The Bobcat Beat Newsletter October 17, 2025
 
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Check out the latest message from Superintendent Herbert O'Neil. 

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       October 31, 2025

Dear Bobcat Families & Staff,

I would like to thank everyone who came out to help us celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Hempstead Early Childhood Center. It was a historic occasion for Hempstead ISD! Thank you to our Board of Trustees for having the vision to ensure that our students begin their educational journey with a strong academic foundation. We know that their curiosity, creativity, and love of learning will be fueled in this great new facility.

Congratulations to the Mighty Bobcat Band for their outstanding performance at the recent UIL Region 27 marching competition. They earned a Superior Rating, also known as straight 1’s, and represented Hempstead with excellence. The band advanced to the Area Competition this Saturday, with prelims beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Robinson High School Stadium. Finals will begin at 7:30 p.m. if they qualify.Ticket Information. Let’s continue to cheer them on.

Parents, I want to extend a special word of thanks to you for ensuring that your students are present and on time each day. I appreciate the way our students come to school ready to learn, and I thank you for reinforcing that at home. As we move into the second nine weeks of the school year, it is important that every student stays focused and engaged each day. We want all of our students to continue to grow academically throughout the year.

We are almost to November, which I always think of as a month of thankfulness. I truly believe that we all have something to be thankful for. Have you taken time to really think about what you’re thankful for? I do it often, and I want you to know that I am thankful for the opportunity to partner with each of you as we carry out the vision of Hempstead ISD: to cultivate confident learners and leaders who excel in all endeavors.

As we go through November, let’s focus on the things that we are thankful for. There are certainly enough distractions in the world, so let’s take time to pause and be grateful.

Let’s continue working together as a community to transform education in Hempstead ISD. By staying focused on our vision, mission, and goals, I know we will continue to reach #HigherHeights.

With Bobcat Pride,

HOneil

Herbert O’Neil
Superintendent of Schools
Hempstead ISD. 

bobcat bites
October 20-21 Student Holiday

Hempstead ISD Campuses to Host Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

Hempstead ISD campuses will host Thanksgiving Dinner from November 18-20. All tickets must be purchased by November 10. The cost is $6 per dinner.

Tickets will be sold at each campus in the front office. To find out your child's lunch time or for more information, contact your child's campus.

Thanksgiving Dinner Dates can be found below.

Hempstead ECC - November 18

Hempstead ES - November 19

Hempstead MS - November 20

Hempstead HS - November 20

 

Hempstead ISD Officially Breaks Ground on the New Early Childhood Center

Excitement and gusts of wind filled the air as community members, district leaders, and construction partners gathered to celebrate a historic moment for Hempstead ISD at the groundbreaking ceremony for the district’s new Early Childhood Center. The event marked the first new campus construction in nearly 30 years. Read More

 

Hempstead ISD Named Extra Small District of the Year

The Summies, awarded by Summit K-12, recognize school districts for accelerating achievement in Emergent Bilingual (EB) students. Hempstead ISD received 1st place in the Extra Small District designation, earning a spot among the top-performing districts in the state. Hempstead ISD received multiple awards during the 2025 Summies ceremony, held at the annual Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) conference. Read More

 
Parent teacher conference

HHS Band Earns a Superior Rating at UIL Region 27 Marching Contest

The Hempstead High School band earned Straight 1's at the UIL Region 27 Marching Contest on October 21, 2025, at Waller Stadium. They will advance to the UIL Area D Marching contest at Robinson High School on November 1, 2025. This is the second year in a row that the band has earned straight 1's and a Superior Rating at the region marching contest. Read More

 
Sandra Alvarez Named 2025 Emergent Bilingual Paraprofessional of the Year

Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees Recognizes Students and Staff at October Board Meeting

During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil provided his monthly Superintendent’s Report, honored the campus principals for National Principals Month, and celebrated the October Students, Campus Teachers, and Support Staff of the Month. Read More

 

Hempstead Elementary Launches “Power Hour” Program for 4th and 5th Grade Students

Hempstead Elementary School is excited to invite 4th and 5th-grade students to participate in Power Hour, an after-school tutoring program designed to strengthen reading and math skills through engaging, small-group learning activities. Sign Up Today

 

Hempstead Early College Program to Host Family Information Night on Nov. 5

Hempstead ISD will host an Early College High School family information night at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, in the Bobcat Den, 2432 9th St. The Early College High School model is a blend of high school and college coursework that allows students to earn up to 60 hours, or two years, of tuition-free college credit while earning a high school diploma. Read More

 
Tracers Play

Hempstead Theatre Co. Presents Tracers, Nov. 14-15

Hempstead Theatre Co. is preparing for its second show of the year, Tracers, at 6:30 p.m. on November 14-15, in the Hempstead High School Auditorium.Read More

 
Bobcats in Action

Leading with Passion, Teaching with Purpose

For Hempstead Middle School teacher, Christina Conklin, teaching isn’t just a profession; it’s part of who she is. As a third-generation educator, she grew up surrounded by a love for learning, watching both her mother and grandmother dedicate their lives to students in the classroom. Read More

 

Hempstead High School Welding Students Showcase Skills at Basden Steel’s Steel Day

Hempstead High School welding students showcased their skills at the Basden Steel Company's Steel Day event, earning top honors in the welding competition. Basden Steel hosted students from area school districts last Thursday, giving them a hands-on look into the structural steel industry. Read More

 

Hempstead High School Celebrates Senior Night

Hempstead High School honored its Class of 2025 athletes, band members, and cheerleaders during Senior Night at the final home game of the season on Friday, October 24.

Before kickoff, seniors took the field with their families to be recognized for their dedication and commitment to their respective activities. Read More

 

HECC Students Learn About Agriculture and Animals from HLSR Ag Education Committee

Hempstead Early Childhood Center students were recently visited by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Agriculture Education Committee. The student learned about agriculture and animals. View Photos

 

Hempstead ISD is Hiring. Begin Your Career Today!


Visit all open employment positions at hempsteadisd.org/careers.

 
Join Team Hempstead We are Hiring Subs

We’re looking for substitute teachers to join our Bobcat family!

Do you have a passion for helping students learn and grow? Substitutes play an important role in supporting our schools and ensuring learning continues every day.

  • Non-Degreed $80.00 per day 

  • Degreed $90.00 per day 

  • Certified $105.00 per day

Apply today and become part of our team!

HempsteadISD.org/careers

 
Hempstead ISD is hiring Bus Drivers

Help our Bobcats start and end their school day!

Hempstead ISD is hiring Bus Drivers to help safely transport our Bobcats to and from school and activities.

Training is available.

Apply online at HempsteadISD.org/Careers.

 
Hempstead ISD is hiring police officers

 

Safety is our top priority! Hempstead ISD is hiring Police Officers.

Join our Bobcat Police Department today by visiting our Careers page.

 

 

Stay Connected with Hempstead ISD

 
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Update Your Parent Portal

Is your current contact information on file in the Parent Portal?

Verify your Parent Portal contact information is current for important updates and communications.

Parent Portal Gives Parents Access to:

  • Easy Online Enrollment

  • Attendance Alerts

  • Student Grades

  • Progress Reports & Report Cards

  • Emergency Alerts

  • General School/District Announcements

Stay engaged with your child's learning and what is happening across the district.

stopfinder app

StopFinder Bus App

Hempstead ISD Transportation is using StopFinder, a transportation solution to streamline the daily commute for guardians.

What the App Can Do?

  • View your student’s daily transportation assignments

  • Live View of Bus Location

  • Securely share your student’s schedule with other family members or babysitters

  • Receive notifications and updates related to transportation

     

The StopFinder app is available on bothiOSandAndroiddevices.

Download the FREE Hempstead ISD Mobile App! 

Hempstead ISD App
En la app de Hempstead ISD
 

Download the District Mobile App on the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Please stay connected with Hempstead ISD by visiting theDistrict Newspages to stay up to date on all the great things happening in our district. You can also connect with us onFacebook, Twitter, andInstagram.