Watch the Latest from
Superintendent O'Neil |
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Dear Bobcat Families & Staff,
If you have not had a chance to thank a teacher this week, I encourage you to do so. This is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we are truly thankful for the teachers of Hempstead ISD who give so much of themselves to serve the students of this district. Our teachers plan, prepare, encourage, challenge, support, and love our students each day. The work they do extends far beyond the classroom, and their impact is seen in the confidence, growth, and success of our students. We are grateful for their dedication, their heart, and their commitment to helping our Bobcats reach higher heights.
This week is also Nurse Appreciation Week. We thank our wonderful school nurses for all they do to care for our students and staff. Their compassion, professionalism, and attention to the needs of our campuses make a tremendous difference every day.
Recognitions
I also want to recognize Hempstead High School junior, Dylan Garfield. He will be participating in the UIL State Track and Field Meet in the long jump. Dylan will jump on Thursday, May 14, at 9:00 a.m. at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, TX.
We also want to celebrate our Hempstead High School UIL One-Act Play team. They have advanced to the state competition once again with their play, Lord of the Flies (Unabridged). This is the third time in four years that they have advanced to the state meet. They will perform on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center in Austin, TX.
Bond 2024 Updates
I want to take a moment to clear up a matter. Whenever misinformation is being shared, it is important for me to provide the facts. Some have stated that we have not started renovations at Hempstead Elementary because of the 1882 agreement and our partnership with Third Future Schools. This is simply not true.
The new Early Childhood Center is currently being built, and full construction has begun at Hempstead Middle School and Hempstead High School. At Hempstead Elementary, we are simply waiting for better pricing. Because of inflation and the rise in construction costs, some design adjustments have been made to ensure that we protect the investment our community supported. This delay has nothing to do with the 1882 agreement. As soon as we receive the appropriate pricing and our Board votes to move forward, we will begin the work.
End of the Year
As we get closer to graduation and the end of the school year, I encourage everyone to stay focused and continue to show up ready to learn. School in May can be a great time when students are present, engaged, and participating in the activities and trips our campuses have planned. Bobcats, let’s stay focused and present as we continue going to #HigherHeights together.
With Bobcat Pride,
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Herbert O’Neil
Superintendent of Schools
Hempstead ISD |
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Higher Heights Unleashed Podcast
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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 an enrollment event from 8:30 am. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, 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 ISD Surprises 2026 Teacher Incentive Allotment Recipients |
Five Hempstead ISD teachers will receive between $8,024 and $28,746 through the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. On May 5, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil, district administrators, and the Hempstead High School drumline surprised several unsuspecting teachers with balloons and large checks.
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Hempstead ISD Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8 |
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of our Bobcat Teachers! We are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week 2026, May 4-8, 2026.
Teachers do far more than teach lessons. Each day, they show up with patience, passion, and purpose. They help students discover their strengths, push through challenges, and believe in possibilities they may not yet see in themselves.
Read More
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Hempstead ISD Bond Updates |
BOND NEWS - April & May 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 High School 2026 Varsity Football Schedule |
The 2026 Hempstead High School football season kicks off in August. All Hempstead ISD home games will be played at Bobcat Stadium, located at 648 Donoho St. Bobcat fans can download the 2026 Varsity Football Schedule.
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Registration for Hempstead ES Summer Learning is Open |
Hempstead ISD students entering Grades K-5, at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, can participate in engaging learning opportunities, with a mix of core classes and fun electives designed to boost academic growth. It is summer school reimagined. Created for additional support and built for learning and fun. Read More |
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2026-2027 Hempstead Elementary Academic Calendar
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Hempstead ISD students attending Hempstead Elementary School will return to school on August 4, 2026.
Teachers and campus staff will return on July 22 for All Staff Induction and Preparation. Download the Calendar in English and Spanish.
Download Calendar |
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Bobcat Athletics to Host Annual Sports Physicals Clinic on May 13
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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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March Superintendent's Higher Heights Award Recipients |
Each month, Superintendent O’Neil selects someone who has made a significant difference or contribution to Hempstead ISD. The award is available to employees, community members, businesses, volunteers, and students. This March, the Superintendent's Higher Heights Award recipients are Hempstead Middle School, 6th Grade Team:
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Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees Celebrate Students and Staff at April Meeting |
Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, April 20, 2026.
During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil provided his monthly Superintendent’s Report, provided Bond 2024 updates, and celebrated the April Students, Campus Teachers, and Support Staff of the Month. The pledges were led by Hempstead Middle School BETA Club students.
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HHS Celebrates Students During Academic Signing Day
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Hempstead High School hosted its annual Academic Signing Day, honoring graduating seniors in the Class of 2026 who have committed to pursuing college, career, or military pathways after graduation.
The celebration included cheers from family members, peers, and staff applauding the students’ dedication and next steps.
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Hempstead High School Speech Team Makes History Again |
The Hempstead High School UIL Academics Speech team made school history for the second time this year. During the 3A Region 3 Academic/Speech Tournament, on April 25.
All four students who competed at the contest are advancing to the state contest.
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Hempstead High School One-Act Play Advances to State |
The Hempstead High School Theatre Co. UIL One-Act Play is state-bound. On Friday, April 24, the HHS One-Act Play performed at the UIL 3A Region 3 OAP Regional Competition, advancing to state after competing against the five other districts that participated in the competition at Blinn College, in Brenham, TX.
The HHS One-Act Play, Lord of the Flies (Abridged), will compete against other districts at the UIL 3A OAP State Competition on Wednesday, May 13, at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center.
Read More |
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HHS Track Athlete, Dylan Garfield, is Headed to State in Long Jump
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Congratulations to Dylan Garfield for his third-place finish in the long jump at the UIL Region 3 meet in Huntsville, TX. He is heading to Austin, TX, to compete in the state track and field meet. |
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HHS Bobcat Band Makes History & Receives Sweepstakes |
The Hempstead High School Band made history.
For the first time in Bobcat History, the Hempstead High School band was awarded UIL Sweepstakes for the 2025-2026 school year. The band recently participated in the UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest at Brenham High School.
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Hempstead Elementary School Recognizes National Math Star Nominees |
Hempstead ISD would like to recognize nine Hempstead Elementary School students who have been identified as National Math Star nominees. The students were recognized as outstanding mathematicians who scored in the top 90% of the nation on the NWEA MAP math assessment.
Read More
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Hempstead High School Announces Softball All-District Honors |
Congratulations to the Hempstead ISD softball players who were selected for All-District honors.
Read More
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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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