Hawk News 9/26/2025

I found myself wondering the other day, why does October feel so stressful for students? So, like anyone in 2025, I Googled it. The answer confirmed what I suspected:

“October is often a stressful time for high school students due to the mounting pressure of college applications, a heavy workload from demanding courses, the need to balance academics with extracurriculars and social life, and the overall difficulty of returning to a structured school routine after the summer. The combination of academic and personal responsibilities, coupled with the transition from a less structured summer to a busy school year, can make this month feel particularly overwhelming.” (Google, 2025)

So, what can we do to ease some of this stress?

• Talk with your kids about their workload.

• Help them carve out distraction free time for schoolwork.

• Set goals and create a timeline so you can stay on track and meet your deadlines.

• Encourage healthy habits, consistent sleep, good nutrition, and staying organized.

The truth is, October often brings some choppy waters. But if we work together, students, families, and staff, we can navigate it successfully. And then, we’ll all be ready to celebrate when Halloween rolls around.

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Art Teacher Ariana Zaia submitted a piece by Class of 2025 student Seoyoon Jeong and it won the School Specialty Art Contest for September. Ms. Zaia received $250 for art supplies. Congratulations!

On Thursday, September 18, we shifted to full implementation of the district's student personal device guidelines. Students caught with a personal electronic device will have it confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian.

https://www.anonymousalerts.com/pfisd/

Student IDs must be worn and be visible.

The details of the PfISD policy can be found here.

Pep Rally Big Gym 9am

Varsity Football vs. WHS 7 pm Pfield

Tennis vs. CHS

Volleyball vs. CHS (Parent Night)

Saturday School 9am -12pm

Band at BOA San Marcos

😊

😄

StuCo Meeting Library 10:30 am

Tennis at Eastview

Volleyball at Eastview

Blood Drive Library

JV Football vs. College Station (freshman away)

Volleyball at Elgin

Varsity Football at College Station

Willie's Grill & Icehouse has donated $20 gift cards that will be given out to the Hawk Staff of the Week! Thanks for being an awesome neighbor.

Ms. Mathur is a exceptional teacher who takes care of business every day. A true legend of Hendrickson High School.

Dear Senior Parents and Guardians,

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is officially open for the Class of 2026! Completing the FAFSA is the most important step in securing financial aid for college, trade school, or career training programs.

This application determines eligibility for:

• Federal grants (money you don’t repay)

• Work-study opportunities

• Low-interest federal student loans

• Many state and college-specific scholarships

How the FAFSA Works This Year:

1. The student begins the FAFSA with their own username and password.

2. The student will then invite one parent/guardian (called a “contributor”) to log in with their own username and password.

3. That parent completes their section, and then the FAFSA is submitted.

Important: Only one parent needs to fill out the FAFSA. Which parent is used depends on the family situation:

• Married parents (to each other): Both parents’ information is included, but only one parent logs in as the contributor.

• Divorced/separated parents: Use the parent the student lived with most in the past 12 months (or who provided more financial support).

  • If that parent is remarried, the stepparent’s info must be included too.

• Single, never married parent: Only that parent’s info is needed.

Why act quickly?

• Some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Many colleges require the FAFSA on file before awarding scholarships.

• Even if you don’t think you qualify, it’s still worth completing.

• You’ll need your 2024 tax information to complete the form.

Click here to begin!

Texas College Week – ApplyTexas Opportunity
During the new Free Texas College Week (October 13–19, 2025), students can submit applications to Texas colleges using ApplyTexas www.applytexas.org at no cost. This is a great chance to explore college options and submit applications if you haven’t yet.

Recommendation: If financially possible, we highly encourage students to complete their college applications earlier through Common App www.commonapp.org. Applying early can give you more time to explore scholarships, financial aid, and ensure everything is submitted on time.

*Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch can receive a waiver for college application fees, so they don’t need to wait for Free Texas College Week to apply.

Sign Up Link: https://sfnd.io/3pxw8

https://www.successfund.com/z2wxk

Student can bring one non HHS guest, forms will be available in the front office on 10/1

The yearbook order site is open. To order a yearbook, go here. Books are at the lowest price they will be all year.

Senior parents interested in tribute ads, those are also already available for purchase. You can purchase now and turn in the photos and message later--just type will submit later in the text spots.

Students must provide completed permit agreement, valid drivers’ license, proof of insurance, and $25 annual fee (paid by cash or check). Permit should be affixed on the front windshield, inside lower right-hand corner and must be in original, purchased condition. Students may park only in the general student parking lots (A, B & C) located on the southwest part of the property as well as the lots located near the athletic Fieldhouse and tennis courts. Students are strictly prohibited from parking in Faculty Parking areas and will be ticketed and/or immobilized (booted). Citations for not having a permit are $25 and parking in non-student areas are $15. Also seniors who have bought parking spots have exclusive rights to the space during school hours.

Email: Michael.Grebb@pfisd.net

Instagram: hendricksonhighschool