Raider Times
October 1, 2026
From HHS Admin Team
What a great Homecoming week at HHS! From the spirit days to Powder Puff, Friday's football win and dance, it was wonderful to see our students, staff, and community come together to celebrate what makes Huntley High School such a special place. A huge thank you to everyone who helped organize, support, and participate in the week's festivities. The energy, school spirit, and sense of community were on full display!
Next week, we are excited to start an important process for our students as we use Raider Way lessons to guide them through reflecting on their career interests, exploring courses connected to those interests, and developing a four-year course plan. This process is designed to help students think intentionally about their interests, goals, and the opportunities available to them throughout their high school experience. More information will be shared soon about how parents can access their student's plan and review it together as a family. Students will then meet with their school counselors to discuss and refine their plans. These conversations will serve as the foundation for our upcoming course selection process. More information to come!
Take care,
Danyce, Shaina and Justin
Celebrations 🙌
Classroom Highlight
Last week, a group of students in the EDD Class (PLTW Engineering and Design Year 4) had the opportunity to learn from industry professionals. Across the two sections of this course, approximately eight students are interested in pursuing careers related to construction management, architectural engineering, or structural engineering.
These students have been challenged by classroom mentor Steve Crede, an HHS parent, to design a new division headquarters. The project requires students to identify vacant land in Carmel, Indiana, and work through all phases of the design process for the proposed site.
Last week, students focused on building mechanical systems. Black Diamond spent two class periods teaching students about the design of HVAC and electrical systems in a commercial structure like the one they are planning. They provided students with valuable considerations and guidance on how to begin the calculations necessary to make their designs functional.
Black Diamond also volunteered to return to check on students' progress and answer their next round of questions. Students were complimented on how well they handled the technical questions, but even more importantly, on how they responded when they encountered something they did not know. Their willingness to think critically, ask questions, and work through unfamiliar material demonstrated the kind of learning and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
Week At A Glance
Monday, October 5th - Regular schedule
Tuesday, October 6th - Regular Schedule
Wednesday, October 7th - Late Start/Raider Way Schedule - Career Interests and Elective Exploration
Thursday, October 8th - Regular Schedule
Friday, October 9th - Regular Schedule
Home / School Connection 🏡
Health Office Visits
Food Delivery Reminder
We have seen a recent increase in food deliveries to HHS from services such as Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. To help maintain a safe and orderly school environment, outside food deliveries to students are not permitted during the school day. Moving forward, students will not be permitted to receive or retrieve food deliveries made to the school. Please plan accordingly and remind your student of this expectation.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Nominate a Staff Member for Breakfast of Champions!
This year, we are adding HHS staff nominees to Breakfast of Champions. Breakfast of Champions is a monthly celebration where we recognize students, and now staff members, who exemplify what it means to be a Red Raider. At these celebrations, we invite the nominee, the recipient, and their family to come enjoy breakfast and be recognized.
The criteria for the staff recognition this year are centered on the big and little things staff members do to support students every day. Going the extra mile doesn't always mean doing something huge. It means noticing what a student needs and being willing to do a little more than what is required to help them feel supported, capable, and connected.
If you have a staff member you’d like to recognize, please fill out THIS FORM. If your nominee is selected, you will be notified. Then you and your family will be invited to breakfast, where you will present the award. Please know that when you nominate a staff member, you will need to be present for the celebration. Please note: You will be photographed and recorded with your honored staff member.
Thank you for taking the time to recognize the amazing things our staff members do for students, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you!
Announcements & Reminders 📣
Upcoming PreACT Testing
On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, all juniors will take the online PreACT assessment at Huntley High School. This assessment is an important step in preparing for the State of Illinois’ testing requirements.
The PreACT is designed to mirror the ACT, providing valuable practice and insights into the test format and content. In the spring, our freshmen and sophomores will also participate in the state-mandated PreACT assessment, which will help them gauge their readiness and focus their preparation efforts for the ACT during junior year.
In preparation for the PreACT assessment for juniors on October 20th, please be aware of the following details and schedule changes designed to ensure a smooth and successful experience for all of our students.
For October 20th, please be aware of the following information:
Seniors will not be in attendance this day. Seniors can take advantage of the day off by visiting colleges or completing college applications.
Freshmen and sophomores will report to their classes as usual. Classes will begin at 7:30 am. Freshmen will not report to advisory and will have the full period for lunch.
All blended classes will blend for the day. Some classes that have mostly 11th/12th-graders may also blend.
Juniors will test periods 1-5 and will have lunch during 6th period. They will then engage in junior class-related activities for the remainder of the day.
The circle classrooms (“C” wing) on the 2nd floor will be closed from 1st through 5th period. If you have a locker in this area, you will not be allowed to access it until 5th period. Some classrooms/hallways will be closed till 7th period. Please plan accordingly.
Classes on the 2nd floor, “C” wing, will be moved to accommodate testing. Those room moves will be communicated to students one week prior. Room moves will be posted on the doors of the 2nd-floor classrooms, the windows of the College and Careers office, East POD, near Door 27, and near the upstairs “C” wing.
More information regarding testing will be emailed to junior students and families the week of October 5th. While our curriculum is designed to prepare students for the PreACT, there are additional free practice tests and resources available on the ACT website. If there are questions, please contact Mrs. Langhenry at klanghenry@district158.org.
Event Information
Help Us Recycle for Sight!
Huntley School District 158 is excited to once again partner with the Huntley Area Lions Club for the 4th Annual Recycle for Sight Used Eyeglass Collection Drive, taking place at all District 158
schools during the week of October 19-23.
How can you help? Take a few minutes to look through your dresser drawers, closets, and other
places where old eyeglasses may be collecting dust. We’re collecting:
ď‚· Prescription eyeglasses ď‚· Prescription sunglasses
ď‚· Reading eyeglasses ď‚· Empty plastic and metal eyeglass frames
Don’t wear them anymore? Donate them and give them a second chance to help someone else see clearly! And don’t forget to ask your friends, neighbors, and family members to join in! Donation boxes will be available at all District 158 schools and the Administration Office from Monday, October 19, through Friday, October 23. Let’s come together as a community and surpass our record of 282 pairs of eyeglasses collected! Every pair makes a difference!
District News 🪧
Join Us on 10/13 for NEW Huntley 158 Movie Night
When: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Where: Heineman Middle School
Register HERE
Grab a blanket and get comfy for Huntley 158’s first sensory-friendly movie night! Join us on Tuesday, October 13, at Heineman Middle School for a fun and inclusive evening open to all ages.
The featured movie, Out of My Mind (rated PG), is an inspiring story about a young girl with cerebral palsy who finds her voice and challenges others to see what she is capable of. With powerful themes of friendship, inclusion and perseverance, it’s the perfect film to bring our community together.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:15 p.m. Come dressed for comfort and bring a blanket for floor seating; an accessible seating area will also be available. We’ll provide snacks and water, or feel free to bring your own. Stop by our “selfie station” and enter for a chance to win a prize!
The evening will wrap up at approximately 8 p.m. Students under age 13 must attend with a parent or guardian.
Questions? Contact Ina Hall, Huntley 158 Family Engagement Liaison, at ihall@district158.org.
Thriving Futures Talk on PUNS
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM (45-minute presentation with 15 minutes for Q & A)
Location: District Office, Room 180, 650 Dr. John Burkey Dr., Algonquin
Cost: Free; light snacks will be served
Guest Speaker: Jen Rowzee, Services Inc.
During this session, Huntley 158 families who have a student with an IEP will learn about the timeline to follow when applying for disability-related benefits for their child. The presentation will highlight PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services), providing an overview of the potential benefits available when families plan early.
As a follow-up to this, families can make a 30-minute appointment on Monday, October 19 to meet one-on-one with a Services Inc. representative who will walk them through the PUNS registration process, answer questions, and provide guidance on what information is needed to complete the application. Visit the website for more information about both events.
October is Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Let's stand together to create a safe and supportive school community. Recognize the signs, speak up, and report bullying. Together, we can make a difference. To learn more about bullying, the difference between bullying and peer conflict, and the district’s response to bullying, please visit the Huntley 158 website.
MPAC Meeting & Family Reading Night
Join us on Monday, November 2 at Martin Elementary for an evening of learning, connection, and family fun! From 6:00–6:30 p.m., our MPAC (Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee) meeting will focus on an overview and discussion of District data. Pizza will be served, and childcare will be provided during the meeting.
Following MPAC, stay for our MPAC-sponsored Family Reading Night from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Families will have an opportunity to enjoy reading activities, explore resources, and learn strategies to support literacy at home.
📍 Martin Elementary, 10920 Reed Road
We hope to see you there!