THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• January is the month for Freshmen-Juniors to choose classes for next year
• Charity Drive kick off Assembly Friday 1/17/25 - Special schedule

Dear Giant Family,

Happy New Year.  Welcome to the second semester and 2025! As we settle back into routines and habits, this is a perfect time to encourage your student to set intentions for being their best selves. High school is a journey of exploration, challenge, and growth, and each day offers opportunities to embrace new habits and aim for excellence.

One of the key conversations happening right now is around course registration for next year. Starting next week, our juniors will begin selecting their courses, with guidance and lessons in homeroom to help them think critically about their choices. This process invites students to reflect on their goals and create a schedule that balances academic rigor, personal growth, and opportunities to explore interests through activities.

We encourage you to use this as an opportunity to deepen dinner-table conversations beyond the usual "How was your day?" and "Fine." Instead, dive into questions like:

• "What are you excited to learn next year?"
• "What’s something new you might want to try?"
• "How can your schedule help you challenge yourself but still leave time for what you love?"

These conversations can help your student take ownership of their high school experience, choosing a path that promotes both achievement and well-being.



Thank you for being partners in your student’s success. Here’s to a year filled with intention, exploration, and growth!

As always, thank you for sharing your students with us this week and beyond,

Holly

ACADEMICS

GRADUATION: As the second semester begins, planning for graduation is well underway.  Details about the ceremony (dates, location, etc.) can be found on our graduation website.  The deadline for students to order their cap and gown is Friday, January 17.  If your student has not yet filled out the form in Homeroom, please have them complete the Cap and Gown Order Form as soon as possible.  Only District 113 accounts can access the form. 

ACTIVITIES

ATHLETICS

December Athletes of the Month

Amelie Gerber - Girls Gymnastics

Kourtnie Halperin - Girls Basketball

Miami Martinez - Girls Basketball

Simon Moschin - Boys Basketball

Nicolas Prokos - Boys Swim & Dive

Drew Schietinger - Boys Wrestling

Carter Temple - Boys Wrestling

Winter Break Highlights

It was so special to host The Grow the Game Showcase on Saturday.  Thanks to all the staff members who volunteered to work and to those who came out in support of the event.  It was a great day for HP Athletics and for female sports in general.  Our Girls Varsity team also got a win, defeating Warren 34-28.

The HP girls wrestling team finished 4th at the Rickover Rumble in Chicago on Saturday. Riley Moore (125) and Dana Holt (155) each won their weight class. Elsa Flory (2nd at 190) and Dorothy Perez (3rd at 170) each repped the Giants on the medal stand. Freshmen Riley Soung and Danika Samson each recorded 2 victories apiece.

Boys Basketball went 2-2 at the prestigious Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York Community High School. The team earned wins against Tinley Park Andrew and the host school. The win over York was an overtime thriller. Congratulations to senior Simon Moschin who became only the 10th boys basketball player in HPHS history to eclipse the 1,000 point mark for his career.

Our Boys Swim and Dive Program hosted the Don Davis Invitational over the weekend.  Our Giants finished in 1st place in the B Flight and St. Ignatius College Prep won the A Flight. This was a fantastic way to start 2025 for our team while honoring Coach Davis, who gave so much to our school community during his Hall of Fame career as a teacher, coach and department chair at HPHS.

Boys Wrestling put in some hard work over the holiday break as well. Congrats to Jaiden Casillas, Brian Martinez, Daniel Derbedyenyev, and Drew Schietinger.  All of these individuals brought home medals from the Glenbard South Invite on 12/28.

As we embark on the new year, we want to emphasize the critical role attendance and punctuality play in your student’s success. Being present and on time to school every day is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to ensure students are set up for learning, growth, and future success.

Research consistently shows that regular attendance is closely linked to higher academic achievement, improved social skills, and better long-term outcomes for high school students. Missing even just a few days can have a significant impact on understanding material, earning credits, and building the habits that carry into college and careers.

At HP, we are committed to supporting every student in developing these essential habits. We ask for your partnership in:



• Encouraging your student to attend school every day unless they are ill.
• Helping them get to school on time to start the day focused and prepared.
• Reinforcing the importance of consistent attendance and timeliness at home.

Parents of Seniors: Please click on this document for more information regarding the 2nd semester Senior Finals Waiver. Please contact the dean's office with any questions.

DISTRICT NEWS

MLK Jr. Festival on Monday, January 20, 2025!

This incredible, student-led event will include:

•  A special performance by the HPHS Jazz Band to kick off the celebration.
•  Student speakers from Evanston HS, Highland Park HS, and Edgewood MS will share their dreams and insights. We may even add two bonus speakers if time permits! 
•  A screening of We Are The Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest 
• Enjoy complimentary popcorn and refreshments!
• Reserve your FREE ticket now for the film showing HERE!

Location: Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 Second St, Highland Park

Schedule:

• 10:00 - 10:25 AM: Welcome with Jazz Trio
• 10:00 - 10:30 AM: Table Visits
• 10:45 - 11:45 AM: Movie Screening (58 mins)
• 11:45 - 12:00 PM: Student Presenters

Let’s dream together and honor this day of peace and unity.