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H-F FYI - Jan. 18, 2017
Special Note to Parents & Students: 
In order to provide options during times of inclement weather, H-F has added a Delayed-Start Schedule page to its website. On a Delayed-Start Day, classes would begin at  9:30 a.m. and end at the regular time:  3 p.m. All seven periods would be scheduled, and there would be buses for 1st period and 2nd period start times (see link below). Should the school choose to use this option on a school day, you would be notified via telephone alert and notice would be published on our website at  hfhighschool.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Superintendent Dr. Von Mansfield at  708-335-5500vmansfield@hf233.org. Thank you!
To view the Delayed-Start Schedule and bus routes, please click here...

Tonight at 7 p.m.: Pursuing the Dream Celebration
Please join us tonight at 7 p.m. in the Mall Auditorium for the 2nd Annual  Pursuing the Dream , a free event dedicated to celebrating Black History and encouraging unity. The event will feature theme-based performances by the H-F Band , H-F Steppers and members of H-F's choirs and speech team . This year's keynote speaker will be John Fountain , an award-winning  Chicago Sun-Times columnist and Roosevelt University professor of journalism, and the emcee will be Andre Thomas, H-F '16. Attendees will also have a chance to hear first-hand accounts from those who have faced cultural barriers. All are welcome! 
Tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.: Advanced Academics Showcase
Students and parents are invited to the annual Advanced Academics Showcase , an evening to explore H-F's wide array of higher-level courses. The showcase will be held tomorrow - Thursday, Jan. 19 - from 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning in the Mall Auditorium with  a presentation on the college-admissions process. Moderated by H-F's College Consultants Brad Kain and Kevin Coy, the presentation will feature representatives from St. Louis University (Stephanie Szczepanski), the University of Illinois (Mayra Lagunas) and Syracuse University (Robert Walton). Also, current H-F students will share their own advanced academic experiences. The rest of the evening will feature breakout sessions on select higher-level courses, as well as exhibits by course in the South Cafeteria. Courses featured are from H-F's selection of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and Media, Visual & Performing Arts Academy (MVP)

For more details, please click here or contact the Curriculum Department at 708-335-5331.

View all H-F 2017-18 courses by clicking here...  
 
Opa! Palooza - H-F Band Fundraiser on Saturday

A baseball signed by Cubs pitching ace  Jake Arietta, four nights in a Cancun  condo, and a White Sox VIP Experience with four Home Plate Club tickets and a meet-and-greet with  White Sox announcer & H-F alumnus Jason Benetti are just three of the great items up for auction at OPA! Palooza, a  fundraiser to support the H-F Band's 2017 Tour to Greece. 

The event - set for Saturday, Jan. 21, in the South Cafeteria - will feature live and silent auctions, Greek foods and live music.  Other great items up for auction include:
  • Reserved seating for the 2017 H-F graduation ceremony on June 4
  • Tickets for Blue Man Group, Second City, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Golf packages at Olympia Fields, Ravisloe, Idlewild and Flossmoor Country Clubs
  • Four one-day Walt Disney Parkhopper passes
  • Gift cards to dozens of great local and national restaurants and businesses
  • Private parties with local bands Staff Infection and Thing 3
The tour is sponsored by the Homewood-Flossmoor Fine and Performing Arts Council (HFFPAC), an independent organization supporting local youth music programs, and the H-F Band Parents Association.


It's time to think about summer ... school!
Registration for Summer School 2017 (June 12-July 21) will be held Saturday, Jan. 28, from 8 a.m. - Noon in the North Cafeteria. Fee is $175/semester (plus lab fee if applicable); bus transportation will be available for an additional $47.50/semester. Please note: 
  • The student, parent or trusted designee will need to bring the completed summer school registration form and payment to SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION ON SATURDAY, JAN. 28.
  • Forms are available in the Guidance Office and the North Building Assistant Principal's Office and will also be available at registration.
  • Courses have limited enrollment and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If you do not attend registration on Jan. 28, please come to the Assistant Principal's office in the North Building with your registration and payment. Registration will continue until Thursday, April 13.   
  • Registration for students who fail a second semester course in the spring will be done on an individual basis through their counselor if seats are available.
  • Questions? Please call Dr. Cook or Mrs. Lueder at 708-335-5605.
Special Message from the Guidance Office
Happy New Year! Welcome to the 2nd semester. Periodically The Early College Awareness Program (geared especially towards 8th, 9th and 10th graders) will share action steps, information and strategies for parents and students to aid in a successful formulation, organization and execution of post-high school plans. For more information on ECAP, contact Ms. Edwards at 708-335-5616.

Prepare academically for college
  • Colleges want students with a well-rounded education. Take the more challenging classes so you can get a better idea of what college courses may be like.
Practice good study habits
You may not know if your study habits are up to par with college courses. Start now. Practice good study habits so when you're in college you'll already have some effective tools under your belt.  Tips to improve your study skills:
  • Stay organized by making a "To Do" list. Stick to it.
  • Set goals for yourself.
  • Prioritize! A test tomorrow is more important than an assignment due next week.
  • Take good notes, and then be sure to review them carefully later.
  • Experiment a little. Where and when do you work best? Alone or in a group, bright or dim lighting, quiet or noisy? Then study that way!
Improve your writing skills
Effective writing conveys your thoughts into words. It's a skill you use throughout your life, and no matter what career you pursue, the ability to communicate in writing will help you succeed.  Quick tips for effective writing:
  • Think about your audience. For example, you would use a different tone in an essay than you would in a note to a friend.
  • Plan ahead. List important points in the order you wish to make them.
  • Use a strong opening sentence to catch the reader's attention.
  • Be clear and to the point. Edit out unnecessary words and information.
  • Read through your writing for spelling errors and typos. Spell check programs don't catch everything!
Reference - Excerpt from Mapping Your Future, Inc.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, H-F juniors learned about the college-admissions process by a panel of seniors who are in the middle of finalizing their college plans. Above, from left to right: Joey Greenebaum, Kennedi Sidberry, Amber Haywood, Nate Bouchie & Sydney DuBose. College representatives - at right, Julie Nelson of Xavier University and Nate Bargar of the University of Cincinnati - also shared their stories of reading college applications and admitting students to their schools. 

VIKING VICTORIES

H-F Speech Team - Winter Break Results

The H-F Speech Team was busy over winter break competing in the ARGO Speech Tournament on Jan. 7, finishing with a 5th Place finish and 1 tournament champion! Congratulations to:

VARSITY FINALISTS
  • Jabari Tate - 1st Original Comedy
  • Aundria LaNier - 2nd Prose Reading
  • Jessica Ashby - 2nd Special Occasion Speaking
  • Rashun Carter - 2nd Dramatic Interpretation & 2nd Original Oratory
  • Jessica Ashby & Taylor Wicks - 2nd Humorous Duet Acting
  • Deja Weston-Stipe - 4th Dramatic Interpretation
  • Gianmarco Petrelli - 5th Dramatic Interpretation
  • Brianna Powell - 6th Informative Speaking
  • Aundria LaNier & Rosie McClendon - Finalists Dramatic Duet Acting
  • Nia DeRamus - Finalist Humorous Interpretation

NEXT-IN FINALISTS
  • Taylor Wicks - 1st Oratorical Declamation
  • Kennedy Dames - 2nd Radio Speaking
  • Aaliyah Korkoyah - 3rd Original Oratory
  • Jeremiah Lee - 5th Dramatic Interpretation
  • Lester Loyd - 5th Prose Reading
  • Aira Tantoco - 6th Extemporaneous Speaking
  • Morgan Harvey - 6th Humorous Interpretation
  • Amber Simon - Finalist Radio Speaking
  • Rosie McClendon - Finalist Original Comedy

NOVICE FINALISTS
  • Lenora Smith - 2nd Poetry Reading
  • Andronicus Marati - 3rd Extemporaneous Speaking
  • Cairen Howard - 3rd Humorous Interpretation & 4th Original Comedy
  • Jordan Drayton-Plaxico - 4th Dramatic Interpretation
  • Lenora Smith & Lester Loyd - 4th Dramatic Duet Acting
  • Sam Ogali - Finalist Original Oratory 
Edda receives award
Congratulations to the staff and sponsor - Ms. Mustafah - of the 2016 H-F
Edda art & literary magazine! Reflections just received First Place with Special Merit from the American Scholastic Press Association, as well as an Outstanding Art award for senior  Lucy Sloan for her piece, Fluttering Thoughts.

____________________________________

Photography on Display
Sophomore Michael Radosta has only been using a camera for two years, but his artwork for his Photography 2 class shows the eye and patience of an experienced photographer. His photos - taken in Chicago, St. Louis and New York - are currently on display near the South Building Deans' Office. Here is a sneak peek:





Students of the Month
Two academic departments are pleased to announce January Students of the Month - congratulations to: 



____________________________

Class wins Achieve 3000 recognition
Congratulations to Ms. Frederickson's Reading class for winning the Achieve 3000 Read to Succeed contest! The class completed the most Achieve 3000 lessons at H-F this school year & recently celebrated with a special class lunch. 


 
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
Please note: Only home games are listed below. For complete athletic schedules, click here.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18   - Block 2 Day
  • Community Open Track, 6-7 a.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym, 3:20-5:30 p.m. @ North & South Weight Rooms
  • Boys Basketball (FA & FB) vs. Marian Catholic, 4:30 p.m. @ North Gym
  • Community Open Track, 6-9 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Soccer, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @ North Turf Room
  • 2nd Annual Pursuing the Dream, 7 p.m. @ Mall Auditorium
  •  
THURSDAY, JAN. 19 - Block 3 Day
  • Community Open Track, 6-7 a.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Baseball & Softball, 6-7:15 a.m. @ North Turf Room
  • Student Open Gym, 3:20-5:30 p.m. @ North & South Weight Rooms
  • Boys Swimming vs. L-W Central - Senior Night!, 5 p.m. @ Natatorium
  • Student Open Gym - Lacrosse, 5:30-7 p.m. @ North Turf Room
  • Community Open Track, 6-9 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Advanced Academics Showcase, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ Mall Auditorium
  • Student Open Gym - Badminton, 7-8:30 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Water Polo, 8:30-9:30 p.m. @ Natatorium

FRIDAY, JAN. 20 - 50-min. periods
  • Community Open Track, 6-7 a.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym, 3:20-5:30 p.m. @ North & South Weight Rooms
  • Boys Basketball (S & V) vs. Sandburg - Staff Appreciation Night!, 5:30 p.m. @ South Gym
  • Community Open Track, 6-9 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Ice Hockey vs. DuPage Stars, 6:35 p.m. @ H-F Ice Arena

SATURDAY, JAN. 21
  • Math & Science Tutoring, 9 a.m.-Noon @ TLC (enter Door 23)
  • Opa! Palooza H-F Band Auction, 6-10 p.m. @ South Cafeteria

SUNDAY, JAN. 22
  • Math & Science Tutoring, 2-5 p.m. @ TLC
  • Family Open Swim, 4-5:30 p.m. @ Natatorium

 

MONDAY, JAN. 23 -
50-min. periods
  • Community Open Track, 6-7 a.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym, 3:20-5:30 p.m. @ North & South Weight Rooms
  • Community Open Track, 6-9 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Soccer, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @ North Turf Room
  • Tri-District Orchestra Concert, 7-7:45 p.m. @ Mall Auditorium
  • Tri-District Band Concert, 7:45-8:30 p.m. @ Mall Auditorium
  • Student Open Gym - Water Polo, 8:30-9:30 p.m. @ Natatorium

TUESDAY, JAN. 24 - Block 1 Day
  • Community Open Track, 6-7 a.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Baseball & Softball, 6-7:15 a.m. @ North Turf Room
  • Student Open Gym, 3:20-5:30 p.m. @ North & South Weight Rooms
  • Girls Basketball (FA & FB) vs. L-W East, 5 p.m. @ North Gym
  • Student Open Gym - Lacrosse, 5:30-6:30 p.m. @ North Turf Room
  • Community Open Track, 6-9 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Badminton, 7-8:30 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Tri-District Choral Festival, 7:30-9:30 p.m. @ Mall Auditorium

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 - Block 2 Day 
  • Community Open Track, 6-7 a.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym, 3:20-5:30 p.m. @ North & South Weight Rooms
  • Community Open Track, 6-9 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Soccer, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @ North Turf Room
  • College Planning for Juniors & Parents, 7 p.m. @ Mall Auditorium

THURSDAY, JAN. 26 - Block 3 Day
  • Community Open Track, 6-7 a.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Baseball & Softball, 6-7:15 a.m. @ North Turf Room
  • Student Open Gym, 3:20-5:30 p.m. @ North & South Weight Rooms
  • Girls Basketball (S & V) vs. Lockport - Staff Appreciation Night!, 5 p.m. @ South Gym
  • Student Open Gym - Lacrosse, 5:30-7 p.m. @ North Turf Room
  • Community Open Track, 6-9 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Badminton, 7-8:30 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym - Water Polo, 8:30-9:30 p.m. @ Natatorium

FRIDAY, JAN. 27 - PLC DAY
50-min. periods
  • Community Open Track, 6-7 a.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Student Open Gym, 3:20-5:30 p.m. @ North & South Weight Rooms
  • Boys Basketball (S & V) vs. Stagg, 5:30 p.m. @ South Gym
  • Community Open Track, 6-9 p.m. @ Fieldhouse
  • Ice Hockey vs. Cobras - Senior Night!, 6:35 p.m. @ H-F Ice Arena
 
VIKINGS IN THE NEWS
WORD OF THE WEEK
 


 


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