Raider Times

As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to remember the lives lost and the many individuals, families, and communities forever changed by that day. While a generation has now grown up without experiencing September 11 firsthand, its impact continues to shape our country and remind us of the importance of courage, compassion, service, and coming together in times of adversity. We honor those we lost, those who served, and the enduring strength of the communities that carried us forward.

We are sharing an update regarding the recent change to the display of GPA information in the PowerSchool mobile app.

As you may have noticed, we temporarily disabled the GPA display on the app dashboard. While all GPA information remained available through the desktop version of PowerSchool, we recognize that the change created questions and confusion, and we apologize for not communicating the change to families and students in advance.

PowerSchool provides several GPA calculations:

• Cumulative Weighted GPA – This is the cumulative GPA based on all completed coursework and includes weighting for honors, Advanced Placement, and other advanced courses. This is the GPA most commonly referenced on transcripts and for college applications.

• Cumulative Simple GPA – This is the cumulative GPA based on all completed coursework without additional weighting for advanced courses.

• Current Weighted GPA – This GPA calculates current courses only and updates continuously as grades are entered. Because it can fluctuate frequently, it does not provide a complete picture of a student’s overall academic performance, though it does include weighting for advanced coursework.

The PowerSchool app was previously displaying the Current Weighted GPA, which changes frequently throughout a semester. We found that this led to confusion and, for some students, unnecessary stress related to the continually changing number. As we worked through this concern, we disabled this GPA display in the app.

Moving forward, the Cumulative Weighted GPA will be displayed on the PowerSchool app dashboard. This provides the most comprehensive representation of a student’s completed academic record.

All GPA calculations will continue to be available through the desktop version of PowerSchool while we look further into how students and families have used the Current Weighted GPA and the need it fulfills. We will use this information to identify how we can support this need moving forward.

Important Clarification: National Honor Society

We also want to clarify important information regarding GPA and National Honor Society (NHS) eligibility.

Maintaining membership in NHS is based on a student’s Cumulative Weighted GPA at the end of each semester. There has been some confusion with students thinking the Current Weighted GPA determines if they continue in the National Honor Society.

We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure that students and families have clear, accurate information about academic progress and GPA reporting.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Huntley High School.

Danyce, Shaina and Justin

Homecoming is just one month away, and Student Council wants to make sure students have the HOCO Dance marked on their calendars!

• The dance will be on Saturday, September 26th from 6:00–9:00 PM in the HHS East Gym.
• Want to bring a guest? HHS students may bring a guest who is under 20 years old.
• Tickets will go on sale Monday, September 14th at 6am. Details on how to purchase tickets will be emailed to students and families shortly.
• Be on the lookout for more information about Homecoming Week events, activities, dates, and times coming your way soon!
• Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate HOCO!

Monday, September 14 - Regular schedule

Tuesday, September 15 - Regular Schedule

Wednesday, September 16 - Late Start Schedule

Thursday, September 17 - Regular Schedule

Friday, September 18 - Regular Schedule

This year, we are adding HHS staff nominees to Breakfast of Champions. Breakfast of Champions is a monthly celebration where we recognize students, and now staff members, who exemplify what it means to be a Red Raider. At these celebrations, we invite the nominee, the recipient, and their family to come enjoy breakfast and be recognized.

The criteria for the staff recognition this year are centered on the big and little things staff members do to support students every day. Going the extra mile doesn't always mean doing something huge. It means noticing what a student needs and being willing to do a little more than what is required to help them feel supported, capable, and connected.

If you have a staff member you’d like to recognize, please fill out THIS FORM. If your nominee is selected, you will be notified. Then you and your family will be invited to breakfast, where you will present the award. Please know that when you nominate a staff member, you will need to be present for the celebration.

Please note: You will be photographed and recorded with your honored staff member.

Thank you for taking the time to recognize the amazing things our staff members do for students, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you!

Last Thursday, Sofia Bondi, Senior, was recognized by the School Board for representing the characteristics of a Portrait of a Learner. Sofia is working toward the impressive achievement of graduating high school with both her diploma and an associate's degree from McHenry County College. She was chosen by Huntley High School staff to represent HHS in the 2026 Leadership of Greater McHenry County Youth program. Sofia excels in earning top grades, but it's her interpersonal skills that truly set her apart. She builds strong relationships with fellow students, teachers, and administrators alike. Balancing her rigorous coursework and extracurricular commitments, she embodies the spirit of a well-rounded scholar, inspiring those around her with her determination and poise. Congratulations Sofia!!

While we diligently work to prepare our students for the ACT this spring, we find value in offering them the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test).

What is the PSAT/NMSQT?

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test designed to assess college readiness and provide valuable practice for the SAT. It also serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which recognizes academically talented students.

Why is the PSAT/NMSQT Important?

1. Practice for the SAT: The PSAT/NMSQT provides an early opportunity for students to practice for the SAT, helping them become familiar with the format and types of questions they will encounter if they take the SAT in the future.

2. College and Career Readiness: The test helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, which can guide students in their academic and career planning.

3. National Merit Scholarship Program: High-scoring students on the PSAT/NMSQT may become eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can offer significant scholarship opportunities.

When will the PSAT/NMSQT be offered?

We will offer the PSAT/NMSQT to any interested junior Huntley High School student on Saturday, October 17, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The cost will be $25.

THIS IS NOT A STATE OR SCHOOL MANDATED TEST.

If you would like to register to take the PSAT/NMSQT, you may sign up by completing this form. Registration will close on September 25, 2026. Once registration is closed, we will reach out regarding payment options and all testing details.

Attention Raider Nation! Students get into all home athletic events FREE with their current student ID! Please use the Student Entrance and have your ID ready. No student ID? Admission is $4 and you must enter through the Main Gate. Come out, support our Raiders, and let’s pack the stands!

They can visit our Test Make Up room in W2004 during school or after school until 3:30pm.

Be sure to have them scan the QR code provided to sign up and secure their spot. Space is limited each day.

To help ensure a safe and efficient arrival process each morning, we ask that all families follow the designated morning student drop-off procedures at Huntley High School:

• All parents/guardians dropping off students should enter the HHS campus using the main access from Harmony Road.

• Follow the posted signs and traffic pattern around the west and south sides of the high school to the designated student drop-off area near the south side of the Field House.

• Students should exit the vehicle in the designated drop-off area and proceed to the sidewalk before entering the building through the Field House doors or as directed by staff.

• For the safety of our students and to maintain an efficient traffic flow, parents/guardians should not drop students off at Door 1 during the morning arrival period unless prior accommodations have been made with HHS administration.

• After dropping off your student, follow the designated traffic pattern to exit the campus. Please use caution as you will be traveling near student parking areas and pedestrian traffic.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us make morning arrival at Huntley High School safe and efficient for all students, families, and staff.

What is Hope Squad?

Hope Squad is a group of student-led peers whose mission is to create a school culture of care, support, and friendship. Hope Squad members are trained to act as "listeners" and "helpers" for classmates who are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, and are a critical link to adult resources in our school and community. It is not a popularity contest—it is about finding people in our school who are genuinely trustworthy, approachable, and want to help others.

How to Nominate Your Peer

We are looking for students who embody qualities like kindness, inclusion, trustworthy, and compassion. If you know someone who makes our school a better place just by being in it, please nominate them!

Check your student email for a nomination link!

Please join HHS’s National Honor Society and Student Council for our second annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive to benefit Grafton Food Pantry. In true Huntley 158 fashion, help us stuff the bus with non-perishable food items and personal products needed by our community’s food pantry. All items should be new, unopened, and not expired. Collections can be dropped off at HHS from 9/14-9/26.

All items benefit local families.

Collection Dates:

• 9/20: Powder Puff @ HHS
• 9/23: Powder Puff @ HHS
• 9/26: Football Game @ HHS
• Drop at Door #1 @ HHS

Contact NHS@District158.org with any questions

VISIT PERU (Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and more)! Virtual Info Meeting on 9/16 to learn more. RSVP: https://bit.ly/3StoxC0

Topic: School Anxiety, Avoidance & Refusal: Symptoms and Interventions

When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 6PM - 7PM

Presenter: Jacqueline Rhew, LCPC

Open to all Huntley 158 families

Join via Google Meet

September is Attendance Awareness Month and Huntley 158’s motto is “Your Presence is Your Power.” Every day a student is in school is an opportunity for them to build relationships, learn and access support.

The district is kicking off its first virtual Family Learning Series this year with a presentation by Jacqueline Rhew, a licensed clinical professional counselor, who specializes in school refusal and anxiety in children. The virtual event is free and open to all Huntley 158 families.

Rhew’s presentation will provide parents and caregivers with practical strategies to support their child who may be struggling with school anxiety, avoidance, and school refusal.

She will explore factors that contribute to school avoidance and help parents learn how to recognize early warning signs and unhelpful coping patterns, and better understand how anxiety and avoidance can reinforce one another.

In addition, Rhew will outline specific interventions to help children manage anxiety, increase motivation, set realistic goals, and gradually re-engage in school. Parents will also learn strategies for responding to anxiety without unintentionally reinforcing avoidance, promoting healthy coping and problem-solving, and using communication that builds self-advocacy, confidence, and independence.

The Thriving Parent Support Group is a parent-led support group for Huntley District 158 parents/guardians of students with IEPs. The goal is simple: to help parents build connections with one another so they can strengthen the supports that are vital for their child’s success.

Families are invited to connect, share experiences, and support one another through casual conversations, roundtable discussions, and occasional learning opportunities. Parents of IEP learners of all ages are welcome, and attendance is flexible—come when you can. Please share with other parents that may benefit!

​When: Thursday October 1, 2026

​Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm

​Where: Morkes Chocolate, 11801 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142

If you’d like to stay informed about future meetings, please take a moment to complete this form

Grab a blanket and get comfy for Huntley 158’s first sensory-friendly movie night! Join us on Tuesday, October 13, at Heineman Middle School for a fun and inclusive evening open to all ages.

The featured movie, Out of My Mind (rated PG), is an inspiring story about a young girl with cerebral palsy who finds her voice and challenges others to see what she is capable of. With powerful themes of friendship, inclusion and perseverance, it’s the perfect film to bring our community together.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:15 p.m. Come dressed for comfort and bring a blanket for floor seating; an accessible seating area will also be available. We’ll provide snacks and water, or feel free to bring your own. Stop by our “selfie station” and enter for a chance to win a prize!

The evening will wrap up at approximately 8 p.m. Students under age 13 must attend with a parent or guardian.

Questions? Contact Ina Hall, Huntley 158 Family Engagement Liaison, at ihall@district158.org.

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