HF FYI

We're kicking off the month with our latest episode of our Profile of a Viking series, featuring Chinese Teacher Ms. Yin Ding. With her classes encompassing students from variety of backgrounds, focusing on Diversity & Inclusion is a top priority for Ms. Ding. "I give value and credit for them to introduce a little bit more about their own cultures," she says. "For my own courses, I provide opportunities for my own students to go to China with me during summer break. I want to make them have the mindset to accept others are different from the main culture here." Check out the feature here.

Our second annual #DadSquad day was a huge success, with over 80 Viking Dads spending the day across the HF Campus. Check out the recap here.

Algenoy Alexander joined the dads for a special presentation over lunch. He spoke about the purpose of our dads not just in their own student's life, but in the community as a whole.

The Flossmoor Police Department and Chief Jerel Jones kept the community-building going by inviting our students for Coffee with a Cop over lunch. Students got the chance to ask questions about a career in public safety, and Chief Jones and other officers spoke about the importance having a good rapport with students and families in the community.

Did you know the official #DadSquad shirt was designed by one of HF's own? Giane Hassell (Class of 2024) stopped by Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander's office to receive a special bag of HF gear in appreciation for her work. Kudos to you, Giane!

"One Stoplight Town" is a story about people from a town so small that you might drive through without taking a second look. But if you stopped for just a moment, you might see a young boy and girl fall in love, a cantankerous grocery store owner coping with change, a daughter returning home while another thinks about leaving, and a handywoman taking it all in while she fixes what is broken. These stories and more are filled with fun characters, lots of humor, plenty of heart and the theme that change comes for us all, whether we are ready or not." -Dramatic Publishing

Tickets are available now on GoFan. The Fall Play is showing:

• Tomorrow, Thursday 11/2 at 7 p.m.
• Friday 11/3 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday 11/4 at 2 p.m.

Directed by Annie Calderón; Technical Direction by Tim Tholl; Costume Direction by Candi-Helsel-Wilk; and Properties Direction by Amie Day.

HF's Thespian Society is partnering with the Village of Flossmoor's Green Commission for a pollinator planting fundraiser. Check out the flyers below for ways to support our thespians and beautify the community. You can also make your donation here.

Student wellness is a main focus at HF, and we're excited to welcome the launch of a new student club: Bring Change 2 Mind! Bring Change 2 Mind will be a place for students to promote and discuss mental health, as well as plan worthwhile mental health awareness events throughout the school year.

The first meeting is happening this Tuesday, November 7 after school at 3:15 p.m. in G5 (South Building). Be sure to bring a friend! Contact Mrs. Cowan jcowan@hf233.org or Mrs. White lwhite@hf233.org with any questions.

HF's National Honor Society students are already getting into the holiday season giving spirit. The Executive Board students along with sponsors Mrs. Tiffany Stewart-Williams and Ms. Michelle Kozik visited the Will County Habitat for Humanity in Joliet to help set up Christmas trees.

Our 1st Quarter Students of the Quarter were celebrated this morning with a breakfast to honor their hard work and accomplishments over the last several weeks.

Pictured here with Principal Alexander, join us in congratulating:

Javiyah Israel

Ian Flores

Reuben Yolo

Tashiya Russell

Briea Levant

Mollie Philbin

(not pictured): Krissyonna Cavin; Izabella Dominguez; Vincent Hicks

Keep up the great work, Vikings!

During Friday's all-staff Institute Day, we recognized our many staff members that are celebrating milestone years of service at HF. From 5-25 years, it was a true testament of the passion for working at a place like HF.

As we make our way through first semester, students were able to nominate a teacher or staff member that has impacted them the most during first quarter. On Friday, we also celebrated our 1st Quarter Teachers of the Quarter, pictured here with Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley: Greg Petecki; Billy Bundy; Deena Cassady; Evan Roberts; Amy Peto; Cara Boss; Ashley Alex; Anthony Barajas; Allison Farkos; (not pictured) Ben May. Thank you for all you do for our students!

Exploring how you're going to pay for college? We're here to help! Join our Post-Secondary Counselors Kevin Coy and Brad Kain for a Virtual Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, November 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. You'll have the chance to hear expert advice from Mary Nucciarone, Financial Aid Director at the University of Notre Dame.

Students can sign up using their SchooLinks account. Once logged in, click on "School Events", click on the event and then "register for this event". Talk with your teacher ahead of time to make sure it's okay to attend that respective period. This is currently open for Juniors and Seniors.

Check out these upcoming college visits:

Monday 11/6

Eastern Illinois University (on-site), 1-2:30pm

Tuesday 11/7

Central College (Pella, IA), Period 4

Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Honest Game have partnered to provide students and families with an easy-to-use College Athletic Pathway software and additional educational resources. We know that accessing scholarships and college athletics requires not only a commitment to athletic training and competition but also a commitment to academic success.

Honest Game’s online platform provides students and families with individualized tracking across FIVE college athletic opportunities, including NCAA DI, DII, DII, NAIA, and Junior College pathways. Learn more and get started by clicking the link below.

What to do with your leftover pumpkins? Don't trash 'em, smash 'em! Sponsored by the Chicago Southland Green Committee, the Village of Flossmoor is hosting a Pumpkin Smash this Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Coyote Run Golf Course (800 Kedzie Avenue in Flossmoor).

The Homewood Arts Council (HAC) is welcoming Susan Voelz as its next guest in their Getting In Tune interview series on Saturday, November 18 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Izaak Walton Preserve (1100 W Ridge Road in Homewood). Voelz is a Chicago-based violinist, songwriter/composer and artist who has toured the world with Poi Dog Pondering as a Rock violin pioneer. Her album "Trust the Waves Will Hold You" was released last year on Pravda Records. Learn more and get your tickets here. *HF students may attend at a discounted price of $5! A parent/guardian should contact haccastaneda60430@gmail.com to have your student added to the Will Call List.

The Homewood Public Library now offers a non-resident punch card for use in The Makery. The Makery houses equipment such as a sewing machine, laminator, VHS-to-DVD converter, 3D printer and more. Non-Homewood residents with a SWAN library card in good standing may purchase a punch card for the following: 5 visits for $25; 10 visits for $40; and 20 visits for $70. Appointments are required. Contact makery@homewoodlibrary.org with your interest.

The November Board of Education meeting has been moved to Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m.

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