HF FYI

We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this time off and celebrate the hard work you've put in all year long.

School bells ring, are you listening? Happy Winter Break to our Viking Family! Check out this message from Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley and some familiar Viking faces: "Walking in a Viking Wonderland!"

Please note that classes resume on Monday, January 6. District offices will be open during the break from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays with the exception of being closed December 23rd, 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1.

Our Early Childhood Education classes closed out the semester with a holiday party last week for Little Vikings Preschool. It's safe to say they've all been on the nice list--Santa even paid them a visit!

Thank you to the Homewood Public Library for hosting our Semester Exam Cram this week to support our Vikings' finals week. Free Math tutoring was offered each night this week from 8-10 p.m. with volunteers from the National Honor Society (NHS), Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), and Key Club offering their time and expertise; each night, they helped their peers with exam preparation, making the event a success for students in need of extra academic support. We love to see our Vikings supporting each other!

On Tuesday, the Board of Education recognized four Class of 2024 alumni who earned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplomas! Congrats to (front center) Madison Leathers, Evelyn Malvestuto, Kevin Gibek, and Undra Pillows (not pictured as he was completing semester exams at Yale University.)

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) serves nearly 2 million students across 5700 schools in 159 countries. The IB Diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete the program, and is recognized and respected by universities around the world. IB Diploma recipients are widely recognized as well-rounded critical thinkers who possess strong research, writing, and oral communication skills. Go Vikings!

On Tuesday we also held the ribbon cutting for the Culinary and Design Labs in collaboration with the Southland Chamber of Commerce. The new spaces open the door to students earning Industry Credentials and Dual Credit before high school graduation, preparing them to enter the workforce directly after graduation or continue their education at a two- or four-year college.

Big thank you to Culinary teachers Jontil Grubs, LaTasha Scott, Khayla Kelley, Christina Clark and their students for preparing delicious appetizers for the guests and answering questions about the new learning spaces.

Mrs. Davis' African American History classes hosted their 2nd Semi-Annual "Rep Your HBCU Fair" last week. Students assumed the roles of admissions representatives, showcasing multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In preparation for the event, students worked diligently to create historically accurate and engaging presentations and handouts, highlighting the rich history and contributions of HBCUs and the people who've attended them.

This interactive fair provided a unique, real-world learning experience as students shared their knowledge with peers and staff from various classes, fostering a greater appreciation for these institutions and their legacy.

Last week, our Jazz Band students were excited to be joined by Grammy-Winning HF Alum Christopher McBride ('02)! He graciously spent time with our students as they worked on their performance for the Illinois Music Educators Performance next month. Thank you, Christopher, for dedicating your time and talents to our Vikings!

We're excited to share that seven of our Viking music students were selected by audition to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Music Conference from January 29-February 1, 2025 in Peoria, Illinois! Membership in these ensembles and music programs are reserved for the highest-achieving music students in the state. Please join us in congratulating:

Elhanan Jenkins, All-State Honors Chorus, Bass 2

Wesley Schmidt, All-State Honors Chorus, Bass 2

Casey Siengo, All-State Honors Chorus, Alto 2

Marcus McGhee, All-State Chorus, Tenor 1

Benjamin Labno, Music Composition (Arranging), State 1st Place

Kai Brown, Music Composition (Singer-Songwriter), State Honorable Mention

Annie Ford, All-State Future Music Educators Seminar

It’s chilly outside, but the summer heat is just around the corner. You can cool off at HF and sign up for Summer School 2025! Summer School pre-registration is taking place online again this year.

The Course Request Google Form will go live at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Note: Submission of the form alone does not guarantee registration for the course. Once the form is submitted, fees will be put on your student's account. Once payment is received, the student will be registered for the class.

Summer School Semester 1: June 9-27 (June 19 school closed)

Summer School Semester 2: June 30-July 18 (July 4 school closed)

Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-12:50 p.m.

$175/semester

$350/full year

$350/Summer Academy (Freshmen Only)

$47.50/semester

$95.00/full year

Recovery:

English: English 1, English 2, English 3

Math: Integrated Math 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trig

Science: Biology, Chemistry

Enrichment:

Biology Honors (by application)

Chemistry Honors (by application)

US History CP & H

US Government/Politics CP & H

Learn more about Summer School course offerings, registration, and guidelines in our 2025 Summer School Brochure, on our website.

We're halfway through the school year, and that means it's already time to start preparing for next year's classes. Check out this webinar hosted by IB Coordinator Ms. Day and Guidance Department Lead Dr. Olowe for all you need to know about Course Selections for the 2025-26 school year.

Join HF's Varsity Dance Team for their annual Dance Buddies happening during the Varsity Boys' Basketball Halftime Show on Friday, January 17, 2025. Come practice, learn a routine, and enjoy snacks while getting to know the dancers. Buddies will also receive a t-shirt to wear as they perform their routine. See the document below for full details.

Are you ready to step up to the plate and take your softball skills to the next level? Register for our annual Winter Viking Softball Camp! Whether you're a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, or a beginner eager to learn the fundamentals of the game, our camp offers a dynamic and supportive environment for players of all levels.Bring a water bottle, gym shoes, and softball pants are highly encouraged. All participants will earn a camp t-shirt as evidence of their hard work!

For almost five months, five of our Vikings worked as participants of the 2024 Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. Debutante Program. After applying and being selected this past Spring, they began practicing and participating in various workshops all leading up to the Miss Prominent Pearl Cotillion earlier this month at the Belvedere Chateau.

Congrats to these students: Khalis M. Muhammad (Senior), Christopher Tompkins (Senior), Anaya Mootry (Junior), Jenesis J. Harris (Junior), Alison M. Ashton (Junior), and Josilyn Whitney Martin-Richardson (Junior).

Christopher was awarded Distinguished Gentleman, Anaya 1st Runner Up and Khalis crowned Miss Prominent Pearl 2024!

Senior Yearbook Portraits and Premier Sessions are quickly coming. There are limited dates for the premier sessions at HF. Make sure to schedule your appointment today to take advantage of this opportunity at HF instead of traveling to a VIP studio. In order to appear in the yearbook, all seniors must have their photo taken by VIP. Photographs submitted from other studios will NOT be accepted into the yearbook.

The 2025-26 FAFSA is now open to all students! If you have questions about post-secondary planning, email Post-Secondary Counselors Mr. Coy (kcoy@hf233.org) or Mr. Kain (bkain@hf233.org).

From yard signs to cut-outs and more, don't forget to shop our online store with Crossmark to show off your support of the Viking in your life! Shop the store today.

As we headed into Finals Week, Principal Dr. Alexander shared a brief update on this semester's happenings and good news. In case you missed it, check it out here!

Support the Homewood Flossmoor Parents Association as they partner with Buona Beef in Flossmoor (19801 Crawford Ave.) to host a Cook's Night Out Fundraiser, happening today, Thursday, December 19th. 20% of proceeds support the HFPA Scholarship. Stop on by, grab a bite, and make a difference!

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