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Superintendent O'Neil |
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Dear Bobcat Families & Staff,
I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. I certainly enjoyed spending time with my family and friends. It is always great to return to my hometown and reconnect with old friends and loved ones. Good food, good conversation, and lots of love.
Shhhh! We are testing!
Our students have begun testing across the district. As many of you may have noticed, the testing window looks a little different than it has in the past. Testing began on Thursday, April 9, with 3rd and 6th-grade reading assessments. Throughout the months of April and May, students across various grade levels will participate in different assessments. Parents, please ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats breakfast on the morning of testing. All students are also welcome to enjoy breakfast in one of our cafeterias. Encourage them as they walk out the door. That extra bit of encouragement goes a long way.
I would like to recognize Erika Douglas as the 2025–2026 Principal of the Year. We thank Ms. Douglas for the leadership and direction she provides at Hempstead Middle School. She has hit the ground running and has worked to improve student outcomes, campus culture, and school operations. Thank you for serving the students and staff of Hempstead Middle School with excellence.
It is National Assistant Principals Week. I want to thank all of our assistant principals who work tirelessly on behalf of our students, staff, and community. It is often a behind-the-scenes role that many do not fully understand. As a former assistant principal, I know the level of dedication the job requires. They are busy from the moment they enter the building until they leave. They build strong relationships with students and are often the first to support both students and staff. Assistant principals matter, and I want each of them to know how much they are appreciated. Please join me in thanking our assistant principals for all that they do.
Our Bobcats continue to do amazing things both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Our FFA Floral Team and Dairy Judging Team are State Bound. I am extremely proud of them. Our FFA students have been sharpening their skills all year, and it is certainly paying off.
Our HHS band recently earned its first-ever Sweepstakes award. We have reviewed the record books and could not find another time this has occurred. To earn a Sweepstakes, a band must receive straight 1 ratings or superior ratings in marching, concert, and sight reading. This is an incredible accomplishment. I had the opportunity to attend the band concert on Monday night, and I was truly impressed with our students, from beginning band through high school. Our program is growing not only in numbers but also in musicianship, sound, and maturity. I am very proud of them.
Additionally, I want to thank the Bobcat Athletics coaching staff and volunteers. We have hosted several track meets recently, and this team has done an excellent job ensuring both the community and visiting teams had everything they needed. It is not an easy job, but I am proud of what I witnessed over the last few weeks at Bobcat Stadium.
We also had several athletes qualify for the Area track meet after a strong showing at the District meet on Thursday, April 9. The relays, individual runners, and field event participants are all competing at a high level. Keep working, Bobcats. Let’s see how far we can go.
Our UIL One-Act Play team will travel to Crosby on Saturday, April 11, to compete at the Area level. They have been working hard and are ready to represent Hempstead ISD well. If you would like to attend, the show begins at 10:00 a.m., and The Hempstead Theatre Co. will perform third. The performances will run back-to-back.
We will host our next 1882 partnership meeting at Hempstead Elementary on Tuesday, April 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Please join us to learn more about this partnership.
Please excuse our mess.
Bond work is progressing well across the district. We shared a bond update last week with detailed information. Please take time to drive by 9th and Shepard to see the progress on the new Early Childhood Center. There is also extensive work taking place at the middle school and high school, and construction at the elementary school will begin shortly. Our construction team is doing an outstanding job.
Thank you for your continued support of Hempstead ISD. I have learned that when we work together and encourage one another, we move forward as a district and as a community. Our students are thriving and accomplishing great things, and we must continue to support them on their path to success. Thank you for being so committed to moving Hempstead ISD to #HigherHeights
With Bobcat Pride,
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Herbert O’Neil
Superintendent of Schools
Hempstead ISD |
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Higher Heights Unleashed Podcast |
Welcome to the Higher Heights Unleashed Podcast! This podcast is about progress, purpose, and people.
Each episode features conversations with students, teachers, administrators, and community members who are helping us reach Higher Heights.
Listen Now
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Early Pre-K Registration for 2026-2027 School Year Opens April 27 |
Hempstead ISD Pre-Kindergarten Program is where Bobcats Start Early!
Hempstead ISD is excited to announce that Hempstead Early Childhood Center Pre-K Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will open on Monday, April 27. Families can participate in two enrollment dates from 8:30 am. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27, and May 11, 2026.
Enrollment is open to all new Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 students who qualify. A tuition-based option is also available for $250 per month for September through May.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to sign up for a time slot to register their pre-kindergarten students. During enrollment, families will complete the online registration and receive the school supply list and other resources to prepare them for the beginning of school.
Learn More
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Hempstead High School Celebrates 2026 Top Ten Percent |
Hempstead High School proudly announces the Class of 2026 Top Ten Percent students.
These outstanding students have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their studies, earning them well-deserved recognition within their graduating class.
Read More
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Principal Douglas Named 2026 Hempstead ISD Principal of the Year |
As students transition from class to class, Principal Erika Douglas greets students with a smile. Whether she is reminding students about their ID badge placement or she is recognizing a student for a recent achievement, being a principal is more than a title for Douglas. It is her purpose, earning her the title of 2026 Hempstead ISD Principal of the Year.
This year, Douglas had the honor of representing Hempstead ISD Region 4 Principal of the Year celebration held on April 7.
Read More
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Band Car Wash - Rescheduled to April 25 |
Due to inclement weather, the Hempstead High School Band car wash has been rescheduled to Noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Hempstead Early Childhood Center.
Car washes by donations and food will be available for purchase!
Burgers, Chips, Drinks, Elotes, and Snow Cones will be sold.
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Hempstead ISD Celebrates National AP Week |
In recognition of National Assistant Principals Week 2026, April 6-10, educators and school officials across the country are celebrating the hard work and dedication of assistant principals in our schools.
This week, schools take time to acknowledge the efforts of these education leaders who work behind the scenes to ensure our schools run smoothly and that students receive the best possible education.
Read More
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Hempstead Board of Trustees Recognizes Students and Staff at March Board Meeting |
The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, March 23, 2026.
During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil provided his monthly Superintendent’s Report, provided Bond 2024 updates, and celebrated the March Students, Campus Teachers, and Support Staff of the Month.
Read More
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Powering Progress Through Purpose and Teamwork |
Behind every successful school is a team of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to ensure both students and teachers have what they need to succeed. The February Superintendent’s Higher Heights nine honorees represent exactly that. This dynamic group of Hempstead Elementary staff members' daily contributions is helping move the campus forward in powerful ways.
Read More
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Download the 2026-2027 School Year Academic Calendars |
Hempstead Early Childhood, Middle School, & High School Calendar
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Hempstead Elementary School Calendar |
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HHS Color Guard Receives First Place at National Competition |
The Hempstead High School Color Guard reenlty competed in the MA Dance and Auxiliary Nationals Competition at The University of Arlington on Saturday, March 27, 2026.
Read More
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Historic Win for HHS UIL Academics Speech & Debate Team |
For the first time in 13 years, the Hempstead High School Speech & Debate team was named Overall Champions at the 3A District 24 contest. The team earned more points in Speech & Debate than any other school at the contest, held in Wharton.
Read More
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Inspiring Confidence One Student at a Time |
In a middle school classroom where growth, encouragement, and high expectations meet, Sandy Smith, 7th-Grade Teacher at Hempstead Middle School, is redefining what it means to Be Bold. For her, boldness isn’t just a part of the job, but it is a daily commitment to pushing students beyond their limits and helping them realize their full potential.
“Being bold in the classroom means challenging students every day to be their best,” Smith explained. “I encourage them to be bold in their goals.”
Read More |
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Reaching Academic Success Through Bold Strategies |
The moment you step into fifth-grade math teacher Dominique Donald’s classroom at Hempstead Elementary School, you immediately feel her energy and excitement.
From the moment her students come into her classroom to the last few minutes of the school day, Donald’s students are engaged, challenged, and inspired. Beyond math lessons, something more powerful is happening. Confidence is being built, curiosity is being ignited, and the need to learn something new is taking place. For Donald, being bold in the classroom isn’t just a motto.
Read More
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HHS FFA Floral Team is State Bound |
Hempstead FFA Floral team is State Bound!
The team placed 3rd place at the Sam Houston State Area XI Contest. Jailyn Russell placed 3rd as an individual, and Cadence Trimboli placed 11th!
Additionally, the Vet Med Team placed 15th overall at the SHSU Invitational.
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HHS Track Athletes Qualify for Area Meet |
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Keenan Wilson, 2nd place, Long jump
- Dylan Garfield, 3rd place, Long jump
- Jamarion Mickle, 2nd place, High jump
- She’Quera Wolfe-George, 1st place, Girls 100 meters
- Terrence Tompkins, Jr., 2nd place, 200 meters
- Terrence, Dylan, Kelviontae, Keenan, 3rd place, 4x100
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UIL OAP Headed to 3A Region 3 - Area 2 Contest |
Support the HHS UIL One-Act Play on Saturday, April 11, at Crosby High School. The Shows begin at 10 AM and run back-to-back.
Admission is $10.
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Hempstead FFA Dairy Judging Team is Headed to State |
Hempstead FFA Dairy judging team is heading to State! The team placed 5th at the Tarleton State Area XI contest.
- Hope Howard placed 13th as an individual
- Hayden Payne placed 15th as an individual |
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Bobcat Athletics to Host Annual Sports Physicals Clinic on May 13 |
Hempstead ISD Bobcat Athletics will host the annual Sports Physicals from 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13.
The physicals cost $20 and are open to all athletes in Grades 7-12. This includes all UIL sports, band, cheer, and dance.
All students participating in UIL programs must have a current physical on file before the first day of practice.
For more Bobcat Athletics information, read the latest edition of The Bobcat Huddle.
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Hempstead ISD Bond Updates |
BOND NEWS - April 2026
Thank you for your continued support in making these district improvements possible. Stay connected for more updates as bond projects move forward across the district.
Read The Latest Updates
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Hempstead ISD is Hiring. Begin Your Career Today! |
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Visit all open employment positions at hempsteadisd.org/careers.
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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.
Apply today and become part of our team!
HempsteadISD.org/careers
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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.
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Safety is our top priority! Hempstead ISD is hiring Police Officers.
Join our Bobcat Police Department today by visiting our Careers page.
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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:
Stay engaged with your child's learning and what is happening across the district.
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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.
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Download the FREE Hempstead ISD Mobile App! |
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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.
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