The Bobcat Beat Newsletter 9.5.25

Athletics & Activities Schedule — Athletics & Activities

September 5, 2025

Dear Bobcat Families & Staff,

Thank you for a great first two weeks of school. I am especially excited about how our students returned to campus ready to learn. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure that engaging, high-quality lessons are planned each day. In a recent video, I challenged our students to meet our teachers in the classrooms ready to learn, and it has been inspiring to see highly engaged classrooms filled with the joy of learning.

It is important that we keep the momentum going after last year’s record-setting academic gains. Hempstead ISD produced the highest academic growth in the entire Houston area (Region IV ESC). I am so proud of our staff and students for the tremendous effort they put into achieving this success.

Hempstead Middle School: Among the highest-performing middle schools in the area, growing 11 points.
Hempstead High School: Achieved some of the strongest growth in the region, increasing 12 points.
Hempstead Elementary School: Grew 9 points, a very strong improvement, though this campus remains a top priority.

Even with such impressive growth, we know there is more work to do. Our goal is clear: ensure our elementary campus becomes a C-rated or better campus. This aligns with our theme for the year: Be Bold. Be Clear. Be Better. We will continue to take bold steps to provide the strongest academic program possible.

If you haven’t driven by 9th and Shepherd lately, you’ll notice the land is almost completely cleared. The construction trailer is now in place, and major activity will begin soon. As construction expands to all campuses, our construction team will work closely with campus leaders to ensure that students can move safely between buildings while projects are underway.

Fall extracurricular activities are off to a strong start. It has been exciting to watch our Bobcats compete on and off the field:

Football: Our second home game kicks off tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium.
Volleyball: Picked up a big win against North Zulch on Tuesday and looks to keep the momentum going.
Cross Country: Competing well and representing us proudly.
Bobcat Band: Delivered a fantastic first performance last Friday night.
Hempstead Theatre Company: Students are preparing for their season opener, A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Performances will take place at 6:30 p.m. on September 18 and September 20 at the Hempstead High School Auditorium.

Let’s continue to cheer on all our extracurricular students. Go Bobcats!

Thank you for your ongoing support of Hempstead ISD. Having a community that stands behind its schools is how we continue to move forward together. Let’s keep climbing to #HigherHeights.

With Bobcat Pride,

Herbert O’Neil
Superintendent of Schools
Hempstead ISD

Socioeconomic Form Completion - More Than Just Meals Due by September 5

All Hempstead ISD families are strongly encouraged to complete the 2025-2026 socioeconomic form. These forms were sent home with each student in a First Day of School packet. Read More

Update Your Hempstead ISD District App

Search 'Hempstead ISD' in your phone's app store and download.
Select Allow Notifications when prompted on initial download to ensure you receive notifications
Click on "Rooms" or "Messages" to sign into Rooms

Don't Miss any updates from Hempstead ISD

Hempstead ECC Staff Kick Off the Year with Brain Science in Action

The staff at Hempstead Early Childhood Center wasted no time preparing for the new school year. Teachers explored how our youngest learners' brains develop and what that means for setting up routines, designing learning stations, and creating a positive learning environment. Read More

Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees Approves 2025-2026 Budget and Tax Rate

The Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees met on Monday, August 18. During the board meeting, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil highlighted back-to-school professional development, introduction to new district administrators, and legislative updates. Read More

Bobcat Fans 60 and Older Can Pick Up Golden Bobcat Cards

Calling all Bobcat Fans 60+! The 2025-2026 Golden Bobcat Cards are available for pickup at the Hempstead ISD Administration Building. All you need is your Photo ID or Driver's License to verify your birthdate. Read More

Hempstead ISD Board Approves Pay Raises for District Employees

The Hempstead SD Board of Trustees voted to approve pay raises for Hempstead ISD staff. The compensation plan for the 2025-26 school year includes raises for teachers, paraprofessionals, and other district staff who have been continuously employed since January 6, 2025. Read More

Hempstead ISD 2025 Adult ESL Classes

Want to learn English? Hempstead ISD, in partnership with local churches, is offering FREE Adult ESL classes! Classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. No registration required.

Meetings: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6–8 p.m. Visit our website for more details: https://shorturl.at/eUFdK

Homecoming 2025 - Groovin with the Bobcats

Homecoming will include a variety of celebrations and campus events culminating in the football game against Thorndale. This tradition will reunite Bobcats across the decades with spirited experiences for the entire Hempstead ISD community.

Hempstead High School will hold the community homecoming parade at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24. Parade Entry Submission
Help cheer on the Hempstead High School Varsity Football Team as they play Thorndale. The game begins at 7:00 p.m.

Get Connected in Rooms, Parent-Teacher Chat

Hempstead ISD is making it easier to stay in touch with teachers and get class information from one app. Using the Hempstead ISD app, you can easily switch from district and school information to Rooms, where you can see your student's classes and engage directly with teachers. Rooms can be accessed via the web and from our district app, which is available for free and can be used from both Apple and Android phones.

Did you receive a Guardian Invite for Rooms via email? Here are your next steps.

Check your inbox for an email from Apptegy. Click "Create a password" in the email to connect your account with your student.
Next, finish your registration by creating a password. You'll use the same email address and password to log into Rooms in the Hempstead ISD app.
Download the Hempstead ISD app in the App Store or Play Store to use Rooms. In the app, you will find district and school news, updates, and access to your students' classes all in one place. Just log in to get started!

If you need Rooms Support, please visit the website.

Check out stories about students learning and engaged in academic and extracurricular activities across the district. Plus, read how our dedicated staff are teaching, learning, and making an impact every day!