HF FYI

Know an 8th Grader who's on their way to becoming a Viking? Be sure to save the date for this year's Voyage to Excellence Open House, happening tonight, December 5, 2024:

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. is Session 1: 8th Graders from Hart & Brookwood
• 7:30-8:30 p.m. is Session 2: 8th Graders from Parker & IJP

We can't wait to see our future Vikings and show them the best of HF as they prepare for their Viking Voyage!

On this new episode of The Voyage, we visit HF's Unified PE classes, which combine students with and without disabilities to participate in an inclusive environment. "Students get to experience students of all different levels, and they begin to understand that everyone's different," says Ms. Olumstad. "They become a little bit more empathetic of how to just in general treat people." Check it out here!

We're about two weeks away from winter break, and that means it's also time for Semester 1 Finals Exams. Please make note of the exam week schedule. We wish our best to our Vikings as they close out the semester!

• Monday, 12/16: Period 1 Exam (followed by a modified Viking Day Schedule, Periods 2-7)
• Tuesday, 12/17: (Office Hours 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.) Period 2 8:35 a.m.-9:55 a.m. | Period 3 10:10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, 12/18: (Office Hours 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.) Period 4 8:35 a.m.-9:55 a.m. | Period 5 10:10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• Thursday, 12/19: (Office Hours 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.) Period 6 8:35 a.m.-9:55 a.m. | Period 7 10:10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• Friday, 12/20: Marking Day/Makeup Exams

Please also make note of the bus schedule for finals week: You can find full details on our website here.

HF is excited to share that 46 of our students were designated as 2025-26 State Scholars by the Illinois State Scholars Program! Based on ACT or SAT test scores, the sixth semester class size, unweighted class rank and GPA, the program publicly and personally identifies graduating high school seniors who possess superior academic potential. To be named an Illinois State Scholar is an outstanding accomplishment that will be a highlight of the recipient’s academic record.

We're super proud of our Vikings for this amazing accomplishment!

A culinary meets math crossover! Mrs. Clark's Culinary 1 students were joined by Math Teacher Mr. McClain, who took on the role as a guest chef for the morning to demonstrate his chocolate chip cookie recipe. Highlighting the connection between math and baking, discussing fractions, cost analysis, and profitability, Mr. McClain shared his inspiring journey of turning his passion for baking into a business, Cup O' Stuff Cookies.

For our Vikings, there's a wide range of opportunities available at HF, including Advanced Culinary courses for earning Food Safety Certifications, Intro to Business, Entrepreneurship, and participation in the DECA business club.

You can learn more about his passion at cupostuffcookies.com and pick up some of the delicious creations at the Frankfort Farmers' Market!

Last night, we unveiled the record board for our 2024 Boys' Basketball Champions--a perfect kickoff to the team's season as they defeated Lincoln Way-Central 72-53.

The home opener win marks the 100th win for Head Coach Jamere Dismukes! Coach JD is in his 3rd season at HF, and his career includes bringing home HF's first State Championship this past March.

Join the HF Steppers for the 2nd Annual Step Buddies! Your kindergartener-8th graders is invited to perform at the Varsity Boys Basketball game on Tuesday, December 10 in the South Gym. Come practice with them, learn a routine, and enjoy snacks while getting to know the Steppers. Step Buddies will also receive a t-shirt to wear for their performance.

See the memo below for full details and to sign up. We hope to see our future Vikings on the court!

Please note that the HFPA Meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, December 12 will not take place. However, stay tuned for an update with information you need to know! Learn more about the HFPA here.

The Friends of Rachel Club is sponsoring a birthday cake food drive for ANEW and Open Access, two local agencies that deal with families in crisis. There are many times when money might be tight for the families that work with these agencies--Friends of Rachel wants to help them celebrate their children's birthdays because everyone deserves to be celebrated!

Students can bring any of the items mentioned to their 3rd Period Compass teacher, drop them off at the PE Offices at North or the Guidance Office at South until December 9. Together, we can help all children have a special birthday!

Each December, HF's Music Department fills the stage with more than 100 poinsettias, creating a beautiful performance environment for our concerts throughout the holiday season--but they can’t set the stage for these festive experiences without your help!

When you buy poinsettias through us, you not only help us create magical musical experiences and support our student musicians, but after the choir concert on December 15, you can take your plants home and enjoy them into the New Year!

Poinsettia plants can be purchased for $20 through SNAP here. Simply log in, click "Begin Registration," and select "MUSIC DEPARTMENT (POINSETTIAS)" under “EVENT". Thank you for supporting our talented student musicians at HF!

Senior Yearbook Portraits and Premier Sessions are quickly coming. There are limited dates for the premier sessions at HF. Make sure to schedule your appointment today to take advantage of this opportunity at HF instead of traveling to a VIP studio. In order to appear in the yearbook, all seniors must have their photo taken by VIP. Photographs submitted from other studios will NOT be accepted into the yearbook.

Early this week, the Education Department opened the 2025-26 FAFSA to all students, after its final testing phase. HF Post-Secondary Counselor Mr. Coy said he was able to login for himself and complete the FAFSA for his two sons. "It went pretty smoothly, and it took me about 10 minutes to complete," he said.

If you have questions about post-secondary planning, email Post-Secondary Counselors Mr. Coy (kcoy@hf233.org) or Mr. Kain (bkain@hf233.org).

From yard signs to cut-outs and more, don't forget to shop our online store with Crossmark to show off your support of the Viking in your life! Shop the store today.

It's time for our 2nd Quarter school-wide incentive! This will be another way to thank our Vikings for performing well academically, maintaining a low level of tardies, and receiving zero referrals this quarter. Last quarter's incentive was a silent party--stay tuned for this reward happening January 9!

Holiday Lights is a treasured event in Homewood, capturing the joy, excitement, and traditions of the season in one memorable evening. Unique stores, boutiques, and restaurants will be filled with gifts and recipes you won't find in any mall. Watch Santa flip the switch for the annual tree lighting ceremony. All will enjoy an ice sculpture demonstration, an antique car parade, the grand holiday carousel, and so much more! Elsa, Anna, and Olaf will sing, dance, and pose for pictures throughout the evening. Grab our exclusive holiday mug and fill it with mulled wine!

Please call the H-F Park District at 708-957-0300 for questions about the annual tree lighting ceremony. For any other questions, please contact Event Manager Marla Youngblood at events@homewoodil.gov.

Don't miss Flossmoor resident and gingerbread artist/baker Janet Gustafson's annual Gingerbread Village Display! Tours are open and free of charge, but registration is required. Sign up at www.Flossmoor.org.

HF Alumni, sisters Mara ('19) and Kayla ('18) Winfrey, have been hosting their hot chocolate stand since they were toddlers. Some 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 13 to get your cup of holiday cheer. Learn more about their story here.

Are you an alum looking to stay connected with your Viking roots? Email Director of Alumni Engagement & Development, Victoria Koblick at vkoblick@hf233.org today to get involved!

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