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Last spring, District 113 implemented a new cell phone and technology policy. We are very proud of how well students adapted to the policy. Having all cell phones turned off and stored away had a visible improvement in student engagement. That same policy will remain in place for the 2026-27 school year. Students may use phones before/after school, during passing periods, lunch, and study hall—but not during instructional time. Phones must be silenced/in airplane mode and stored in the designated classroom system during class.

Additionally, starting in the 2026-27 school year, all students must use district-issued Chromebooks; personal laptops are not allowed, and the available networks will no longer support them.

We appreciate your support as we work together to create more focused and engaging learning environments for all students.

Class Schedules

Student class schedules for the 2026-27 school year will be available via Infinite Campus on Thursday, July 30th. Some additional information regarding class schedules will be sent via email on Wednesday, July 29th.

Course Request Change Form - This past spring, we provided students with additional opportunities to request a course change for their schedule. The Course Change Request Form closed on May 31, 2025. We are not accepting course change requests at this time. For students who wish to drop a class without adding a class, this form will open on August 3 at 8 am. 

Course Placement Changes - As was true last year, students must meet specific criteria to be considered for a level change in a course. Please read in depth about the new course level change procedure here. 
 

Every parent/guardian must sign in to Infinite Campus to pay school fees prior to the first day of school. Fees will be available to pay upon the release of student schedules on July 31. As was communicated in May of 2026, a new $450 all inclusive student fee structure has been implemented in District 113. The details of what is included in the fee can be found on the HPHS Bookstore Fees and Refunds webpage.

Infinite Campus Payment Process

Infinite Campus announced it is switching payment processors for all online payment functions in the Campus Portal. We made the switch on July 20, 2026. This will have no impact on how payments are processed, however you will need to update the following: 

Add Payment Method(s)

• Your information will NOT automatically be transferred over to ensure the security and confidentiality of your data, so if you have any saved methods, you will have to enter them again into Campus Parent. 
• If you need assistance adding payment methods, please follow these instructions. 

Update Recurring Payments

• To ensure the security and confidentiality of your data, your recurring payments will NOT be transferred. 
• Add any recurring payments you previously had set up and use the new payment methods you created. 

There are no other changes in the way you will experience online payments.

Financial Assistance

Families that may need financial assistance for school fees, textbooks, lunch, and other school resources should review and complete the Financial Aid Application. If you have questions, please contact Norma Aguilar at naguilar@dist113.org or your child’s counselor.

As we prepare for the upcoming year, our goal is to make sure every student has the technology and resources they need to start the school year with confidence. We encourage you to bookmark the Highland Park High School Bookstore website.

In alignment with District 113’s core values, fees will be waived for students who qualify for financial assistance, ensuring costs are never a barrier to educational opportunities. To apply, please visit our Financial Assistance webpage.

Summer Logistics & Pickup Hours

• Chromebooks: Incoming freshmen and transfer students may pick up their devices during the summer hours listed below. All students will be required to use their district-issued Chromebooks in lieu of any personal devices.
• PE Essentials: PE uniforms, locks, and heart rate straps are available for purchase and pickup. To expedite your visit, we highly recommend pre-ordering these items online so they are ready for pickup at the Bookstore. To access your online Virtual Bookstore, please log into Infinite Campus > School Store > Shop > Virtual Bookstore. All incoming freshmen will need these items and returning students will only need to replace lost items.
• Textbooks: Once student schedules are released in early August, you may begin picking up textbooks. Please check the school website in early August to see if your student’s specific courses require a loaner textbook pickup. After school begins, students will receive instructions from their teacher regarding access to digital eBooks and content.  Throughout the rest of summer break, the Deerfield High School Bookstore will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Starting the week of 8/3/26, the Bookstore will be open Monday through Friday. 
• Calculators: You can find more information about calculators in the Calculator Frequently Asked Questions section of this webpage.

School Fees & Campus Portal

Following the Board of Education approval this past spring, District 113 is moving to a new $450 All-Inclusive Student Fee structure for the 2026–2027 school year. This single, streamlined fee covers all required textbooks (rental), digital resources and eBooks, Chromebook access/repairs, course-specific lab materials, and course packets.

• When to View: Fees will be assessed and available for viewing on the Infinite Campus Portal in late July. Payment is due by the first day of school.
• What is Automatically Included: To foster a strong sense of belonging, an Activity Ticket and a copy of the school yearbook are now included automatically for every single student. You do not need to purchase these items separately.
• What Remains Separate: Participation-based or optional expenses—such as transportation, parking, AP testing, Traffic Safety courses, grade-specific fees like graduation, national language exams, optional extracurricular or activity-related costs, and PE uniforms/personal equipment —remain separate charges.
• You can find more information by visiting the Fees & Refunds webpage. 
• In alignment with District 113’s core values, fees will be waived for students who qualify for financial assistance, ensuring costs are never a barrier to educational opportunities. To apply, please visit our Financial Assistance webpage.

School Year Operations

Once the school year begins, the bookstore will open daily at 7:30 am. Please be mindful that to protect instructional time, the bookstore does not provide passes for students who arrive late to class due to pickup/purchasing materials.

Quest is our food service vendor. Learn more about Quest by visiting our Food Services webpage. 

Purchasing Items

Students may purchase food in the cafeteria and coffee bar during the school year using their school ID as a debit card. Each student must have their own ID available to purchase food in the cafeteria. Students purchasing food through their account must have adequate funds.  Please know that we do not allow students to carry a negative balance.

• Set-Up/Add Funds - Money may be deposited into a student’s account at any time during the school year. Log in to your Infinite Campus Portal and select “Food Service”
• Account Notification - Parents/guardians can set up notifications to send an email when food service account balances drop below a specified threshold. 
• Year-End Balances - Balances at the end of the school year roll over to the next year unless a refund is requested. Graduating seniors will receive a refund in the form of a check mailed to their household. Checks will be mailed by the end of June. Families wishing to transfer balances to a sibling must request this prior to graduation.

Other Payment Methods

The student school ID is the preferred and quickest form of payment in the cafeteria and coffee bar. However, cash will also be accepted. Credit/debit cards and other payment methods are not accepted in the cafeteria and coffee bar. Please note that the vending machines accept cash, credit/debit, and Apple Pay. 

Bus Service - Students who reside 1.5 miles or more from school are eligible to take advantage of the free bus service. Service begins on Wednesday, August 13. Bus schedules and routes will be available via My Ride K-12. More details can be found on the District 113 Transportation webpage. 

District 113 has made important updates to student transportation for the 2026–27 school year to improve safety, route efficiency, and driver availability for daily routes, transition programs, and after-school activities.

Transportation Opt-In Required

Families who live beyond the 1.5-mile walk boundary must opt in to receive district transportation for the 2026–27 school year. This allows the Transportation Department to build routes based on actual ridership, reduce empty stops, shorten route times, and use district resources more efficiently. The opt-in deadline is July 29, 2026.

How to Opt In

Families can opt in by completing the transportation section during the Annual Update in Campus Parent.

Students may still be added after the deadline; however, they may be assigned to an existing stop, and route or stop changes are not guaranteed before the start of school.

Paid Ridership

Families who live within the 1.5-mile walk boundary may request paid transportation via the link below, subject to bus capacity and district approval.

Paid Ridership Request

The fee is $230 per student/per semester. The fee can be submitted via Infinite Campus. The path to submit the payment is as follows: school store > student activities > click the tile with the school bus that says D113 paid ridership to submit.

Student ID Required for Bus Boarding

Beginning this school year, students must present a valid ID to board district buses.

Accepted IDs:

• My Ride K-12 App: We strongly encourage all students to download and utilize the My Ride K-12 app; instructions for setup can be found via the link provided below. This tool allows students to conveniently display their assigned route information on their mobile devices when boarding the bus.

My Ride K-12 App

• Alternative Identification: We recognize that some students may not have access to a mobile device while boarding. In these instances, our bus drivers will provide a specific route identification sticker to the student.
• Sticker Placement: If a student receives an identification sticker from their driver, it must be placed prominently on the front of their student ID card. This ensures that drivers can perform quick, accurate verifications during boarding, which helps maintain our scheduled route efficiency.
  • Stickers will be provided by the driver in the event a student does not have a mobile device to show the My Ride K-12 app route assignment. 

If ID is Missing:

• The student provides their name or ID number to the driver.
• The driver confirms the route assignment with dispatch.
• The driver issues a route sticker to place on the student's ID.

For questions, please contact the Transportation Department at transportation@dist113.org or 224-765-1040.

There is limited student parking available. Incoming senior students applied and received verification of their parking status this past May. Any additional spots made available will be given to senior students on the waitlist. For additional information, please contact Mr. Joiner, Security Manager at tjoiner@dist113.org or 224-632-3374. Additional parking information is posted on the Parking & Visiting HPHS webpage.

Expectations for Students with Parking Privileges: Earlier this month, we communicated new expectations related to parking and student attendance. As a reminder, all students with on-campus parking privileges will have their attendance reviewed each month. If a student's cumulative attendance has fallen below 90% during a monthly review, they will be placed on parking probation for the following month. Students will have the full month to get their attendance back on track, and if they do, their parking privileges will remain intact. If cumulative attendance has not improved to 90% or greater by the next monthly review, parking privileges will be revoked until the following month's review confirms the threshold has been met. It is also important to note that all absences, both excused and unexcused, are factored into the attendance calculation. 

If your student has a known health condition such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, or food allergies, please provide Health Services with the applicable documentation as found on the HPHS Health Services’ webpage, including:

• Medication Authorization Form
• Diabetes Medical Management Plan
• Asthma Action Plan
• Allergy Action Plan
• Seizure Action Plan

Please provide the School Nurse with all necessary supplies to treat your student(s) effectively during the school day. HPHS Health Services has a stock supply of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin). However, only students who have the School Medication Authorization Form on file will be able to have these dispensed during the school day.

District 113 policy does not allow students to carry any medication, prescription or non-prescription, on campus during the school day; exceptions are epinephrine auto-injectors, asthma rescue inhalers, and diabetes medication.

Proof of immunization (for freshmen and seniors) is required by the first day of school. Freshmen are required to show proof of physical examination, immunizations, and dental examination, while seniors are required to show proof of the second dose of the Meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

Please feel free to contact health services at 224-765-2200 if you have any questions. Additional contact information can be found on the HPHS Health Services webpage.

Safety and security are of utmost importance in District 113. Our district and school administrators, security team, school resource officer, and local law enforcement work together to implement safety and security measures. State-required emergency drills will be conducted throughout the school year.  

Addressing Safety & Security Concerns

To address safety and security concerns with the school, students are encouraged to talk to the Deans, SRO, teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult. Students may also access the following resources: District 113 tipline by phone or text at (847) 262-3363. (Please note that the District 113 tipline will not be monitored outside of school hours, on student non-attendance days, weekends, school breaks (including summer), or holidays.) Additional tiplines, monitored 24/7, can be found on the back of a student's ID, including Safe2Help Illinois (text SAFE2) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (call 988). In the case of an emergency, call 911.

Emergency Notification System

For students and their parents/guardians, the District 113 emergency notification system uses the contact information provided during Registration and confirmed during the Annual Update process. That contact information is housed in Infinite Campus. Please review your contact information in the Infinite Campus Portal to ensure that it is up-to-date. View instructions for updating your contact information in Infinite Campus.

All students and parents/guardians are required to review the District 113 Student Handbook. The Handbook provides important school information, including policies and procedures, contact information, and important dates. 

Some special highlights from the Handbook are listed below:

• Student IDs: Students must scan their school ID to enter the building during the school day. Students may access their electronic school ID via Infinite Campus. **Please note that new physical IDs will not be issued until the beginning of September. 
• Attendance: While the importance of regular and sustained attendance is recognized, the Board of Education understands that there will be times when students are absent for a valid cause. Parents/guardians are expected to report and provide a reason for absence to the high school attendance office within 24 hours of the absence.  Please refer to the Parent Square communication sent on July 10th regarding attendance expectations for the 2026/27 school year.
• Cell Phone Usage: Students are not permitted to use cell phones during their class period unless specifically authorized by the teacher. Students are expected to store their silenced cell phones in the designated cell phone pouches in the classroom.
• Student Behavior Expectations: Please carefully review the rules and policies related to student behavior expectations, discipline and consequences, which focus on safety, promote fairness, and provide support for struggling students.

Infinite Campus

Parents/guardians and students should familiarize themselves with the Infinite Campus portal, which provides important information about the student, contact information, schedule, attendance, grades, food service, school store, and much more. Questions about the Infinite Campus portal access can be directed to hphsportal@dist113.org.

• Message Contact Update: It is important to keep your contact information up to date in Infinite Campus. Manage your contact preference by selecting the desired language, when you receive a message, and how you receive that message (phone call, email, or text message). Additional details can be found on the D113 Infinite Campus webpage.

Student Email Accounts/Network and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

All HPHS students are provided a student Gmail account. School staff use these school-issued email accounts when communicating with students via email. Use of this e-mail account is subject to District 113’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Chromebook Distribution

This pertains to Incoming freshmen and transfer students. Chromebook distribution began this summer through the bookstore. Be sure to pick up your Chromebook at the HPHS Bookstore prior to the first day of school. Any questions related to Chromebooks can be directed to Jill Rossi at jrossi@dist113.org. Also, please note that starting this school year (26-27), all students will be required to use their district-issued Chromebooks in lieu of any personal devices.

Additional Resources

• Schoology: Parents/guardians and students can use this system to engage with learning materials. Access codes to create parent accounts will be in Campus Parent accounts in August. Additional Details can be found on the district Schoology Resources page.  
• ParentSquare: Resources for this communications platform can be found here.  

HPHS is proud to support over 30 sports teams. Fall, Winter, and Spring season start Dates for the 26-27 School Year can be found by navigating to the HPHS Athletics webpage. 

Please be aware that the Fall Athletics season starts during the first week of school on August 10th (NOTE THAT FOOTBALL BEGINS ON 8/5/26). 

Fall sports include cross country (boys & girls), field hockey (girls), flag football (girls), football, golf (boys & girls), soccer (boys), swimming and diving (girls), tennis (girls), and volleyball (girls). All student-athletes must register online prior to tryouts.

Registration Information:

1. Navigate to the HPHS Athletic Registration webpage. Follow the link to the Registration page.
2. Midway down the webpage, you will find details regarding the registration process.
3. School Physical Form - A current physical is required to be eligible to participate in athletics and must be uploaded to the school registration website. Physicals are valid for 13 months from the date of the exam per IHSA regulations and must be current for the duration of the athletic season. The physical must contain a "YES" statement signed and dated by the doctor that your child can participate in physical education and/or physical activity. Click here for the School Physical Form. 

*Please note: Incoming freshmen are ALSO required to submit the school physical form to the health services office. This form must be separately submitted to health services AND as a part of the athletic registration process. 

Fall Student Activities Fair

Find Your Crew at the Activity Fair! 🌟 Want to get involved, meet new people, or build up your GIANT spirit here at HP? Check out the HP Activity Fair held in the Courtyard during all lunch periods from August 18–21!

Stop by during lunch to explore our non-competitive and competitive student clubs and service organizations. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions, share meeting schedules, and help you sign up. Don't miss out on making this school year your best one yet!

Below is information about Homecoming 2026. Additional details will be posted as they become available:

• Homecoming Spirit Week: Monday, October 5th - Friday, October 9th at HPHS.
• Homecoming Pep Rally: Friday, October 9th, in the GIANT Gym.
• Homecoming Football Game: Friday, October 9th, vs. Niles North at Wolters Field.
• Homecoming Dance: Saturday, October 10th at HPHS. 

Welcome to Highland Park High School!

August 12, 2026

Our first day together is about welcoming you into our GIANT family. Our junior/senior Link Crew leaders are excited to kick off our welcome day for the Class of 2030. Leaders will facilitate several activities that offer perspectives, build connections, and share a few logistics for being a successful high school student. Each student should expect a phone call from their leader on Thursday, 8/6, or Friday, 8/7. CLICK HERE to learn more about our Link Crew Program.

For questions regarding our GIANT Welcome for students after you receive the schedule/agenda, please contact Dr. Joaquin Stephenson, Activities Director (jstephenson@dist113.org).  

Giant U-Nite: BE COOL
Join staff & link leaders in the HPHS Courtyard (Adjacent to the cafeteria) on Thursday, August 6th, from 6-7 PM for a smooth transition to the start of the year. This event is for freshmen students only. The Class of 2030 can enjoy a time to connect with one another while enjoying games, ice cream, popcorn, and cool beverages/refreshments. We will have an HP GIANT Instagram background for photo ops and a D.J. playing summer tunes as we “STAY COOL” vibing together!

Congratulations, Class of 2027!

You are officially seniors! This year brings the excitement of planning for the next steps after high school. While you are busy planning, we also want to ensure that you take advantage of every moment you have left at HPHS. We look forward to seeing your last performances and big accomplishments that you have worked so hard to achieve. Best of luck in everything that you do this year! Please review the additional information below that is specific to seniors.

Yearbook/School Pictures (Seniors)

Stuart Rodgers is the official Highland Park High School photographer. You should have received a postcard from them at the beginning of July, which explains the process of getting your senior picture taken. They have offices in Highland Park and Evanston. Additional details may be found on the Stuart Rodgers website, by phone at 877-864-7322, or by email at info@srphoto.com.

Graduation Information

The HPHS Class of 2027 Graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26, at Ravinia at 5 pm. We will provide additional details about graduation during the school year.