Dear HSA McKinley Park Families,

As we embrace the spirit of the season, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership in your child's education. Your involvement in our school community has significantly impacted us, and we are truly grateful for your trust in us.

Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments together. May this festive time celebrate love, laughter, and the bonds that strengthen our families and community.

We are excited to extend a special invitation to our annual "Breakfast with Santa" event, hosted by our dedicated Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Join us on December 9th for a magical morning of festive delights, where families come together to create lasting memories. It promises to be a joyous occasion for all, and we would love to see you there!

In addition to the festivities, we want to remind you of some important school updates:

Re-Enrollment Period:

We are pleased to announce that re-enrollment for our current students is now open. You can easily re-enroll using the PowerSchool application from now until January 31st. Secure your child's spot for the upcoming academic year and continue to be part of our vibrant school community.

Winter Break Schedule:

Our winter break will commence on December 25th and extend until January 8th. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 9th. It's a wonderful time for rest, rejuvenation, and quality time with family.

End of 2nd Quarter:

As we approach the close of the 2nd quarter, please be reminded that January 12th marks the end of this academic period. We appreciate your ongoing commitment to your child's academic success and look forward to the achievements that lie ahead in the coming year.

Once again, thank you for being an integral part of our school family. Your support makes a difference, and we are excited about the opportunities and experiences that the new year will bring.

Wishing you a magical holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely, 

Mr. Vedziovski

Principal, Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park

2245 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL 60609

(O) 773.247.8400 | (F) 773.247.8401

Operated by Concept Schools

We are excited and happy to celebrate that our senior, Havilyn Aitken, will be honored at this year's INCS Excellence awards ceremony—all thanks to the three nominations submitted this year by JD Koziarski, Mr. Sravan and Mr. Shiliga.

We surprised Havilyn, her family, and her friends with the exciting news on November 9th. The Illinois Charter School Network hosts this recognition ever year and who helped us make this announcement memorable for Havilyn by ordering her flowers and balloons. It is an exciting time for all of us here at HSA McKinley Park, and we love all the good news we can report on. We are thrilled Havilyn is honored this year because she truly deserves it!

Our High School Model U.N team competed at Benedictine University this month. We are proud to report that our students did AMAZING!! Our Model UN team won two awards, and 3 of their 4 papers passed! Model U.N. takes countless hours of research and preparation. We competed against hundreds of students and came out on top with Best Delegate and Best Position Paper. I am so proud of our student's hard work and dedication. 

Pictured:

left- Model UN Team

right-Abraham Claudio won Best Position Paper, and Aiden Vazquez won Most Outstanding New Delegate

In Ms. Crawford's AP Language and Composition Class, the students learned how authors use different techniques (ethos, pathos, and logos) to persuade their audience. Ethos refers to persuasion based on the credibility or authority of the speaker, pathos refers to persuasion based on emotion, and logos refers to persuasion based on logic or reason.

After identifying and analyzing how authors use ethos, pathos, and logos, the students took turns using the techniques in their writing. With this, the students needed to create their products and use ethos, pathos, and logos to sell them to the sharks, just as in the popular show Shark Tank. Teachers and staff members came in as "sharks" on presentation days and negotiated deals on their products. The teams all did a great job presenting to the Sharks!

During this month, we wanted to show our appreciation towards our Veterans, and this year, we were able to host a school-wide assembly for the Veterans in our school community. Our students nominated their veterans and presented them with a certificate of appreciation. Our school band played music for all of us to enjoy, and our K-5th grade students were in attendance with handmade signs and thank you cards that made it extra special for our guests of honor. We also had the honor of hosting our community partners and local VFW William McKinley Post 231.

It was a grand celebration and we were also proud to honor

our very own staff members:

-Brian McGraw, Security

US Army

-Samuel Johnson, Social Studies Teacher

US Marines

-Peter Marron, Math Teacher

US Marines

-Mario Palos, Reading Specialist

US Navy

-Marisa Vega, Community Outreach Coordinator

US Army

Northwestern University

This month, our College and Career Counselors took our 12th graders to visit Northwestern University. It was a great day full of great information and a tour of the gorgeous campus. Our Seniors enjoyed this college trip.

HSA's elementary music teacher, Ms. Bearden, annually puts together our highly anticipated variety show featuring HSA student talent. This year our Variety Show had about 30 different performances! Highlights included students showcasing their vocals, dance skills, comedy, instrument-playing abilities, and shining charisma! Our shining stars worked hard to prepare, and we couldn't be more proud! Pictured above are all of the student performers! We loved watching the amazing talent and can't wait for next year's show!