Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley shared points of pride including:
IL State Scholars: 46 HF 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.
7 Students Selected to IMEA All-State Conference: We're excited to share that seven of our Viking music students were selected by audition to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Music Conference from January 29-February 1, 2025 in Peoria, Illinois! Membership in these ensembles and music programs are reserved for the highest-achieving music students in the state.
IB Behavioral Science Research Trip: Earlier this month, IB students visited Mindworks in downtown Chicago. Mindworks is operated by the Roman Family Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is home to the center's PIMCO Decision Research Laboratories. Mindworks is a working laboratory and interactive discovery center that welcomes students to participate in and learn about behavioral science research. While at Mindworks, students explored how research scientists investigate decision-making.
Vice President Nathan Legardy wished students, families, staff, board and colleagues happy holidays. As he reflects at this time of year he knows that a lot of good is happening in this building. He encourages individuals to relax, breath and enjoy. He attended a Black Educators conference in Atlanta where he attended a breakout session on strategies to help black boys excel in math. They talked about what teachers, students and parents can do to support learning. He encourages more outreach and articulation with our partner districts.
Board Member Steve Anderson thanked staff as the semester comes to a close. He spoke with business students on Friday about finance. In those classes he asked about the new cell phone policy and feedback is that teachers like the policy and students might not be as happy about it. He also encouraged individuals to get involved with common-sense gun laws to protect students across the country.
Board Member Pam Jackson shared a reminder about the importance of school safety and reflected on the tragic occurrence in Madison, Wisconsin, this week. She served as HF's delegate to the Illinois Association of School Board Resolutions at the Triple I conference. She attended the ribbon cutting and looks forward to opportunities for more tours of the culinary and design spaces.
Chief School Business Official Dr. Lawrence Cook shared that the District received its annual financial report. He is excited to report that the district's estimated financial profile score is 3.9 out of 4 which reflects strong financial health. This score is based on five weighted categories, and the district earned a perfect 4 in all categories except for the long-term debt margin. In this category, it received a 3 due to its current debt capacity of 56%. 75% or greater debt capacity is required to earn a score of 4. As a result, the district’s financial profile designation is Recognition, which is the highest designation awarded by ISBE.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Jen Hester highlighted finals week preparation with teachers creating study guides and review lessons to prepare students. She thanked teachers and students for their efforts. Students have access to a full range of tutoring services during the week and weekend throughout the semester. Tutoring sessions have been full. During the Winter concert series last week and this weekend, students and teachers did a beautiful job including Mrs. Whitlock, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Engrav, Mr. Sifner, Mr. Love and Ms. Helsel-Wilk.
Director of Communications and Community Engagement Carla Erdey shared that the ribbon cutting for the Culinary and Design Labs was held tonight in collaboration with the Southland Chamber of Commerce. Great connections were made between Director of Career Pathways and Workforce Development Michelle Meadows and potential business partners at the event.
Culinary teachers Jontil Grubs, LaTasha Scott, Khayla Kelley, Christina Clark and their students prepared delicious appetizers for the guests and answered questions about the new learning spaces. Guests toured the Design Labs, Residential Kitchen and Commercial Kitchen. The new spaces open the door to students earning Industry Credentials and Dual Credit before high school graduation, preparing them to enter the workforce directly after graduation or continue their education at a two- or four-year college.
