HF FYI
November 7, 2024

Welcoming Our New Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Norrell!
The Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233 Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Norrell as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2025. This announcement follows a comprehensive and inclusive community engagement process that involved input from a wide array of district stakeholders, including students, families, staff, and community members.
The district’s search process, facilitated by The Alma Group, was guided by a commitment to transparency and collaboration. Through surveys, community forums, and interview panels, the Board of Education ensured that voices from all corners of the district were heard. The process was designed to identify a leader who embodies the values and aspirations of Homewood-Flossmoor and is committed to the success of all students.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Norrell to the district,” said Gerald Pauling, President of the Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233 Board of Education. “She demonstrated throughout our search process, that she understands the opportunities, challenges and needs of our community, and she has the skills and vision to lead us into the future.”
Dr. Norrell has served as superintendent since 2018 for East Aurora School District 131. Dr. Norrell is the leader of the 12th largest school district in Illinois overseeing a $300M annual budget and roughly 2,000 employees and in 2022 was named Superintendent of the Year for the Kishwaukee Illinois region. Serving as the first female superintendent in 180 years in the State of Illinois’ oldest school district and the first African American female superintendent in Kane County, she leads the Pre-K– 12th grade district with equity-focused leadership and proudly implements the only districtwide dual language program in Illinois.
Stay tuned for a new episode of Walking the Path, where current Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakely speaks with Dr. Norrell about her new leadership role at HF.
Celebrating Our 1st Quarter Students of the Quarter!
Yesterday, we celebrated our 1st Quarter Students of the Quarter with a special breakfast. These students' teachers took the time to share how they each exemplify the Profile of a Viking: More than just excelling in academics, they're simply great kids to know!
Congrats to: Carlos Flores; Xavier Feliciano; Brandon Courts; Sommer Owens; Elisha Kline; Ahmad Powell; Kameron Bent; Elhanon Jenkins; and Kamarion Mason!
Say Hello to Your October Students of the Month!
We kicked off November by celebrating our October Students of the Month! Congrats to them for being examples of our Profile of a Viking to our school community.
Michael Williams ; Alaya Carnes; Yanieta Irvine; Theo Anderson; Journey Franklin; Trey Martin; Xavier Wright; and Ryan Houston (not pictured).
Unified Soccer Scores at State!
Special thank you to the Flossmoor Fire Department for giving our champs a warm welcome back to campus!
Wear Blue for World Diabetes Day on Thursday, 11/14
November 14th is World Diabetes Day! Join HF in showing your support by wearing BLUE! Also, consider signing up for our sugar-free challenge or donating toward diabetes research and advocacy. See the below flyers for more information! Thank you in advance for supporting so many staff and students.
Join 2023 Alum Dillon Head for Our Inaugural Clinic
Sportsmanship - Sport a Winning Attitude!
Good sportsmanship is the attitude and behavior that exemplifies positive support for the
interscholastic athletic programs of Homewood-Flossmoor High School as well as the
individuals who participate. Rooted in the Profile of a Viking competencies that we expect for all
Vikings - students, staff, families and spectators alike - people involved in all facets of the
interscholastic athletic programs are expected to demonstrate respect for others and display good
sportsmanship. It is essential that student-athletes, coaches, parents, student groups and fans in
general are constantly reminded to “Sport a Winning Attitude”!
Sportsmanship is an important issue of concern in interscholastic athletics. Positive experiences
do not occur by chance, rather they are a result of the educational structure, the right perspective,
the right leadership and the true understanding of sportsmanship. Good sportsmanship is not
merely a campaign — it is the essence of what educational athletics is about. Let all of us who
have the opportunity, promote the ideals of sportsmanship so that today’s students and
tomorrow’s citizens may build a better society. The administration, staff, and coaches trust that
you will do your part in promoting good sportsmanship within our school and community.
Remember, Sportsmanship is EVERYONE’s responsibility!
Behavior expectations of the spectator
- Interscholastic athletics are learning experiences for students and mistakes are sometimes made. Praise student athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people as you would praise a student working in the classroom.
- Demonstrate positive fan support for the players, coaches, and other spectators.
- Refrain from making any kind of derogatory remarks to players or coaches during the game.
- Respect the integrity of game officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote the student-athlete and admire their willingness to participate in full view of the public.
- Be a positive behavior role model through your own actions and by censuring those around you at events where behavior is unbecoming. Adolescents learn proper behavior from watching adults.
- Show respect for the players, coaches, other spectators, and officials. Respect their roles even if you disagree with their judgment.
Shop the Crossmark Store Today!
ASVAB Being Offered in November
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized test that helps people determine their eligibility for military service and job training, and identify careers that may be a good fit for them. It's administered to students in grades 1012 and applicants to the U.S. Air Force, Army, and National Guard.
The test evaluates a person's knowledge and their ability to learn different subjects. It's designed to help people find a job that matches their strengths and where they're most likely to succeed.
The ASVAB also provides a post-test interpretation that shows students how their interests match careers in terms of salary, occupational outlook, and education pathways. This information can help students prepare for college and careers.
HF is excited to offer the ASVAB during the school day to any interested student on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Students must register in advance as seats are limited. Please register here.
Keep in Mind: HF's New Traffic Pattern...
To help ease congestion in the HF parking lot, especially during Late Start Wednesday drop off, new traffic patterns have been established. We ask that all families abide by the new drop off to ensure the safe arrival of students to school. This video provides a visual for the new traffic patterns. Watch the video and read full details here.
Show Your School Spirit: Red & White Spirit Fridays Continue!
Happening Around Town...
Veterans Day Celebration: Monday, November 11
All veterans, active-duty, reserve and national guard members are invited to James Hart for its Veterans Day Celebration, featuring a flag raising ceremony, school assembly and breakfast. RSVP by Monday, November 4.
For Senior Citizens: Come See Moana Jr.
Get Your Tickets to See Moana Jr.
Get your tickets in the James Hart Office to see their Fall Musical, Moana Jr., on Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 (kids under 3 are free!)
Stay in the Know: Download the Parent Square App Today!
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.