HF FYI
December 4, 2025
Happening Tonight: Voyage to Excellence
Know an 8th Grader on their way to becoming a Viking? This year's Voyage to Excellence Open House is happening tonight, December 4th at 6 p.m. We can't wait to see our #futurevikings and show them the best of HF as they prepare for their Viking Voyage! The event will begin the North Gym and continue into the North Fieldhouse (North Building off of Governors Highway). Parking and shuttles are available from HF parking lots. Overflow parking and shuttles will also run from Parker Junior High.
Plan Ahead for Potential Weather-Related Closings
As we make our way through the winter season, please note that weather-related school closings can occur at the last minute. To be prepared, we encourage our students and staff to bring their technology home with them to ensure everyone is equipped in the event of a closure and e-learning.
You will be notified of a closure through your ParentSquare email and/or text notifications, an automated phone call from HF, postings on our social media pages (@hfhs59) and as always, directly on our website.
In the event of a closure:
- By no later than 8:30 a.m., an Asynchronous Lesson Plan will be posted in each student's Google Classroom. Students will NOT be attending class remotely during class time. Asynchronous learning follows the learning path developed by the teacher and is done without the presence of the teacher or other students.
- For the eLearning day, we will utilize the whole-school attendance process.
- An attendance link for students will be posted to the students' FR/SO/JR/SR Announcement Google Classroom.
- Students must check in and complete the attendance form prior to 9:00 a.m. Students only need to complete the attendance form one time for the entire day.
- Teachers will be available to communicate and assist with students via email from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. unless the conditions of the emergency day prohibit this communication.
- If a student is experiencing difficulty connecting or navigating the system, email helpdesk@hf233.org or call 708-335-5750.
Stay safe and warm!
HF is Home to 69 IL State Scholars!
We're proud to announce that 69 seniors have earned the distinguished title of Illinois State Scholar, one of the most notable academic honors in the state. "This achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication," says Principal Clinton Alexander. "While each scholar possesses remarkable innate ability, what makes this honor truly special is the way those talents have been cultivated over time through perseverance, curiosity, consistent effort, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom."
This recognition places each of these students among the top performers in Illinois and reflects the extraordinary effort they have invested throughout their academic journey. "Their accomplishment shines as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when potential meets purpose. As they prepare to take their next steps, we are confident that their future is incredibly bright and filled with opportunity."
NEW! The Voyage: Interior Design at HF
On the latest episode of The Voyage, we visit HF's Interior Design classes!
"You have to be very creative, you can make your project however you want," says Sophomore Stylah Glover. "We learn how to add detail to a home but at the same time, not make everything look jumbled together." Check it out here!
Scholastic Bowl Goes 2-0 at SWSC Meet III
Congratulations to HF's Varsity Scholastic Bowl team for going 2-0 at the SWSC Meet III here at home yesterday. The team defeated Stagg 430-90, and defeated Lincoln-Way Central 400-140. The Vikings were led by Senior Luke DeBruin andJunior Oreoluwa Sarah Owolabi, who both scored 6 toss-ups against Lincoln-Way Central.
Senior Paul Cavalieri and juniors Eliot Wheat and Maddie McGathey also scored multiple toss-ups on the day. The Frosh-Soph team went 2-0, led by Sophomores Inioluwa Stephen Owolabi and Ian Pesce, and Freshman Jordi Pesce.
Reminder for Semester Exams: December 15th-18th
Exams will take place the week of Monday, December 15th:
Monday, 12/15: Period 1 Exam from 7:30 a.m.-8:50 a.m. (followed by a modified Viking Day)
Tuesday, 12/16: Period 2 Exam 8:35 a.m.-9:55 a.m. & Period 3 10:10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, 12/17: Period 4 Exam 8:35 a.m.-9:55 a.m. & Period 5 10:10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, 12/18: Period 6 Exam 8:35 a.m.-9:55 a.m. & Period 7 10:10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Friday 12/19: Marking Day/Makeup Exams
Good News from Fine Arts: IPO Performance and More
Our Fine Arts students had a busy November: From performing with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) to giving back to their community, they've been using their talents to spread some joy!
HF's Treble Ensemble (Choir) was featured performing the final movement of Holst's "The Planets" at the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra at Governors State University last month. Maestro Stilian Kirov was highly complementary of our students' work and their collaboration on this project.
At the concert, our Band Chamber Ensembles were also featured as the lobby performers before the show and at the concert intermission.
Viking Choir and Inspirational Voices performed at the Village of Flossmoor Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Gathering at All Nations Community Church. There was an offering collected to benefit Respond Now in the South Suburbs, an organization that provides resources to those in need. They were able to raise $2,500!
Hear the Sounds of the Season at Our Winter Concerts
- Jazz Band Winter Concert: Wednesday, December 10th at 7 p.m.-Swing into the holidays! Join us for a vibrant Jazz Concert featuring timeless Jazz Standards and groovy Holiday Music arrangements. Prepare to be amazed by the energy and spectacular sound of our featured New Orleans Brass Band!
- Concert Band Winter Performance: Sunday, December 14th at 2 p.m. Get ready for a spectacular afternoon of music! This concert will feature a dynamic program that includes both powerful standard band literature and cherished holiday classics. This performance will also spotlight the incredible talent of our Brass Ensemble and Clarinet Choir—a can't-miss event to usher in the festive season!
- Winter Choral Concert: Also Sunday, December 14th at 6 p.m. The HF Choirs cordially invite you to attend their Winter Choral Concert! The program will feature seasonal music and traditional standards performed by our 150 Vikings in our six vocal ensembles. It's the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit ahead of the approaching winter break!
Mrs. Mustafah Publishes "The Slightest Green: A Novel"
At last month's Board Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Norrell congratulated English Teacher and Author Mrs. Sahar Mustafah on the publication of her second novel, The Slightest Green: A Novel.
A few of our staff joined Mrs. Mustafah at the new Beyond the Book in Homewood for a discussion and book signing ahead of the launch!
Board President Gerald Pauling Named to Forbes' 2025 Best-in-State Lawyers
Over the past year, the Forbes editorial team set out to find lawyers with premium skill sets from across the United States, reviewing thousands of candidates for Forbes’ inaugural Best-In-State list.
Vetted through outside nominations, independent research and consultation with experts and industry insiders, the publication curated an elite cohort of lawyers from all 50 states, across a variety of specializations.
We are fortunate to call Mr. Pauling an HF alum and our Board President!
Seniors Make Their Commitments to Collegiate Sports
Congrats to our student-athletes who signed their college commitments last month! We are super proud to watch them take on their next chapters of collegiate sports.
Thinking About Playing Your Sport in College?
Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Honest Game have partnered to provide students and families with an easy-to-use College Athletic Pathway software and additional educational resources. We know that accessing scholarships and college athletics requires not only a commitment to athletic training and competition but also a commitment to academic success.
Honest Game’s online platform provides students and families with individualized tracking across FIVE college athletic opportunities, including NCAA DI, DII, DII, NAIA, and Junior College pathways. Learn more and get started by clicking the link below.
Catch Up on Honest Game Webinars
Honest Game’s school-sponsored webinar series empowers students and families with the roadmap to navigate the college athletic pathway. Each webinar offers expert insights on key topics, keeping you one step ahead of the competition in college recruiting. You can watch previous webinars and stay tuned for upcoming ones here.
Boys Basketball Wins Chicago Heights Classic
Congrats to Boys Basketball for taking home the trophy for the trophy for the Chicago Heights Classic over Thanksgiving!
Tywon Green Named ITCCCA Coach of the Year!
Congrats to HF's own Mr. Tywon Green on being named the 2025 Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (ITCCCA) Coach of the Year in Class 3A Girls Track and Field! Our Girls Track and Field took home the State Championship this past Spring. Coach Green will be honored at the official awards ceremony on January 9th in Itasca.
Check It Out: "Future-Ready and Net Zero STEM Spaces"
Our new Science Building continues to be an exemplary addition to HF's campus. Check out this article from our friends at DLA Architects: "The primary objective of this project was to create an inspirational and functional environment that promotes STEM and sustainability education at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. By achieving net-zero energy in a large facility housing science and engineering classrooms, H-F establishes itself as an educational leader, not only through its curriculum but also through real-life experiences."
Happening Around Town
Holiday Lights in Homewood: Tomorrow, December 5th
The Holiday Lights in Homewood Festival is back tomorrow, Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5-9 p.m. in downtown Homewood! Celebrate the season with a tree lighting ceremony at Irwin Park, mulled wine served in commemorative mugs, live ice sculpting, a holiday carousel, trackless train rides, and more festive fun for all ages. Downtown Homewood will be glowing with holiday spirit so don’t miss the magic!
Flossmoor Holiday Lights Parade: Thursday, December 18th
HF Alumni Hosts 21st Annual Hot Chocolate Fundraiser!
HF Alumni, sisters Mara ('19) and Kayla ('18) Winfrey, have been hosting their hot chocolate stand since they were toddlers. Over 20 years later, they're keeping the tradition going: Their efforts have grown, and they've donated over $45,000 worth of toys to bring joy to boys and girls who need it most during the holiday season. Mara and Kayla have even received local and national recognition. You can stop by the Winfrey House on Friday, December 12th to get your cup of holiday cheer. Learn more about their story here.
Volunteer with the HF Parent Association
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. To learn more, check out the HF Parent Association and check out the below opportunities to get involved yourself.
Stay in the Know: Download the Parent Square App!
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.