Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Superintendent O'Neil and Hempstead Theatre Co. students! 

      December 19, 2025

Dear Bobcat Families & Staff,

The holiday season is such a wonderful time to spend with family and friends. It is my sincere hope that you are able to enjoy the blessings of this season with those you love most. As we reflect on this year, I want each of you to know how grateful I am for your continued support of Hempstead ISD. Your continued partnership has meant so much to our students and staff.

As I reflect on the past few years, there are many accomplishments we can be proud of as a district. Our journey began with the creation of a five-year strategic plan that serves as a roadmap for the future of Hempstead ISD. Our community came together to develop this plan, and it has guided our work every step of the way. Since that time, we have:

We are proud of the progress we have made, and we also recognize that there is still important work ahead. I firmly believe that with your continued support and reinforcement, Hempstead ISD can become a “B”-rated district. Achieving this will require bold action, and our staff understands that we must Be Bold! Be Clear! Be Better!

I am deeply thankful for our teachers and staff who work tirelessly to ensure our students find joy in learning and achieve at high levels each day. Teaching is not easy work, yet it is done with care, precision, and love. Thank you to all of our teachers and staff for all that you do.

Hempstead is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people, and it is truly a privilege to serve as your superintendent. Let us continue to be kind to one another, uplift our community, and support our students. When we work together toward a common goal, there is nothing that can stop us from reaching #HigherHeights.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Herbert O’Neil
Superintendent of Schools
Hempstead ISD

All Hempstead ISD offices and schools will be CLOSED for the Winter Break from December 22 to January 2. Friday, December 19, is an Early Release Day.

HMS and HHS - 11:30 AM
HECC and HES - 11:40 AM.

Staff will return on January 5, 2026, and Students will return on January 6, 2026.

Hempstead ISD is now accepting nominations for current KG - 11th-grade students to be screened and possibly placed in the Hempstead ISD Gifted and Talented Program for the 2026-2027 school year.

Kindergarten through 11th-grade students may be nominated by administrators, teachers, parents, guardians, themselves, or by any other interested person(s). Nomination forms may be found in the main office of their schools, or you may complete the form online.

Nominations will be accepted from now through December 19, 2025. Read More

The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, December 15, 2025.

During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil provided his monthly Superintendent’s Report and celebrated the December Students, Campus Teachers, and Support Staff of the Month. 

Read More and View Photos

The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, November 17, 2025.

During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil provided his monthly Superintendent’s Report and celebrated the November Students, Campus Teachers, and Support Staff of the Month. 

Read More and View Photos

Hempstead ISD is thankful for the support of our community, which voters approved a $45.7 million bond referendum to build a new Early Childhood Center, address aging facilities, and update safety and infrastructure. Stay connected for more updates as bond projects begin at the site of the new early childhood center, the elementary campus, the middle school, and the high school. Bond 2024 Newsletter

At Hempstead High School, leadership doesn’t always come with a title; it’s often shown through service, reliability, and the quiet influence of someone who chooses to make their school a better place. This month, one student was recognized for doing exactly that. As the recipient of the December Superintendent's Higher Heights Award, this HHS junior has earned recognition from teachers, staff, and administrators for their strong school pride and commitment to making Hempstead High School a better place. Read More

Twenty-one years ago, Rebecca Lopez walked into Hempstead Elementary School as a substitute teacher. Not entirely sure if teaching was for her, but by the end of that first day, surrounded by tiny handprints, curiosity, and big smiles, she knew she had found something special. What surprised her most were the relationships she was building with students and their families. 

Two decades later, her classroom is a place filled with laughter, movement, and endless opportunities to learn through play. Read More

Hempstead Elementary School students lit up the cafeteria during their Holiday Concert, showcasing their talents and spreading holiday cheer.

Families filled the room with applause as students shared the joy of the season. It was a festive celebration of music, community, and Bobcat spirit.

Hempstead High School Colorguard recently competed in the Regional Competition at Klein Oak High School. 

Results from the Waco High School Speech Tournament 

Prose:

Poetry:

Last Friday, our Bond 2024 Construction Manager, Tellepsen, donated 30 bicycles to Hempstead Middle School! Their generosity and commitment to giving back will have a lasting impact beyond the holiday season. 

View Photos

Hempstead Early Childhood Center students and staff celebrated the 12 Days of Christmas with spirited Dress Up Days. Check out their Facebook Page for the fun! 

Final Results from the recent tournament: 

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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 both iOS and Android devices.

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

Please stay connected with Hempstead ISD by visiting the District News pages to stay up to date on all the great things happening in our district. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.