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From the desk of Principal Deborah Finn


April 13, 2023

School News You Can Use

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

  1. Next week is FOCUS on the Arts on Wednesday (4/19) and Thursday (4/20)!  See the section below for more information.
  2. Next week is also Genocide Commemoration Day on Tuesday (4/18) - more information in Message from the Principal.
  3. There are many special schedules next week - please see Happening Next Week for details.
Message from the Principal

It’s been a busy week at HPHS and next week will be just as packed with events, including Genocide Commemoration Day and Focus on the Arts!  While we have regular Giant Schedule Days on Monday and Friday, I am pleased to share with you that on Tuesday all students will be attending an assembly to hear David Goldenberg, the Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League as part of our school-wide Genocide Commemoration.  The experience is particularly important right now as it will help to empower us to combat hate and prejudice as upstanders. Mr. Goldenberg is a Highland Park resident and was in attendance at the July 4 parade.


We are having a special schedule that allows for students to attend this assembly with their 3rd period class (see Happening Next Week for details).  In addition to this assembly, during lunch periods, students and staff are invited to come together as “We the People” in the cafeteria and sign the No Place for Hate ADL Pledge to stand up against acts of hate. There will also be opportunities for students to connect with and build relationships with their peers. The library will be set up as a museum all day for students to come and learn and we'll have a hologram from the Holocaust Museum and other artifacts.  Finally, students in our 9th grade World history and Hebrew classes will have the opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivor Mimi Brin in the afternoon.  Our team has worked hard to create an immersive and meaningful experience--one that we hope leaves students and staff feeling empowered and inspired to be upstanders.

On Wednesday and Thursday our students will once again get to experience FOCUS on the Arts! Here are a few things everyone needs to know:


  • There is NO student parking on campus during Focus on 4/19 and 4/20. Families should make arrangements for dropping off students, walking, etc. Bus routes will run as usual.
  • Students should not bring their backpacks to school during Focus.
  • Each Focus day begins with Homeroom at 8:35 am. Here is the schedule for those days.
  • Student schedules for their Focus sessions are available to them in Infinite Campus.
  • Please see Homeroom @ Home below to read about the conversations about Giant expectations for assemblies - it’s a great way to check in as a family about experiences like these that many students have limited experience with due to Covid.  


It is also important for all families to know that there will be photography and filming during all Focus events. Students who are on the opt out list are expected to assist us by alerting photographers or removing themselves from shots as it is not possible for us to monitor for all students on this list. Questions about this should be directed to HPHSFocus@dist113.org.

Happening Next Week

Monday, April 17 - Giant Schedule Day


Tuesday, April 18 - All-School Assembly Special Giant Schedule -

Genocide Commemoration Day


Wednesday, April 19 - FOCUS on the Arts Special Schedule 


Thursday, April 20 - FOCUS on the Arts Special Schedule 


Friday, April 21 - Giant Schedule Day

View Calendar

Academics

Our staff regularly participate in different types of professional development.  This morning, we were fortunate to have a presentation on how we will incorporate evidence-based equity practices into our grading routines.  In the coming weeks, we’ll share more about how this will improve teaching and learning for all students.


HOMEROOM @ HOME


In light of the number of special events next week, we discussed how we welcome visitors into our “home on Vine” and articulated what the behavioral expectations are for FOCUS and the assembly. These expectations help to make sure that everyone can have fun, learn, connect with each other, and experience some joyful moments too! 

Student Life

ACTIVITIES



The opportunity to purchase a 22-23 Activity Ticket/Yearbook closes April 20.  All purchases can be made via Infinite Campus school store.  The yearbook can not be separated from the Activity Ticket.  Your purchase of an Activity Ticket funds the Student Activities programs available to all students including free admission to athletic events and some theater events.  The Activity Ticket/Yearbook price is $135.  


During this time of year, special celebrations and announcements are shared via Giant Life News specifically for students.  Please make sure you are reading both this newsletter and the Giant Life News each week!  You can find past postings via this link or on the school’s homepage.  A few important items were posted last week and this week in the Giant Life News - these are just reminders!

  • Class of 2024 “senior”  shirts are now on sale and sales end 4/21.  This is the only time you can order. Order ASAP!   USE THIS LINK TO ORDER.  
  • Prom & After Prom Information is now posted on the school website.  Ticket sales begin April 21 and end April 27.   
  • Students must pre-register non-HPHS guests prior to April 20, see link for all details.  
  • Students will select their group table at the time of their online purchase.  Please coordinate prior to purchasing tickets.  We have 40 tables available at this time.  Directions on how to purchase tickets are also posted on the website. 


In Liminality, which was performed at the HP Dance Concert and choreographed by Senior Jordyn Shapiro, will be featured at the Student Choreography State Showcase at the Illinois High School Dance Festival this Friday April 14 at Evanston Township High School. This piece was chosen from an audition process in March and will be the closing number in the showcase featuring high school dance programs throughout Illinois.

ATHLETICS


Here is the 2023 Summer Camp Information. Registration for summer camp opened April 10. 

  • Specific questions about camp should be directed to the head coach and questions about registration should be directed to Silvia Diego in the Athletic Office (sdiego@dist113.org). 
  • It is important not to create a new account if you have already used the RSchool registration system. Log in as a “returning user” and reach out to helpdesk@rschooltoday.com if you have any issues. 
  • Use the “new user” option if this is your first time using the system.


There is still time for parents to join the Giants Club.  Our volunteer Parent Booster Organization meets once a month from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Giant Conference Room at HPHS.  Here is the link to the Giants Club Website.  The remaining meeting dates are April 26 and May 17.   All are welcome!


Spring Sports Families - Sports team pictures are happening this week and next week.  Your athlete's photos will be posted online at vipis.com within 3 weeks of their photo day for viewing and ordering.   Please click here to sign up for email notification when their photo is ready to view and order: www.vipis.com/q/r.


If you have any questions about sports team and individual pictures, please contact Visual Image Photography at support@vipis.com.


It has been an exciting week in the HP Athletic Department.  Click here to view the full athletic schedule.  Come out to support our Giant athletes!

Services and Supports

April Events at CATCH


Tuesday, April 18 @ 12pm via Zoom: Lunch & Learn: Little Kids, Big Kids & Really Big Feelings

Why are so many kiddos struggling with huge feelings and acting out in extreme ways lately? Find out what might be contributing to all these big emotions and big behaviors, learn why it’s important to understand your child’s temperament, and get tips on how to help support your kids, from littles to bigs (register here).


Sunday, April 23 @ 11am in person: A Parent Roundtable

We heard from kids. Now we want to hear from parents. We must talk and act. Our kids are not okay and we CAN learn and help (register here).

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