District 233's Average ACT Score Highest in School History

Superintendent Von Mansfield and Principal Ryan Pitcock were guest speakers at the March program meeting of the Homewood Flossmoor Area League of Women Voters held at the Homewood Public Library.  An audience of League members and many guests listened to the administrators' presentation which included information about the academic programs at Homewood Flossmoor High School as well as about the renovation of the fieldhouse.

Principal Pitcock reported that the 2013 average ACT score for the school --  21.6 -- was the highest ever in the school's history.  He attributes that to H-F's rigorous academic program as well as to the fact that the social-economic level of the community has stayed constant.  Many students take AP and IB courses which prepare them for college.  In addition, vocational education classes are offered for those students who may not be interested in continuing their education beyond high school.  All students, however, are required to take Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry and Physics to graduate.  

Students may choose from an average of 90 clubs and many athletic teams to join.  In fact, Dr. Pitcock stated that 90% of the students participate in at least one -- and often two or more -- of these activities.

Dr. Mansfield explained the importance of keeping the buildings and facilities updated and showed pictures of some of the completed renovations in the past years.  He also showed slides of the new field house, a state-of-the-art facility. He said that the school hopes to host an Open House later on in the spring for residents of the community.  To see pictures of many of these renovations since 2000 -- including the TV&radio station and classrooms, the Mall auditorium, science labs, the Teaching and Learning Center, the greenhouse, the stadium driveway and student access paths, South Building boilers, turf, track and lighting at the stadium and more -- log onto the school's user-friendly website, hfhighschool.org.

When asked to give an update about the girls' basketball situation, Dr. Mansfield said due to litigation that is ongoing, they cannot comment too specifically.  He stated that upon realizing they may have been in violation of some IHSA by-laws, the school self-reported to IHSA. Going forward, a plan is in place to be sure that all coaches completely understand all IHSA bylaws.

Members of the audience, pleased with what they heard during the evening's program, expressed their thanks and appreciation to Drs. Mansfield and Pitcock for their presentation.