October 2, 2025

Dear Bobcat Families & Staff,

Thank you for all of your Bobcat spirit during Homecoming last week! It was wonderful to see so many alumni at the Homecoming parade and the big football game. I always love seeing our Bobcat pride across Hempstead. 

The fall season is upon us, and we are already experiencing cooler mornings and evenings, a welcome change. With that in mind, I want to personally invite each of you to the annual Hempstead ISD Fall Festival. This event will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, at the Hempstead High School Competition Gym.

I want to recognize all of our students participating in the Waller County Fair. I know many of you attend this annual event to support our students. Please enjoy great food, rides, and activities this weekend.

Sunday, October 5, is World Teachers’ Day! Teachers are the heartbeat of any school system. We want each of our Bobcat educators to know that we recognize your efforts and the hard work you put in for our students each day. I have seen so many of our teachers grow and do amazing things in your classrooms. Our students are thriving, showing growth, and performing at high levels because of your dedication. Continue to be the light that shines in their lives. Happy Teachers’ Day!

October also marks National Principal Appreciation Month! We want to celebrate all of our Bobcat principals. I want to personally thank Ms. Houston, Mr. Jeffery, Ms. Douglas, and Ms. Morgan. I appreciate the way each of you gives so much of yourself to the students, staff, and community of Hempstead ISD. Being a principal is a challenging job, but you work hard to make it look easy. Please continue to celebrate our principals all month long.

Last week, the Hempstead High School Bobcat Band earned 1st place among 3A bands at the Blinn Marching Festival. Our band continues to grow and looked fantastic at the Homecoming game. 

Bond 2024 Update:

• The project at Bobcat Stadium is now complete. The facility is beautiful, and our new video scoreboard is the icing on the cake. 

• The district has received the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the middle school and high school additions. 

• Our construction teams are working diligently to prepare so we can move forward. Once permitting is complete, we will be full steam ahead.

Finally, I want to continue encouraging you to ensure your students are present each day. Attendance Matters. When students attend regularly, their learning is consistent, and gaps are prevented. If they are sick, please notify the campus so attendance records can be updated. Daily attendance is critical for high-level learning.

As we move through this school year, let’s not forget our theme: Be Bold! Be Clear! Be Better! These words are more than just a slogan; they call us to action. We must take bold steps to continue moving Hempstead ISD to #HigherHeights. Bold moves will ensure that our students receive the best instruction from early childhood through high school, preparing them for fruitful and successful lives. Bold Moves! Bright Futures!

I appreciate your support of Hempstead ISD. Together, we will go to #HigherHeights!

With Bobcat Pride,

Herbert O’Neil
Superintendent of Schools
Hempstead ISD

In celebration of National Principal Appreciation Month, we would like to extend our appreciation to the incredible principals who lead our schools with passion and dedication.

Thank you to each Bobcat principal for your unwavering commitment to the growth and well-being of our students. Your leadership truly makes a difference, and we're grateful to have you as the leaders of our schools.

Please join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals who inspire us daily.

Hempstead Early Childhood Center - Keri Houston

Hempstead Elementary School - William Jeffery

Hempstead Middle School - Erika Douglas

Hempstead High School - LaKesha Morgan

We celebrate all our teachers on October 5 for World Teachers' Day. We are grateful for the work that our Hempstead ISD educators do to ensure our students are learning and growing each day.