not to take the exam. However, all Juniors will take the ACT during school this spring and receive a college-reportable score. To support their success, students will receive ACT preparation as part of their in-class instruction, and additional test prep courses will be offered after school hours later this school year.

To sign up for the PSAT:

1. Log into your HF student Gmail account.

2. Then, follow this link.

3. Complete the survey and click the Submit button by September 1, 2024.

Please contact cbucci@hf233.org if you have any questions.

The Southland Transition Planning Committee is a network of transition professionals from throughout suburban Cook County. Its mission is to support service providers, families and young people with disabilities in navigating the transition from high school to adulthood by:

• Providing ongoing family training to address important transition-related topics.
• Creating opportunities for transition professionals across agencies to network and collaborate.
• Identifying areas of need related to transition throughout the region and filling gaps in services.

You can read its newsletter here:

Safety is a top priority at HF, and this applies to driving safety as well. You can do your part by being courteous during arrival and dismissal time:

• Please do not park in a space or area that obstructs traffic for others.
• Be mindful of your speed and look all ways as cars, buses, students and staff pass through.
• If you're on foot, please use crosswalks and follow traffic signals.

HF families and students are in control of how HF communicates with them. HF uses Parent Square | Student Square to communicate with families and students.

Enjoy a performance by Mariachi Tradicional Juvenil at this free community celebration! Join the Village of Flossmoor on Thursday, September 19 at 6 p.m.

Homewood’s favorite fall time festival features live musical entertainment, artisan craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, children’s crafts, kid-friendly activities, and scrumptious cuisine prepared by local eateries. The event is located on historic tree-lined Martin Avenue from Hickory Road to Ridge Road. Homewood's Chili Cook-Off will return again this year for a fierce competition! Bring on your best chili recipe. There will be a judging panel and people's choice. See you Saturday, September 21 from 12-9 p.m.

Visit the Irwin Community Center (18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood) for a Sickle Cell-Blood Cancer Awareness Month Blood Drive on Wednesday, September 25 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. Appointments are preferred, you can register here.

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