H-F FYI - 3.27.23
Week of March 27, 2023
Week of March 27, 2023
TOP STORY: Southland Career & Technical Education Center Approved by ISBE
Last week, the Southland Career & Technical Education Center received approval from the Illinois State Board of Education to move into Phase 3, the final stage of this groundbreaking project. This achievement is the result of tireless effort and collaboration among all involved districts, which — in addition to H-F District 233 — include Rich Township District 227, Matteson School District 162, Bloom Township District 206, Speed S.E.J.A. District 802, Southland College Prep Charter H.S. and Prairie State College. The center will provide a wide range of training areas and opportunities that will benefit our community and will empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workplace. Programs offered will include construction trades, manufacturing trades, aviation, public safety, urban agriculture, logistics and supply chain management, and information technology. The project is being funded through state, federal and private donations. For more information on this project, visit SouthlandCTEC.com.
Prom Tickets on Sale Monday
This year's Prom — An Enchanted Evening — will be held Saturday, May 6, from 8 p.m.-Midnight at Revel Motor Row, located at 2400 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. The evening will include a DJ, dancing, passed hors d'oeuvres, a buffet dinner, refreshments and dessert selections. A complimentary valet service will also be available for students who drive, and all who attend will be able to download a video montage of the evening. Tickets ($175/person) will be on sale for H-F juniors and seniors beginning this Monday (3/27) through April 27 in the South Cafeteria Campus Store. Note: Due to the capacity of the venue, there are a limited number of tickets. Tickets may sell out prior to April 27, so please plan on purchasing your ticket early.
Scholarship Applications Open Monday
For several years, the H-F Foundation has been managing special scholarships exclusively open to H-F students. The Class of 2023 can apply for more than 20 scholarships beginning Monday (3/27) through April 16. All applications are hosted on an online program, Going Merry (click here). In addition to the scholarships listed on Going Merry, the scholarship page of the H-F website lists even more scholarship opportunities that are specific to the South Suburbs and the Chicagoland area. Check it out here...
Questions about scholarships? Contact our Post-Secondary Counselors: Mr. Coy (708-335-5614, kevin.coy@hf233.org) and Mr. Kain (708-335-5615, brad.kain@hf233.org).
Summer Sports Camps — Sign Up Now
What are your summer plans? Perhaps this is your summer to improve at a sport or learn a new one! Registration for H-F's Summer Sports Camps is now open. Choose from 16 different sports — many offered at the youth level — as well as for Grades 9-12. Click here for details or here to register: https://hf.8to18.com/dashboard/catalog
Coming Soon: School Testing Days April 12 & 13
Following Spring Recess (April 3-10), this year's School Testing Days are set for April 12 & 13. Here are the details by grade level:
• GRADES 9 & 10* — Our underclassmen will take the PSAT on Thursday, April 13. This exam consists of tests in Reading, Math and Writing & Language. The Math test has two sections: one that permits a calculator and one that does not. Students must arrive by 8:30 a.m., and they will be dismissed at approximately 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, will be an asynchronous remote day for all of their classes.
• GRADE 11* — Wednesday, April 12, is a big day for our juniors. They will take the official SAT exam, the results of which are accepted by colleges and universities for admission and scholarship consideration. There is no cost for this exam on this day; you may select up to three schools for score submission and indicate them on the day of the exam. Students must arrive by 7:30 a.m., and they will be dismissed at approximately 1:20 p.m. Thursday, April 13, will be an asynchronous remote day for all of their classes.
• GRADE 12** — There is no scheduled test for our seniors, who have already taken the SAT**! On Wednesday, April 12, there are no classes for seniors. This day is a good opportunity for seniors to complete college or scholarship applications (see above), to tour campuses or prepare for post-secondary plans. Thursday, April 13, will be an asynchronous remote learning day for all of their classes.
Students who are testing: Be sure to get a good night's rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and bring a snack, pencils, calculator and your ID to test day. Juniors are encouraged to prepare by using the Assessment Department's Online Test Prep with Khan Academy resource.
Regarding transportation on testing days:
- On April 12, buses will run during the E-Period/1st Period AM routes.
- On April 13, buses will run during the 2nd Period AM routes.
- Click here to view bus routes.
Please contact Ms. Hall at chall@hf233.org, 708-335-5520 with any questions regarding transportation.
*Please note: Students with accommodations may test on one or both test days. Additional information regarding specific accommodations will be sent out via email the week before spring recess.
**Seniors who still need to take the SAT to fulfill the graduation requirement will do so on April 12 with the juniors.
Questions? Please contact Celine Bucci at 708-335-5584, celine.bucci@hf233.org.
March is Women's History Month
It's Women’s History Month, and the H-F Library has come through again with a rich collection of titles — both fiction and non-fiction — for reading, reflecting and exploring the achievements and history of women. Check out the Women’s History Month Book List and more resources & links on this webpage. Also, be sure to follow @HFHS59 on social media all month long as we present more of H-F's Own History Makers: Women's History Month edition!
Walking the Path Features Dillon Head
Click the Vimeo box above to enjoy the next Walking the Path with Wakeley video; this episode features H-F senior and Clemson U. baseball recruit Dillon Head!
5Essentials Survey Closes Friday
More than 50 H-F fathers took part in Monday's inaugural Dad Squad Day, hosted by the HFPA and the school administration. Dads engaged with students during passing periods with fist bumps and encouraging words and learned about high school offerings by touring the campus, stopping into classrooms and talking with teachers and administrators. During lunch, the student vocal group Six of Spades performed two songs, and junior Jazmin Rhodes shared her Second in State Speech Competition oratory performance to a standing ovation from the dads. Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley, D233 Board of Education President Gerald Pauling and Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander shared with the dads the importance of their participation. Plans are in the making for another gathering of the Dad Squad this school year!
Face Cookie Challenge
Wrap It Up Challenge
Grades 9-12 have been competing in the Viking Olympics Minute-To-Win-It Challenges during Compass periods to help their grade become Olympic champions. Preliminary events are being held in the Fieldhouse through April 20. The final event — Trivia — will be held in the North & South Cafeterias on April 25, then the top competitors from each grade level will re-compete on May 4 for the championship!
Students in Mrs. Acebes' AP Spanish 5 classes spent the 3rd quarter researching and presenting on various historical, cultural and economical aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. To celebrate the end of the quarter last Friday, students prepared dishes to share from the country they focused on throughout the quarter.
Special Guests This Week
John Hertel, Class of 2019
Maddie Schmidt, Class of 2013
Naeemah Powell, IL State Police
Thank you to the following guest speakers who recently visited campus and inspired our students:
- John Hertell, Class of 2019 — Mr. Hertell, who is graduating soon from Mississippi State U., spoke to Mr. Banasiak's Forensics classes about his experience working in law enforcement.
- Maddie Schmidt, Class of 2013 — Ms. Schmidt, a musician and young alum, visited with Ms. Mustafah's Creative Writing class, accompanied by Mr. Elfner, Social Science teacher. They talked about creativity, inspiration and the process of writing songs. Their band, Mad Tea, recently released an EP, available at Apple Music and Spotify.
- Naeemah Powell — Ms. Powell, a drug chemist for the Illinois State Police, spoke at Mr. Banasiak's Forensic classes about her special role within law enforcement.
Debate Success at IHSA State
Congratulations to our Debate Team! Last weekend the team competed at the IHSA State Tournament at Illinois State U., and it was an extremely successful two days of competition for our Vikings debaters. In Lincoln Douglas debate, senior Peyton Jackson debated almost undefeated to the finals and finished as the 2nd Place LD debater in the state! Junior Kevin Gibek finished strong as the 3rd Place LD debater in the state, having only lost three ballots all weekend. Our Lincoln Douglas team also finished as the top speakers in the state. Kevin was the 2nd Place speaker, Peyton was 3rd, and senior Diego Rosales finished 12th. Great job, Vikings!
Five VTV Productions in National Competition
VTV's first contest of the year — the Illinois Women's Press Association Contest — saw some big winners! Congratulations to the following Vikings; all 1st Place finishers have advanced to the national competition!
CATEGORY: Radio/Television Interview or Talk Show
CATEGORY: Radio- or Podcast-Prepared Report
CATEGORY: Video News Story
CATEGORY: Video Feature Story
CATEGORY: Video Sports Story
1st Place: Bigger Than Basketball by Nate Locker & Kalel Fargo
Three Theatre Students Named August Wilson Semi-Finalists
Last week six H-F Theatre students — Trey Gerring, Savannah Howard, Calcifer Jenkins, Nia Peterson, Jazmin Rhodes & Steven Rogers — participated in the regional August Wilson New Voices Monologue Competition at the U. of Illinois - Chicago. They competed with more than 250 other students from around Chicagoland. All six Vikings advanced to the semi-finals with only 60 remaining students. H-F had 10% of the semi-finalists! The semi-finalists competed March 20 at DePaul U. We are so proud to announce that three of our students have made the Top 20 finalists! After attending a masterclass on Sunday, Trey, Jazmin & Steven will compete on Monday, March 27, at 6 p.m. in a final showcase performance open to the public at Chicago's Goodman Theatre. Next week's winner will advance to the National Competition. For more info on the competition, please click here. Go, Vikings!
Mock Trial Finishes Season Strong
The H-F Varsity Mock Trial team wrapped up its season with two major competitions. On March 4, the team competed at the Kane County Invitational. Senior Acey Smentek was honored as Most Outstanding Witness! Then on March 18-19, the team competed at the ISBA State Mock Trial Championship at the U. of Illinois - Springfield. Junior Makayla Taylor was honored as Most Outstanding Attorney! Varsity team members this year include Ari Bauer, Alexander Ekstrom, Naomi Fry, Fatima Hernandez, Anthony Mancha, Cameron Massatt, Maya McNeil, Sami Obaidat, Acey Smentek, Donovan Stokes & Makayla Taylor. The team was coached by Social Science teachers — Ms. Day, Ms. Youssef & Mr. Doyle — as well as attorney and H-F alumna, Colleen Gorman.
Student Heads to Disney Dreamers Academy
Congratulations to sophomore Nyla Bishop, who was selected as one of 100 high school students in the country to participate in the 2023 Disney Dreamers Academy this weekend in Orlando! Her trip includes educational sessions, guest speakers and hands-on learning opportunities throughout Disney World. For more information on the program, please click here.
D233 Board of Education Vice President Honored by Crain's Chicago Business
Congratulations to D233 Board of Education Vice President and Class of 1984 alumna Debbie Berman for recently being named to the 2023 Crain's Chicago Business Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys list! She is the co-chair of Jenner & Block's business litigation and trade secrets and restrictive covenants practices. She also first-chairs matters for multi-national companies, and she co-chair's her firm's pro bono committee, which is in year three of a five-year commitment to provide $250 million in free legal services.
Junior Named All-State in Scholastic Bowl
Fine Arts Accomplishments in Brief
- Congratulations to the Viking Jazz Band and Director Mrs. Whitlock for finishing in 2nd Place at the Chicago Area Jazz Festival last weekend in Tinley Park! The Viking Jazz Ensemble also finished in 5th Place.
- Congratulations to the following H-F Group Interpretation performers who were named to the All-Sectional Cast this year: Valaycia Muhammad, Laila Dyer, Emma Steiner, Charisma Boler & Kendall Laven!
Student-Athletes of the Week
Sullivan Matthys
Rebecca Urbaniak
In the Culinary Classroom
This week our Advanced Culinary students tried out a New Orleans' staple. Recipe is below for you to try it at home:
Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya
Vegetable oil — 2 Tbsp.
Andouille sausage, sliced — 1/2 lb.
Celery, sliced — 1/2 cup
Onion, chopped — 1 small
Red or green pepper, chopped — 1 small
Garlic clove, minced — 1
Chicken broth — 1 3/4 cups
Roma tomato, chopped — 1
Bay leaf — 1
Oregano, dried — 1/4 tsp.
Thyme, dried — 1/4 tsp.
Allspice, ground — 1/8 tsp.
Rice, uncooked — 3/4 cup
Shimp, peeled, deveined — 1/2 lb.
Tabasco sauce — 2 dashes
- Heat oil in large, heavy stockpot or skillet with lid over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage, vegetables and garlic. Cook for 5 min. or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently.
- Stir in broth, tomatoes, bay leaf, spices and Tabasco sauce. Bring to boil, reduce heat, then simmer uncovered for 10 min., stirring occasionally.
- Stir in rice; cover and simmer for 15 min.
- Add shrimp; cover and simmer 5 min. or until rice is tender and shrimp turn pink.
- Let stand covered for 10 min. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Please note: Only home athletic games & playoff games are shown below. For complete athletic schedules, please click here...
Saturday, March 25
9 a.m. — Boys' Volleyball (V) Invitational @ Fieldhouse
10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Enter Door 12)
11 a.m.
- Baseball (F & V) vs. Brother Rice @ Freshman & Varsity Fields
- Boys' Lacrosse (V) vs. Kenwood Academy @ North Field
Sunday, March 26
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Monday, March 27 — Periods 1-7
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Tutoring @ South G18 (Math), South B23 (Science) & H-F Library (Writing)
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Math, Physics & Writing)
4:30 p.m.
- Baseball (V) vs. Kankakee @ Varsity Field
- Softball (V) vs. Plainfield Central @ Varsity Field
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Tuesday, March 28 — Block 1 Day (Periods 1, 2, 3, 5 & 4)
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Tutoring @ South G18 (Math), South B23 (Science) & H-F Library (Writing)
11:09-11:45 a.m. — Viking Compass Olympics Minute-to-Win-It @ Fieldhouse
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Math, Physics & Writing), @ North 223 (Spanish) & North 205 (Chinese)
4:30 p.m.
- Badminton (JV & V) vs. Stagg @ Fieldhouse
- Boys' Tennis (JV) vs. L-W Central @ North Courts
- Baseball (V) vs. Shepard @ Varsity Field
5 p.m. — Boys' Water Polo (V & JV) vs. L-W Central @ Natatorium
7 p.m. — Spring Jazz Concert, featuring Jazz Ensemble & Viking Jazz Ensemble @ Performing Arts Center
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Wednesday, March 29 — Late-Start / Block 2 Day (Periods 7, 6, 5 & 4)
7:30 a.m. — Students of the 3rd Quarter Breakfast @ Viking Room
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (English, Math, Biology & Writing) & North 226 (French)
4:30 p.m. — Softball (JV) vs. Richards @ Varsity Field
5 p.m. — Home Opener! Girls' Soccer (JV2) vs. Eisenhower @ JV Field
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Thursday, March 30 — Block 3 Day (Periods 1, 2, 3, 6 & 7)
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Tutoring @ South G18 (Math), South B23 (Science) & H-F Library (Writing)
11:09-11:45 a.m. — Viking Compass Olympics Minute-to-Win-It @ Fieldhouse
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Math, Chemistry & Writing)
4:30 p.m.
- Badminton (F) vs. Andrew @ Fieldhouse
- Softball (F) vs. Oak Forest @ Varsity Field
- Baseball (F) vs. Andrew @ Varsity Field
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Friday, March 31 — Periods 1-7
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Tutoring @ South G18 (Math), South B23 (Science) & H-F Library (Writing)
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Writing)
4:30 p.m. — Baseball (JV) vs. Andrew @ Varsity Field
COVID Reporting Form
Please remember to stay at home if you are not feeling well, especially if you are having COVID-19 symptoms or suspect you have COVID-19. Only if your student is COVID-19 positive, parents/guardians, please complete the District 233 COVID-19 Reporting Form (click here) for the Nurse's Office.
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HFHS Dads Show Their Paternal Love At Inaugural 'Dad Squad' Day | Homewood, IL Patch
Algebra and geometry get new emphasis in H-F curriculum - HF Chronicle
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