HEHS Principal's Newsletter

On April 28, 2025, Hoffman Estates High School proudly hosted the annual Unified Track Meet, bringing together students with and without special needs for a day of teamwork, inclusion, and spirited competition. Athletes from Hoffman as well as several schools outside District 211 participated in track and field events, cheered on by a crowd of supportive peers, staff, and families. The event highlighted the power of unity and the joy of shared accomplishments, creating lasting memories for everyone involved. It was a shining example of our commitment to acceptance, respect, and celebrating all students' potential.

We are proud to recognize four outstanding School Resource Officers who serve our school communities with dedication and care. Pictured are Detective Matt Teipel (Conant High School), Detective Nicole Lowden, SRO for District 54, Detective Riddhi Patel, SRO for District 15 and our very own Detective Jason Gessert. Their commitment to student safety, relationship building and daily support plays a vital role in creating positive school environments. We are grateful for the strong partnerships they’ve built and the trust they foster across our campuses. On behalf of our entire learning community, thank you for your service and impact!

Let’s Get Involved!

The purpose of the Hawk Boosters is to support school curricular and extracurricular activities, creating a closer relationship between home and school.

Thank you to our many volunteers for their time recognizing and supporting our amazing teachers and students!

Learn more about Boosters and how you can be involved here.

The below photos show our volunteers in action, supporting Freshman Activity and Athletics Night.

The HEHS River Table Project began with an idea sparked by a YouTube video and quickly grew into a meaningful collaboration between Principal Alther, Applied Technology teacher Mr. Schaffer, and his students.

Together, they designed and built a river-style coffee table for the media center using black walnut wood and epoxy in school colors. More than a woodworking project, the experience gave students hands-on opportunities to demonstrate craftsmanship, problem-solve, and work as a team.

The table was unveiled on April 25 and now sits proudly in a central space for the whole school to enjoy. It stands as a symbol of creativity, collaboration and the power of community at Hoffman Estates High School.

On Saturday, March 8, students from the Hoffman Jazz Combo and Hoffman Estates Jazz Ensemble performed for the first time at the Mundelein Jazz invitational. Students were evaluated by college professors and local professional jazz musicians. The group received valuable feedback from this esteemed panel of musicians in clinics after our performances.

It was a great learning experience for our students!

Between February and March, the Design Studio and Fashion classes partnered with the library to complete a project celebrating Women’s History Month.

In class, Hoffman students started by researching a woman who stood out to them. Their next step was to take that inspiration and design a dress using recycled materials like old books and magazines.

Once their design was complete, they worked on marketing skills to share information about the woman who inspired them and their creative process. The finished products were displayed in the library, where visitors were invited to vote for their favorites.

We are so proud of our Hawks and their hard work in honoring these influential women.

AP World History students recently visited the Field Museum to flex their historical thinking skills through an engaging historical scavenger hunt.

This experience wasn't just a fun outing…it was a powerful extension of classroom learning into the real world. At HEHS, we believe the most impactful learning happens when students are actively involved in the process. Whether analyzing primary sources, making connections across civilizations, or exploring artifacts firsthand, students deepened their understanding of global history in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

Learning doesn't stop at the classroom door…it's everywhere, and experiences like this help bring history to life in ways that spark curiosity, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning.

At Hoffman Estates High School, we seek to support student mental health, social-emotional wellness, physical wellness and safety. The student wellness committee provides a platform for students to share ideas for how to support the development of our school community in all areas of wellness. Additionally students work on school specific, student driven initiatives to support the whole student and community.

This year, the Student Wellness Team built a smashing success!

Mr. Heisler and Mrs. Bergstrom, our Student Wellness Team Faculty Advisors, and the Student Wellness Team launched the 1st Annual HEHS Pickleball Tournament this spring. Students and staff played a round robin style tournament, declaring an overall tournament championship team.

Students took the title this year, and so much excitement was built through this event that it will be back next year. Most importantly…a positive and community building experience was had as students and staff came together! It was a great event and a GREAT day to be a HAWK!

Students proudly took the stage at the 2025 Multicultural Show, sharing music, dance, fashion and traditions that reflected the richness of their cultural identities.

Sponsored by the Cultural Awareness club, the event highlighted the beauty of diversity and the power of unity through student-led performances. From vibrant costumes to heartfelt storytelling, each act offered a glimpse into the heritage and pride of our school community.

The show was a joyful celebration of what makes us unique—and what brings us together.

Congrats to the Varsity Scholastic Bowl team for being Regional Champions for the first time since 2005!

At the conclusion of each athletic season, we celebrate our Hawks who have earned recognition for their academic and athletic achievements. Follow this link to see these Student-Athletes: 2024-25 Hawk Spring Accolades (This list still continues to be updated as the spring season concludes.)

Congratulations go out to the Boys Track & Field team for their 2nd Place team finish at the Mid Suburban League West Championship, with 20 athletes producing personal records (PRs).

Nice job Hawks on this strong showing!

May 12: Senior Sunset

May 14: Seniors Last Day - End of Day Assembly

May 15: Graduation Rehearsal 7:30AM - Main Gym

May 16: Senior Brunch - 11AM Chandlers

May 16: Graduation - 7:30PM NOW Arena

Seniors and parents of seniors…District 211 and HEHS allows its graduating seniors to exempt from their second semester final exams if they meet the following criteria:

• have at least a “C” average in the course

• have less than six absences from the class

• have no truancies from the class

• have not been suspended from the class

• are not incomplete on required assignments

Seniors not qualifying for the exemption will be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies but will not receive a diploma on that day. Senior finals will be administered concurrently with all other scheduled final exams on May 21, 22 and 23. Diplomas will be given to students required to take final exams following the processing of final grades. An email was sent to your senior student asking for their understanding of the Senior Final Exam Exemption Policy in February.

Please Read to Understand HEHS Parking Lot Guidelines and Expectations - parking enforcement is underway!

Student Drop-Off Reminder

Morning student drop-off prior to 7:15am - we encourage parents to drop off in the designated parent drop-off lanes near the media center (the drive north of Higgins). Parents should not drop off along the curb near the marquee as it provides a safety hazard both for pedestrians and other vehicles entering the parking lot off Higgins.

At 7:15am student drop-off by bus concludes and you may use the bus lanes to drop your student on the sidewalk nearest the building.

On late start days the bus lane will be open at 8:40am and I strongly encourage drop-off using the bus lane to avoid creating traffic congestion at the entrance to the main lot.

Student Pick-Up Reminder

After school pick-up we encourage parents to pick up in the designated parent pick-up lanes near the media center (the drive north of Higgins). Parents should not pick up along the curb near the marquee as it provides a safety hazard both for pedestrians and other vehicles entering the parking lot off Higgins. After buses depart (typically at 2:57pm), the bus lane may be used for pick up.

Evening student pick-up can occur in the bus lanes except for the following times:

3:50 – 4:10 p.m.

5:05 – 5:25 p.m.

*Athlete pick-up is preferred at Door 9 (Athletic Entrance)

May 5 - 16 Advanced Placement Testing

May 12: Senior Sunset

May 14, 15 Extended Media Center Hours - 5-8PM

May 14 Seniors' Last Day - End of Day Assembly

May 15 Graduation Rehearsal 7:30AM - Main Gym

May 16 Senior Brunch - 11AM Chandlers

May 16 Graduation - NOW Arena - 7:30PM

May 19, 20 Extended Media Center Hours - 5-8PM

May 21-23 Final Exams

May 23 Last Day of School