Four Class of 2017 graduates: Heather Baldacci, Hailey Hill, Claudia Kosiak, and Jacob Wat have all excelled in academics, with GPAs in the top 10 among the class’s more than 700 graduates. But equally as important, each has forged a distinctive path through high school, including finding the right balance among academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Their advice and future plans »
Today we talk with Scott Iddings, principal of Leggee Elementary School; Carrie Hernandez, Leggee kindergarten teacher; and Carter, a kindergarten veteran, about what to expect at kindergarten registration and in the classroom. At kindergarten registration events, families have the opportunity to tour the school, meet staff, and get to know their school. Watch the video »
Today we speak with five students from the inaugural class of Huntley High School’s pioneering Youth Residency Program about their experiences. They’ll share their favorite memories from their one-of-a-kind experience as well as how the program has helped them develop their plans for the future. See behind the scenes »
On this special two-part episode, we speak with six Huntley High School who shortly after graduation will be shipping out for service in the military. As we near graduation season, we are so proud and honored to speak with these students about the choices they have made to enter the military.
On Part I we speak with seniors Noah Drzal, Hal Hardy, and Gunnar Vogt, and junior Myranda Anderson about their motivations for joining the military and their future plans. On Part II, we speak with seniors Taylor Velez and Zack Flick about their personal histories with the military and their future plans. Two special episodes »
Today we speak with Bill Geheren and Kate Curtin, aka the Dudes and Duchess of Huntley Community Radio. The station also broadcasts HHS football games, garnering thousands of listeners from throughout the country. Broadcasting at 101.5 FM locally and online at huntleyradio.com, HCR has become an integral part of the community. Broadcasting live from HHS »
Today we speak with Richard Myers, manager of Culver’s in Huntley, which over the years has partnered in numerous ways with Huntley 158. In addition, we talk with HHS senior Trevor Sass, who says he will take his experiences working at Culver’s through the school’s Co-op Program with him to the United States Marine Corps. Familiar faces at schools »
Today we speak with Sunday Graham, of the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition to hosting the ribbon cutting event for Huntley High School’s new addition in 2016, the Chamber partners with the District in many ways. According to Graham, strong local schools have a large positive effect on home values and business growth. Mutually beneficial partnerships »
Today we speak with Jacki Carrasco, director of the Huntley 158 gifted program, as well as Deena Reeves and Bruce Augustine, two gifted parents who have both served as chair of the Community Organization for Gifted Children (COGC), an organization that provides networking and resources for parents of gifted children. Parent leadership »
Today HHS Principal Scott Rowe discusses the school’s pioneering ALPHA Courses Blended Learning program. Through it, the school offers some 40 classes combining face-to-face and online work, from math to PE. Its successes have been documented by CNN.com, Parenting Magazine, and many other national and trade publications. Nationally recognized »
Today we speak with Phil Carter, Huntley High School band director, and three students from the school’s award-winning bands. In 2016, the Marching Red Raiders took top visual honors at statewide competition. In addition, concert bands and ensembles have performed at a number of competitions, and students have received a host of top honors. Unorthodox training »
Today we speak with Dave Johnson, village manager of Huntley, and Mayor Charles Sass about how rapid changes and growth in the community over the past two decades have strengthened the community and the school district. We’ll also learn about their backgrounds and how the Village and District continue to partner. Growing the community »
On this episode of Huntley 158 Today we speak with Amanda Henk, a teacher who both was instrumental in the formation of the HHS Engineering Academy and is coach of the HHS Robotics Team. We also chat with three students and robotics team members about their experiences so far in the Academy. Upcoming competitions »
Today we speak with three students and teacher Page Schwaschwary from the HHS Co-Op Program. The class pairs in-school study of skills such as communication, interviewing, and college and career prep with early release for students to work real jobs in the community. The program works with more than 100 businesses in McHenry County. Deep ties to community »
Today we speak with HHS counselor Julie Atchley and several students who have benefited from the school’s adoption of Naviance, a leading online service that pairs students with college and career choices. Atchley says it is just one tool the Counseling Department uses to help students plot their post-secondary paths. Personalized profiles »
Today we speak with four students from the Huntley 158 LIGHT Program, which serves special education students ages 18-21 who have completed graduation requirements but delayed acceptance of their diploma. About 75% of students in the program are competitively employed through partnerships with about 40 local employers. Watch the video »
Huntley High School has been working with staff, students, and families to prepare for the SAT Exam, which Illinois selected to replace the ACT as the statewide college readiness assessment. Associate Principal Shelly Kish joins us to answer your questions about the shift and share where people can go for more information. Your FAQs answered »
Twenty-four students from the HHS Medical Academy are pioneering a medical residency program in partnership with Centegra Health System. Believed to be the first of its kind, the program gives students the opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals for several hours each week in departments throughout Centegra facilities. Real-world experiences »
On our holiday episode of Huntley 158 Today, we talk with Patricia Robinson, one of our amazing bus drivers! In addition to winning over the hearts of thousands of students during her career with the District, Mrs. Robinson, better known to many of her riders as “Mama Bear,” also recently received a statewide “Those Who Excel” honor. What makes her smile everyday »
Did you know about 10% of students in Huntley Community School District 158 receive some level of support from the Special Services Department? In this episode of Huntley 158 Today, Special Services Director Kevin Wolf discusses the breadth of services the department offers and areas of focus to better serve students and their families. How many students receive supports? »
Marlowe Middle School band teacher Brooke Atlas tells us about her experiences teaching abroad in Israel, which she has done for several summers since graduating college. She tells us: “…if you’re going to love students and show that you’re there for them, they’re going to always show love back to you.” A life-changing experience »
On this “Halloween” episode, we speak with two students and the director from Huntley High School’s production of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” We’ll talk to them about the challenges of doing Shakespeare at the high school level as well as the fun of performing their swashbuckling take on the classic drama. Why students love Shakespeare »
Huntley 158 introduced Orchestra to our middle schools in 2015-16. The program has drawn significant interest and will continue to expand in coming years into HHS. Today we check in with three Marlowe Middle School orchestra students and their teacher, Mr. Meza. Watch as they discuss their experiences in orchestra and treat us to a performance! Watch them perform »
In Fall 2016, all juniors and seniors at received Chromebooks, marking the final step in the implementation of Huntley 158’s Always Initiative, the largest K-12 1:1 implementation in Illinois. Today we speak with Rikki Holton, one of four HHS instructional coaches working with fellow teachers to effectively integrate technology in instruction. A Chromebook for every student »
Huntley High School students Caitlin Murray and Savannah Fiedler were among just 1,598 out of 1.92 million nationwide to earn a perfect score of 36 on the ACT. Less than one-tenth of 1 percent of all test-takers receive a perfect composite score. We ask them about the moment they found out, and what prepared them for their success. Their reactions to the news »
On this episode of Huntley 158 Today, we talk with three 2016 AP Scholars about their experiences at Huntley High School. In 2016, 182 HHS students and graduates earned the designation of AP Scholar from the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) exams. See them on Huntley 158 Today »
This week we check in with Lorie Woods and Nathan Knapke, who have helped transform the Performing Arts Center into a premier destination for theater and other performances. Their expertise has guided both a number of physical and technological improvements to the theater, as well as the audience experience. Professional-quality productions »
The world of communications has changed drastically in the past 10-20 years, and we’re always looking for ways to best engage with our community. Today we speak with Dan Armstrong, director of communications and public engagement, about how we’ve evolved in both getting information to and receiving feedback from our community. Watch the video »
Huntley 158 hired Adam Dean as its first Chief Security Officer in 2015. On this episode of Huntley 158 Today, he discusses both the law enforcement background he brings to the new position as well as some of the many changes in safety and security, including physical upgrades and new procedures, made in our schools during that time. Watch the video »
The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department was busy at work over the summer of 2016, overseeing new construction at HHS and a number of projects at other Huntley 158 locations. We speak with Doug Renkosik, director of O&M, about the challenges and successes in ensuring facilities that enable 21st-Century learning. Watch the video »
The District is excited to introduce Huntley 158 Today, a recurring video series featuring administrators and guests from throughout the District discussing current topics in our schools. The premiere episode features Superintendent John Burkey and Associate Superintendent Jessica Lombard discussing the kickoff to the 2016-17 school year. Watch the video »