October Newsletter

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe we are already moving quickly through the school year! October is filled with exciting opportunities for our students and community. On Friday, October 3rd at 4pm, we will host our annual Block Party in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This event is a wonderful chance for our students, families, and staff to come together, honor culture, and enjoy an evening of food, music, and community spirit.

Later this month, our practice ACT exams will take place on October 15th and 16th. These practice assessments are an important step in preparing our students for success, and we encourage everyone to give their best effort.

As a reminder, Quarter 1 will officially close on October 17th. We are proud of the hard work our students have put in so far, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth as we head into Quarter 2.

Thank you for your partnership and support. Together, we will continue making this school year a memorable and successful one for our amazing students

We are excited to announce that after school clubs officially began on Monday, September 29th! Clubs provide students with a chance to explore new interests, develop valuable skills, and connect with classmates in a fun and engaging environment outside the classroom.

Most clubs meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:05 PM – 3:50 PM, with some following their own unique schedules. Students are encouraged to check directly with their club advisor for details.

This year, our Hawks have a wide variety of clubs to choose from, ensuring there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re interested in the arts, STEM, leadership, athletics, or just trying something new, you’ll find a place to belong.

After school clubs are an incredible way to enrich the high school experience, make new friends, and strengthen college applications. We look forward to an exciting year full of creativity, teamwork, and exploration through our after school programs!

This year, in our new school building, we proudly launched a brand-new CYSP program with 25 mentors and 175 students—and we’re still growing! All teachers have formed their groups and begun their meetings.

September 20 – Apple Picking Trip
Mr. Galan kicked off the year by taking his CYSP group on an exciting out-of-town apple picking adventure.

September 23 – Parent Night

We welcomed families to our CYSP Parent Night, where we shared information and program updates.

September 27 – Community Service
Led by Mr. Jo, our students participated in their first community service project by helping clean and organize at our neighboring church. Going forward, we will continue hosting monthly service activities.

Upcoming: Leadership Camp (October 17–19)
Our next big event will be the CYSP Leadership Camp—a weekend dedicated to leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

The hallways are buzzing with excitement as our FIRST Robotics Team, "Hawks on the Horizon 5125," kicks off another year of innovation and competition!

The season began with a series of successful kickoff events. We hosted a well-attended student information meeting, where prospective members learned about the team over slices of pizza. This was quickly followed by a parent information night, where our dedicated mentors shared their vision and plans for the season, fostering a strong community partnership over a shared meal.

We are thrilled to welcome a fantastic group of new members to our ranks! To officially welcome them, we held a team photoshoot and distributed our new team t-shirts, building camaraderie and a sense of shared identity.

The momentum is already building towards competition. Our all-girls sub-team is hard at work preparing for TWIST 2025 (Teaming With International Sisters of Tomorrow), an event that empowers young women in STEM. With a foundation of new energy and returning experience, the Hawks are poised for a phenomenal year of designing, building, and coding.

Stay tuned for more updates as our journey unfolds.

These student leaders will represent our school community, plan events, and ensure that every student’s voice is heard. The Student Council works year-round to organize school traditions like Homecoming, Spirit Weeks, pep rallies, and other student activities, while also sharing ideas from their classmates to help shape the future of HSA McKinley Park High.

Your 2025–2026 Student Council Officers and Representatives:

• Senior President: Gracie Griggs

• Senior Vice President: Mario Delgado

• Junior President: Alyssa Lopez

• Junior Vice President: Lilly Feliciano

• Secretary: Aiden Vasquez

• Treasurer: Cassandra Medrano

• Freshman Class Representative: Juliana Zver

Together, this team is committed to building school spirit, creating fun and memorable events, and making sure the voices of all Hawks are heard.

Volleyball

Led by captains Gracie Griggs and Rebecca Gonzalez, our varsity girls’ volleyball team made school history by winning their first home game in the new gym with a dominating performance against Roycemore earlier this month.

This senior-heavy squad is determined to bounce back from midseason struggles and make a strong push for the Lakeshore Athletic League Conference playoffs. Their teamwork, resilience, and leadership set the tone for an exciting finish to the season.

Soccer

The Hawks boys’ soccer team celebrated Senior Night with a hard-fought 1–1 tie against Horizon/Southwest. At the conclusion of the season, we will proudly honor and say goodbye to our seniors:

Mario Delgado - 19

Looking ahead, the team is eager to make a statement in both the Lakeshore Athletic League playoffs and the upcoming IHSA State Series Tournament. With determination and momentum on their side, the Hawks are ready to compete at the highest level.

Cross Country

The Horizon Hawks cross country team has been making steady strides this fall, competing in the Roycemore Invitational, the Mather XC Invite, and the Latin Prep Classic.

Several of our runners have posted improved times throughout the season, showing perseverance, endurance, and growth with each meet. As the season progresses, the team continues to push themselves to reach new personal bests.

HSA McKinley Park High is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 to October 15. This month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities and is an opportunity for students and staff to come together, learn, and show appreciation for these rich cultural traditions.

The celebrations kicked off with a dress-down day, encouraging students to wear colors and outfits in honor of Hispanic Heritage.

Throughout the month, there will be special events, including an assembly to honor Hispanic Heritage and a block party. Earlier in the month, students enjoyed paletas, and soon, churros will be served as part of the celebrations, along with music and lotería.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an important reminder of the value of diversity and inclusion. By recognizing the contributions and traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities, the school fosters a sense of pride, respect, and learning for everyone.

Transitioning to a charter school was definitely a big change. Being a part of Horizon Science Academy for almost seven years, I have found the biggest support system I could ever imagine having. The staff is always there for me whenever I need them; they encourage my ideas and help me make real changes. The students feel like family; we connect and relate to each other in so many different ways.

Since coming here, I’ve grown so much. I am encouraged to speak up, share my dreams, and pursue my passions. Whether it’s joining clubs or sports, participating in science fairs, or simply having someone to talk to when things get tough, I know I’m never alone.

Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park isn’t just the #1 charter school in Illinois; it is a community where everyone is valued and supported. I am grateful every day for the chance to be a part of something so special, and I look forward to seeing how much more I can accomplish in my final year here!

Ms. Amra Imamovic and Ms. Katie Fortman are excited to support our students this year as your college counselors!

• Ms. Imamovic is in her 10th year at HSA and her 3rd year as a college counselor.

• Ms. Fortman is in her 4th year at HSA and her 2nd year in this role.

This month, our juniors visited the University of Chicago, where they toured the campus and explored the wide range of academic programs and opportunities the university offers. It was an inspiring experience that gave students valuable insight into college life and expectations.

Upcoming Event: Senior Parent Night

• Date: October 8th

• Time: 5:30–7:30 PM

Join us to learn more about the college application process and how to support your senior during this important year.

Contact the Counseling Team

• Ms. Katie Fortman: fortman@hsamckinley.org

• Ms. Amra Imamovic: imamovic@hsamckinley.org

Abraham Claudio, a graduate of the Class of 2025 from Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, and current undergraduate student at the University of Notre Dame.

I am currently majoring in Pre-Med. I am involved in many clubs at Notre Dame, most notably the Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists and MariachiND.

I first started attending HSA McKinley Park at the start of 7th grade from a public school, and have stayed through graduation. In my time, I climbed the ranks of academic and social prowess within the HSA community and received plenty of awards: Robotics, NHS President, Student Council President, Varsity Boys Soccer, Student Ambassadors, etc. However, it was my courage and compassion that truly defined my impact in that place.

As a member of the Alumni Committee, it will be my responsibility to help in organizing events and inspiring future graduates.

We want to remind you about the upcoming in-school ACT and PreACT testing:

• Wednesday, October 15 – Seniors will take the ACT in school. All other students will participate in eLearning.

• Thursday, October 16 – Juniors and Sophomores will take the PreACT, and Freshmen will take the PreACT 8/9, all in school. On this day, Seniors will go on a field trip.

The ACT and PreACT are important tools to measure college readiness, identify academic strengths, and guide future learning. Doing your best on these tests helps set goals for college and career planning.

The HAWKS will celebrate Homecoming 2025 from October 20th through October 24th.

SPIRIT WEEK

Monday: PJ Party

*Please remember that all outfits MUST be in compliance with HSA McKinley Park High DRESS CODE expectations.

HOMECOMING PEP RALLY

Friday, October 24, during 6th and 7th Period.

HOMECOMING DANCE

Friday, October 24, 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm.

• OCTOBER 03 – Picture Day / Familia Block Party (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
• OCTOBER 07 – Art Field Trip
• OCTOBER 08 – College Fair / Senior Parent Night (5:30 PM – 7:00)
• OCTOBER 10 – Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly with Guest Speaker (6th Period)
• OCTOBER 10 – 11 - TWIST 2025 Robotics Competition
• OCTOBER 13 – NO SCHOOL - Indigenous Peoples Day
• OCTOBER 15 – ACT Testing for Seniors. E-Learning 9th-11th
• OCTOBER 16 –PACT Testing / Senior Field Trip
• OCTOBER 17 – 1st Quarter Ends
• OCTOBER 20 – 24 –Homecoming Sprit Week
• OCTOBER 24 – Homecoming Pep Rally (6th & 7th Period) / Homecoming dance (7:00 PM –10:30 PM)
• OCTOBER 29 – Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)