HF FYI

Last week, the University of Illinois Systems kicked off its statewide Leadership Tour by talking with HF students about their hopes and challenges for attending college, as well as potential partnerships with HF. Season 3 Episode 2 of Walking the Path features University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen and Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones joining HF Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley. Watch the episode here.

Homecoming 2024 is here! We have a packed week of fun events to celebrate our Viking school spirit. Please note that Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be Block Days (Block 1, Block 2/Late-Start, Block 3) and Thursday and Friday will be Viking Days. The Homecoming Pep Assembly will be on Thursday, September 19 with Friday, September 20 as the weather-related alternative date.

Get into the school spirit and mark your calendars for each day's theme next week. We can't wait to see your style and ideas!

Powder Puff pits the Junior girls against the Senior girls in a game of football for all the bragging rights. Come watch the action as the Seniors try to defend their Homecoming crown against a Junior team that wants nothing more than to break tradition! Tickets are available at GoFan.

Homecoming Hoopla has become the must-see event during Homecoming! The Senior class goes up against the faculty in a game of basketball to see which team rules the school! The Seniors have never beaten the teachers, and they're hoping to change that story this year! Tickets are available at GoFan.

Friday Night Lights are back with the Homecoming Game versus Neuqua Valley at 7 p.m. Let's pack the stands as our Vikings chase victory!

This year's Homecoming Dance, Light Up the Night, is happening Saturday, September 21 in the North Gym. As you get prepared to dance the night away, be sure to check out these FAQs so you can have the best time.

Join the Homewood-Flossmoor Parents Association (HFPA) for its general meeting, happening tonight, September 12 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The HFPA is a group of volunteer parents dedicated to enriching communications with families, staff, administration and community for the overall success of our student body. We hope to see you there! Join the Zoom here.

Dad Squad is just a few weeks away, happening on Monday, October 28, 2024. Any father or legal guardian of a current HF student may register to volunteer to join a rotation of shifts during the day of the event. Participants can volunteer for one of the following shifts, depending on their availability:

• Half-day AM (7-11:30 a.m.)
• Half-day PM (11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
• Full Day (7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

Each volunteer will need to submit a valid state ID or driver's license, which will be run through HF's Raptorware system to do the background check. This is standard procedure for anyone who visits the school during school hours. Please email a copy of your driver's license or State ID to rlewis@hf233.org, with the subject "Dad Squad Security Pre-authorization".

The deadline to register is Friday, October 11, 2024. There will be an orientation meeting on Zoom on Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. We can't wait to have our dads join us!

Join HF for our Salute to Service football game on Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. We want you to pack the stands as we recognize all branches of the military during the halftime show. Use this form to RSVP by Monday, September 23.

We will also be selling sling bags with ALL proceeds being donated to the Honor Flight Network.

All active duty military and veteran participants will be on a Pass Gate list and admitted for free. We can't wait to honor those who've served!

Viking Football held the title for the Southtown Star in their win Saturday against Marian Catholic. Our boys brought home the trophy after a 35-0 sweep!

Makayla Shulman not only marched with the Viking Band for Saturday's Hidden Gem, but immediately after placed 2nd in the freshman race at the Mike Kuharic Invite!

Our freshmen and sophomore girls swam their way to victory at the Fenwick Relays Invite last weekend!

Last week, we welcomed 2006 Alum and Founder & CEO of Everyday Dose Jack (Savage) Klauber back to Viking Country! Jack shared his journey of resiliency with our Vikings, and encouraged them to find their passion, whatever that may be. He also made a $5,000 donation to support our Vikings' endeavors!

Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 5, Jack spent much of his childhood on various medications, ultimately taking Adderall daily. At 25, faced with high blood pressure, he made the decision to quit Adderall. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a journey that would lead him to found Everyday Dose, a pioneering company focused on making everyday products healthier, starting with coffee. Everyday Dose currently has 200,000 customers nation-wide and is on track to clear $300 million in sales this year! Thank you Jack for inspiring our students to press on no matter what challenges they face. Once a Viking, Always a Viking!

Did you know Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley is an alum of Governors State University? With two doctorate degrees from the school, GSU sat down with Dr. Wakeley as he shared his extensive leadership experience, spanning over two decades in education, and influences that motivate his passion for his students. Watch here.

Help us interview our next Superintendent! Nominate yourself or someone you know to serve on a community interview panel for the next HF Community High School Superintendent. Learn more and sign up here. Or click here to submit an interview question.

HF Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley announced his retirement during a faculty meeting this past school year. Effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year, Dr. Wakeley will conclude his education career that spans 34 years, including 20 years as a superintendent, with four of those leading Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233.

Follow our Little Vikings Preschool on their new Instagram so you can keep up with the learning and fun of our little ones: Instagram @littlevikings25

Little Vikings Preschool is a laboratory preschool where students earn their ECE Level 1 Credential which is recognized by licensed childcare facilities throughout Illinois. The preschool focuses on preparing the Little Vikings for school through hands on experiences, individual lessons, and group activities. To learn more contact Dr. Kim Peterz at kimberly.peterz@hf233.org or littlevikings@hf233.org.

Show your Viking school spirit and get the chance to win some awesome prizes! Last year, the Red & White Spirit Days initiative was introduced to increase engagement and school spirit among both students and staff!

Here's how you can win:

• Must be wearing red and white gear if and when your name is called
• Minimal red and white will not count (i.e shoes, headband etc.)
• Students/ Staff can only WIN once. However, if your name is called and you are not able to collect your prize, you will be able to win again.

The names of students and staff will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win, weekly. Winners will be announced by Dr. Alexander during the Friday morning announcements. Prizes should be picked up from the Principal's office no later than the following school day. Go Vikings!

Principal Alexander is excited to announce our 1st Quarter school-wide incentive. This will be a way to thank our Vikings for performing well academically, maintaining a low level of tardies, and receiving zero referrals. Previous incentives included a silent-party--stay tuned for the official date and event details of this quarter's incentive!

Our Counseling Department is excited to announce that school and post-secondary counselors will be available to assist students with questions about their post-secondary plans on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during lunch periods throughout September, October, and early November. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to receive personalized guidance on their college applications and future educational or career paths.

All students are encouraged to take advantage of this support by visiting a school or post-secondary counselor during their lunch hour on the following dates (dates for October and November will be shared at the beginning of October):

• Tuesday, September 24-Outside South Cafe
• Wednesday, September 25-Outside North Cafe

We look forward to helping our students plan for their futures!

Juniors, this year's exam is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9. Also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, this exam provides an opportunity for high-scoring students to move on to the next round of the competition for national recognition.

The test will be digital and administered on Chromebooks. More information will be provided to registered students the week of September 23. Participation in the PSAT/NMSQT is optional, and there is no penalty for Juniors who choose not to take the exam. However, all Juniors will take the ACT during school this spring and receive a college-reportable score. To support their success, students will receive ACT preparation as part of their in-class instruction, and additional test prep courses will be offered after school hours later this school year.

To sign up for the PSAT:

1. Log into your HF student Gmail account.

2. Then, follow this link.

3. Complete the survey and click the Submit button by September 1, 2024.

Please contact cbucci@hf233.org if you have any questions.

The Southland Transition Planning Committee is a network of transition professionals from throughout suburban Cook County. Its mission is to support service providers, families and young people with disabilities in navigating the transition from high school to adulthood by:

• Providing ongoing family training to address important transition-related topics.
• Creating opportunities for transition professionals across agencies to network and collaborate.
• Identifying areas of need related to transition throughout the region and filling gaps in services.

You can read its newsletter here:

Safety is a top priority at HF, and this applies to driving safety as well. You can do your part by being courteous during arrival and dismissal time:

• Please do not park in a space or area that obstructs traffic for others.
• Be mindful of your speed and look all ways as cars, buses, students and staff pass through.
• If you're on foot, please use crosswalks and follow traffic signals.

HF families and students are in control of how HF communicates with them. HF uses Parent Square | Student Square to communicate with families and students.

Enjoy a performance by Mariachi Tradicional Juvenil at this free community celebration! Join the Village of Flossmoor on Thursday, September 19 at 6 p.m.

Homewood’s favorite fall time festival features live musical entertainment, artisan craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, children’s crafts, kid-friendly activities, and scrumptious cuisine prepared by local eateries. The event is located on historic tree-lined Martin Avenue from Hickory Road to Ridge Road. Homewood's Chili Cook-Off will return again this year for a fierce competition! Bring on your best chili recipe. There will be a judging panel and people's choice. See you Saturday, September 21 from 12-9 p.m.

Visit the Irwin Community Center (18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood) for a Sickle Cell-Blood Cancer Awareness Month Blood Drive on Wednesday, September 25 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. Appointments are preferred, you can register here.

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