HC Weekly E-Blast May 8, 2025

Weekly E-Blast   |  May 8, 2025 Hinsdale Central Esports The Hinsdale Central Esports team had an impressive showing at the IHSA State Tournament, held at Evergreen Park High School. The Esports team competes in Super Smash Bros Crew Battle. The team earned an outstanding second place finish, falling just short against IMSA in the final match. This is the team's second 2nd place finish as they achieved the same result in the IHSEA State Finals earlier this year. These wins were a culmination of a year of hard work and practice. This will be the last competition for the entire team to compete in this year, however, our success has earned Senior David Collins the opportunity to compete on the Illinois All-Star Crew battle team. David will join 4 of the other best Super Smash Bros players in Illinois to take on All-Star teams from the rest of the Midwest later this month. Congratulations to our competitors on a great year and good luck to David Collins! If you would like to learn more about Highschool Esports, the team was featured on Fox 32 Chicago last month! https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/1626339 ACT Voucher Dear Students & Families, We appreciate your patience and understanding with the recent disruption during our state ACT testing day, held on April 16. In response, the district has secured a one-time use voucher for you to retake the ACT (including the writing portion) . This voucher can be used to register for either the  June or July national ACT test date , and may only be used once. Please be aware that ACT dates in June and July are very limited and will fill up quickly.   To obtain your unique vouchers, visit the Main office and request your one-time use code. Students will need to sign for the voucher. Although we are working with ACT to see if additional testing sites will be added, we recommend you sign up as soon as possible. You can use this link to register for the ACT . Please use the following link for  full details on how to use the voucher and register. This voucher will cover late fees associated with your registration. If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please don't hesitate to reach out to your counselor. Mental Health Resources Social Work Department website (everything from community mental health organizations to helpful articles and resources including a fun virtual office that offers links to coping strategies, self-care tools, etc.) https://central.hinsdale86.org/student-support-resources/social-work Hinsdale Central PTO Parent List (Angie's List style resource where parents may read and anonymously write positive reviews regarding local support services that have been successful in handling childhood developmental, emotional, learning and health issues) https://hcpto.org/parent-list/ Graduation Updates Handicap Seating and Parking Request  -  One area of the track will be solely reserved for handicap seating. The ceremony will also be live streamed on the internet and accessible to the public. Handicap parking will be located in the front circle drive off of 55th street near the main entrance to Hinsdale Central.  We will have a club cart available to bring guests with tickets to the handicap seating on the track. Parking in this area will be limited to individuals who submitted this form. Graduation Regalia Important Announcement Regarding Graduation Ceremony Seating:  As we approach our highly anticipated graduation ceremony, we want to take a moment to address an important matter regarding seating arrangements. We want to emphasize that we do not condone the practice of reserving seats. While we understand the desire to secure preferred seating for family and friends, it is important to remember that our graduation ceremony is a communal event meant to celebrate the achievements of all our graduates. Therefore,  we cannot guarantee the availability of any seats that are reserved or saved for specific individuals before the announced opening of the gates at 5:30 pm. Seating will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Furthermore, please be aware that our limited staff resources prevent us from monitoring or policing the saving of seats. We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to find seating upon arrival. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. For more information on graduation and senior activities, please continue to check for updates  here . Q4 Make A Difference Nominations Due Friday, May 9th This will be the last opportunity to nominate someone for this school year!   At Hinsdale Central, many teachers and staff members go above and beyond to engage students or provide extra support to others in our Red Devil community. They teach classes, advise clubs, coach teams, and provide services that “make a difference” at our school. If you know of a teacher or staff member whose dedication or kindness has had a positive and lasting impact on you or a student, we invite you to nominate them. When describing why this individual deserves the award, please be specific and provide examples.  Although applications must be signed, those who submit nominations will remain anonymous. Please nominate them for a Make A Difference Award by completing the form found  here . Anyone can make a nomination!  The PTO presents six recipients with Make A Difference Awards each quarter.  The awards will include our appreciation with a personalized certificate and $100 Lettuce Entertain You Gift Card.   Nominations received by Friday, May 9th, 2025 will be considered for the fourth quarter awards.  Those nominated who have not received an award within the past 8 quarters are eligible for this current quarter.  You can view a list of past Make A Difference recipients  here .   If you have any questions, please contact Denys Kang, Grace Shin, or Kristin Tu at  makeadifference@hcpto.org . Final Spirit Wear Sales of the School Year! Mark your calendars—our last two spirit wear sales, hosted by The Boosters, are happening on Tuesday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 20, from 3–8 PM at the Grant Street entrance. It's your final chance to stock up on Red Devil gear before summer! Whether you're looking to stay spirited during the off-season or find the perfect gift for your favorite 8th grade grad, we've got you covered. Don’t miss it—once it’s gone, it’s gone! Senior Picnic Senior Families! It's time for the Senior Picnic! Please help us make this morning a great one for our graduates Thursday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. following graduation practice at the Bus Circle off of 57th Street. Senior Parents, please sign up to donate items or work a shift!  Donation Drop Offs - Thursday Morning 5/22 at 8:00 am (once buses have left) until 9:00 am in the bus turnaround on the south side of the school (off of 57th Street). If you want to send the items with your student, we will be collecting as early as 7:30 am. Please have your student bring your donation to the bus circle area off of 57th Street. Please use this link to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AA9AE2AA3FB6-49863317-hinsdale#/ . Questions? Contact Georgia Chulos at  gchulos@gmail.com or 773.294.3143. Thank you for your help making this a fun final lunch for the seniors! Class of 2026 Senior Parking We are now accepting senior parking permit applications for the 2025-2026 school year! Important Details: Application Deadline: June 27, 2025 How to Apply: Students must use their D86 school account to submit their application. Application Process: Once received, applications will be reviewed, and students will receive confirmation of submission. Parking Assignments: Notifications regarding parking assignments will be posted and sent out in mid-July. Don't miss the deadline—apply today! Senior Parking Expectation and Application Senior Tribute Stickers Senior Parents Who Missed the Yearbook Senior Tribute Deadline: Purchase a SENIOR TRIBUTE STICKER for $30 at this link to have a tribute designed and printed for your student. If purchased, this sticker would ONLY appear in your senior’s book. Make sure to include a photo from when your student was between the ages of 1 and 7 as well as a brief message at the time of purchase. Second Semester Final Exams Second-semester final examinations will be held from Tuesday, May 27 to Thursday, May 29, 2025. The expectation is that students are in attendance each period (unless otherwise noted) and take their final exam during their designated time frame. The only exception to this is if a student has three final exams on a given day, they can reschedule an exam to a different day through the Dean's Office.  Please note, that students are NOT approved to reschedule exams to take them early for vacations or other personal reasons .   For more information regarding final exams and to find the exam reschedule form,  click here . For more information regarding academic support and how to connect with tutors, click here. Summer School Summer school registration is now open! For information on courses offered and how to register, please visit  https://www.hinsdale86.org/summer-school Graduation Banners Class of 2025! Congratulations!  Your hard work and commitment to your education has been paid off with acceptance to college or another path! Hinsdale Central wants to honor your future plans by displaying, at our graduation ceremony, a personalized banner featuring your plans. This colorful banner, which is yours to keep, is a great keepsake commemorating your success in high school and beyond. Banners are 24"x30" and printed in color on both sides with 4 grommet holes for easy hanging. These banners are currently on sale, for $75 each, with proceeds going to activities programming here at Hinsdale Central. Use this link to order and pay now!  Orders will not be filled if payment has not been received by May 13. We will try to place orders after that date but understand that the price increases to $100. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Sally Phillip ( sphillip@hinsdale86.org ). Social media trend resulting in damaged Chromebooks We want to make you aware of a concerning trend circulating on social media, which is resulting in students damaging their Chromebooks. Students following the social media trend have been inserting objects–such as paper clips or pencil graphite–into Chromebook USB ports in an attempt to cause sparks or smoke. This behavior has led to serious incidents in other schools, including damage to devices and small fires. This behavior often results in permanent damage to the devices, and could potentially become a safety risk to our students. Any student found intentionally damaging their Chromebook in this manner will be held financially responsible for the cost of replacing the device. As a reminder, our  D86 Chromebook Agreement states that “Students are solely responsible for the Chromebooks issued to them.” We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing responsible technology use and helping us keep our students safe and accountable. Upcoming Dates Graduation-May 22 Finals-May 27-29

Thursday, May 08 2025

NOW OPEN: Registration for the 2025-26 School Year

  Registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open! Students must live within the district’s boundaries in order to attend our schools, according to Board policy and the Illinois School Code. We verify residency on an annual basis to ensure we are operating in accordance with the law and utilizing taxpayer dollars to educate students from our community. You can use the following link to  access additional information about residency verification . In an effort to aid the speed and efficiency of this critical process, we are utilizing our student information online portal called the  Infinite Campus Parent Portal . Families can access via a mobile phone or personal computer to complete registration for the 2025-26 school year.  Similar to previous years, the portal will house your student’s  schedule, attendance, grades, assignments, fee information, and more . If you have not created a portal account, you will be receiving a separate communication with directions on how to create the account. Please note, the approved 2025-26 school fees have been added to each student's account in Infinite Campus. The  registration fee  for the 2025-26 school year is $485. Payments can be made at the time of registration.  Below is information about how to access the Parent Portal, and who you can contact from each school if you have questions or need assistance.   Sincerely,  Ryan Maita, Hinsdale Central Assistant Principal Kyle Burritt, Ed.D., Hinsdale South Assistant Principal   Complete the Infinite Campus Online Registration process Login to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. After a successful login to the Parent Portal, you can begin the Online Registration process by clicking on the More to see Online Registration  To register student, select next school year registration and click Start to continue Questions marked with a red asterisk (*) are required. If you would like to make a change, please click on the underlined field or use “Back” or “Cancel” to return to a previous page. You do not have to complete the process in one sitting. If you click the “save and continue” button on the bottom, you can log back in later to enter additional information and/or finish the process. Please note that if you forget to click this button prior to leaving the site, your information will not be saved.  NOTE: Please keep track of your  application number  once you have started Online Registration.  This will allow you to log back in at a later time. The registration process must be completed for each student who will be enrolling in District 86 for the 2025-26 school year. Families with multiple students will complete registration for each of their students. For students participating in fall athletics programs, online registration, residency verification and medical forms must be completed and submitted prior to  Aug. 11, 2025  to participate in fall sports. Submit completed registration Information When you have finished entering your information, please click “Submit.” This will send everything you have entered to District 86. If you are unable to click on the “Submit” button, please go back and make sure you have answered all of the required questions. If you have questions, need help with the registration process or need to update your student’s information, please contact the registrar for your child’s school.  Rena Karesh & Pat Zipsie - Hinsdale Central Registrars central.registration@hinsdale86.org ; (630) 570-8271 or (630) 570-8148 Annette Sarocco - Hinsdale South Registrar asarocco@hinsdale86.org ; (630) 468-4269 Monica Arteaga  - D86 Transition/Bridge marteaga@hinsdale86.org ; (630) 468-4560 If your student’s residency and registration are verified and complete , you will receive an email confirmation from the district. If your student’s residency cannot be verified, your child’s school will contact you directly . At that time, you will receive information about the documents you must submit to complete the verification process. You can use the following link to  access a list of the documents you may be asked to provide .

Monday, May 05 2025

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - May 1, 2025

Weekly Newsletter April 24, 2025   IPA Students of the Year - Khali Zion Ellison and Marko Milutinovic Each year, principals from across the state have the opportunity to nominate two students from their respective schools and recognize them as students of the year. On behalf of the Illinois Principal Association and Hinsdale South High School, I would like to thank Khali Ellison and Marko Milutinovic for their voices and actions at South. We call Khali the “mayor of Hinsdale South.” He knows everyone and lends his voice to all areas of the building, including academics, activities, and athletics. He is truly a prominent figure within our building. Marko is an extremely hardworking student. He brings a great attitude to class and is also a true leader in his activities programs. He is always challenging himself, and both students are positive influences on those in and outside of the classroom. They have given to our school in a variety of ways and have an active voice in our school’s climate & culture. Throughout this school year and over their tenure as a Hornet, you have been an absolute pleasure to work with. Your voice and actions have been a true representation of our student body. Thank you for demonstrating South Pride in all that you have done!   What's Happening   Final Exams Second-semester final examinations will be held from Tuesday, May 27, to Thursday, May 29, 2025. The expectation is that students are in attendance each period (unless otherwise noted) and take their final exam during their designated time frame. Please note that students are NOT approved to reschedule exams to take them early for vacations or other personal reasons.  For more information regarding final exams, click here.   Summer School - Registration is Open Registration information for Summer School 2025 is available on the District 86 website. Should you have any specific questions, please contact Susan Grady (sgrady@hinsdale86.org) or Jordan Stob (jstob@hinsdale6.org).   2025/2026 Student Parking Permits Parking permits for the 2025/2026 school year will be sold in the Dean's Office on the following dates: Monday, May 12 - Thursday, May 15 Monday, May 19 - Thursday, May 22 The cost is $150 (cash or check). Please bring payment to receive your tag. Important: Applications must be completed online. Tags are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. A parking tag is required to park in the lot. For questions, please contact Mrs. Matozzi at dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org.   Student Highlights     Science Olympiad Our Science Olympiad team competed at the state competition on Saturday, April 12 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We are very proud of the work students put in to achieve these results. This is the best finish in Science Olympiad history at South! Congrats to these Hornets and their coaches, Mr. Gotlund, Mr. Hallihan, Mr. Lapetino, Mr. Snider, and Mr. Mann!   Stinger, a news site managed by students, provides coverage of news, opinions, culture, and sports. Committed to journalistic integrity, Stinger strives to deliver relevant information to its readers. A link will be provided every week for your enjoyment. Stinger - Student News Site  Athlete of the Week - Emilija Sinkevicius Congratulations to our Athlete of the Week, Emilija Sinkevicius. Emilija's efforts at our home invite on Friday, April 25, earned the team 30 points towards our 2nd place team score. Emilija won the High Jump - 4'10, won the Long Jump - 5.12m, and won the Triple Jump - 10.90m with personal records in both the high jump and triple jump. Great job, Emilija! Congratulations on a great meet! Athlete of the Week - Jack McDaniel Congratulations to our Athlete of the Week, Jack McDaniel. Jack is a sophomore catcher for the Varsity Baseball team. This week in 4 games layed, Jack batted .500 with 6 hits, 2 doubles, one triple, three walks, 7 RBIs, and 4 runs scored. The offensive explosion helped pace the Hornets to a 3 - 1 record on the week. Jack also continues to show his leadership on and off the field and sets a good example for our entire program on what it takes to be a Hornet. Great job, Jack! Congratulations on a great week!  Results for Athletic Events  Faculty/Staff Highlights   Stephanie Sturgeon - Math Department Mrs. Sturgeon is the Math Assistant Department Chair and in her 6th year at Hinsdale South. This year, she teaches ML Algebra 1, Honors Precalculus, and is a math interventionist. You will regularly find Mrs. Sturgeon helping students, whether it’s after school in Academic Overtime or in her planning period.   Recently, Mrs. Sturgeon was honored as a Class Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). A role model to her students, she was nominated by a student for her outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the profession. Each NSHSS scholar is invited to recognize the educator who made the most significant contribution to their academic career for this award. Mrs. Sturgeon was also honored by our HSHS Seniors, who selected her as one of the name readers for graduation.  Thanks for making a difference in the lives of our students!      Teacher Appreciation Week Please join us on Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to all our amazing faculty and staff!   Hinsdale South Foundation   Foundation Opportunities Spring in Chicago brings exciting opportunities with the Hinsdale South Foundation! As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, the Foundation is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to fill various roles, including Board positions, advertising sales, yard sign coordination, and more. Remember, our vital work, awarding over $15,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors this spring, and all our efforts, depend on the generosity of volunteers. If you're passionate about supporting our students and have some time to contribute, please contact John Barnes ‘80 at jbarnes@cadets.com to learn more about how you can get involved. We can't operate without your help!   Community Events     PARENT VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED! We are excited to announce that the 2025 Hinsdale South Career Day will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about a variety of careers directly from professionals in our community—including you! We are looking for parent volunteers who are passionate about their careers and willing to share their experiences with our students by speaking to classes throughout the morning. Due to early release, the school day will run from 8:00 AM to 12:35 PM. Your insights can help inspire and guide students as they explore future career paths. If you are interested in participating, please fill out THIS INTEREST FORM.       SCHOOL CALENDARS 

Thursday, May 01 2025

HC Weekly E-Blast May 1, 2025

Weekly E-Blast   |  May 1, 2025 ISBE Student Summit On Thursday, March 13, Principal Walsh took 10 Red Devil students to Illinois State University to engage in the 2025 Student Summit hosted by the Illinois State Board of Education. Dr. Tony Sanders, ISBE Superintendent, hosted the event that was led by the Illinois State Student Advisory Council. Our Red Devil students, Abdullah Ahmed, Zaynab Guezzar, Zayna Asbahi, Alena Griffin, Aanya Shah, Najya Shadi Khan, Nuha Shadi Khan, Riyaan Shah, Arielle Shah, Sulaiman Samee, Sofia Malinas listened to presentations, engaged in discussion, and developed talking points so that discussions on these matters can be brought back to the local high school communities. The educational topics included Mental Health, Educational Options and Counseling, Student Engagement, Curriculum & Resources. In the time since the ISBE Student Summit, these students have presented to peers and educators across the district on how D86 and Hinsdale Central can meet the needs of students in today’s educational environment. Graduation Updates Handicap Seating and Parking Request  -  One area of the track will be solely reserved for handicap seating. The ceremony will also be live streamed on the internet and accessible to the public. Handicap parking will be located in the front circle drive off of 55th street near the main entrance to Hinsdale Central.  We will have a club cart available to bring guests with tickets to the handicap seating on the track. Parking in this area will be limited to individuals who submitted this form. Graduation Regalia Important Announcement Regarding Graduation Ceremony Seating:  As we approach our highly anticipated graduation ceremony, we want to take a moment to address an important matter regarding seating arrangements. We want to emphasize that we do not condone the practice of reserving seats. While we understand the desire to secure preferred seating for family and friends, it is important to remember that our graduation ceremony is a communal event meant to celebrate the achievements of all our graduates. Therefore,  we cannot guarantee the availability of any seats that are reserved or saved for specific individuals before the announced opening of the gates at 5:30 pm. Seating will be allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Furthermore, please be aware that our limited staff resources prevent us from monitoring or policing the saving of seats. We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to find seating upon arrival. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. For more information on graduation and senior activities, please continue to check for updates   here . Safety & Security While Driving On and Around Campus The safety of our students and the security of our neighbors is important and should be respected at all times. As you navigate the traffic around Hinsdale Central, please proceed at a speed that will enable you to come to an immediate stop. Additionally, avoid using our neighbors property as a turnaround. Respecting the property of our neighbors is a sign of our maturity and patience. Q4 Make A Difference Nominations Due Friday, May 9th This will be the last opportunity to nominate someone for this school year!   At Hinsdale Central, many teachers and staff members go above and beyond to engage students or provide extra support to others in our Red Devil community. They teach classes, advise clubs, coach teams, and provide services that “make a difference” at our school. If you know of a teacher or staff member whose dedication or kindness has had a positive and lasting impact on you or a student, we invite you to nominate them. When describing why this individual deserves the award, please be specific and provide examples.  Although applications must be signed, those who submit nominations will remain anonymous. Please nominate them for a Make A Difference Award by completing the form found  here . Anyone can make a nomination!  The PTO presents six recipients with Make A Difference Awards each quarter.  The awards will include our appreciation with a personalized certificate and $100 Lettuce Entertain You Gift Card.   Nominations received by Friday, May 9th, 2025 will be considered for the fourth quarter awards.  Those nominated who have not received an award within the past 8 quarters are eligible for this current quarter.  You can view a list of past Make A Difference recipients  here .   If you have any questions, please contact Denys Kang, Grace Shin, or Kristin Tu at  makeadifference@hcpto.org . Senior Picnic Senior Families! It's time for the Senior Picnic! Please help us make this morning a great one for our graduates Thursday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. following graduation practice at the Bus Circle off of 57th Street. Senior Parents, please sign up to donate items or work a shift!  Donation Drop Offs - Thursday Morning 5/22 at 8:00 am (once buses have left) until 9:00 am in the bus turnaround on the south side of the school (off of 57th Street). If you want to send the items with your student, we will be collecting as early as 7:30 am. Please have your student bring your donation to the bus circle area off of 57th Street. Please use this link to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AA9AE2AA3FB6-49863317-hinsdale#/ . Questions? Contact Georgia Chulos at  gchulos@gmail.com or 773.294.3143. Thank you for your help making this a fun final lunch for the seniors! Class of 2026 Senior Parking We are now accepting senior parking permit applications for the 2025-2026 school year! Important Details: Application Deadline: June 27, 2025 How to Apply: Students must use their D86 school account to submit their application. Application Process: Once received, applications will be reviewed, and students will receive confirmation of submission. Parking Assignments: Notifications regarding parking assignments will be posted and sent out in mid-July. Don't miss the deadline—apply today! Senior Parking Expectation and Application Senior Tribute Stickers Senior Parents Who Missed the Yearbook Senior Tribute Deadline: Purchase a SENIOR TRIBUTE STICKER for $30 at this link to have a tribute designed and printed for your student. If purchased, this sticker would ONLY appear in your senior’s book. Make sure to include a photo from when your student was between the ages of 1 and 7 as well as a brief message at the time of purchase. Second Semester Final Exams Second-semester final examinations will be held from Tuesday, May 27 to Thursday, May 29, 2025. The expectation is that students are in attendance each period (unless otherwise noted) and take their final exam during their designated time frame. The only exception to this is if a student has three final exams on a given day, they can reschedule an exam to a different day through the Dean's Office.  Please note, that students are NOT approved to reschedule exams to take them early for vacations or other personal reasons .   For more information regarding final exams and to find the exam reschedule form,  click here . For more information regarding academic support and how to connect with tutors, click here. Summer School Summer school registration is now open! For information on courses offered and how to register, please visit  https://www.hinsdale86.org/summer-school Graduation Banners Class of 2025! Congratulations!  Your hard work and commitment to your education has been paid off with acceptance to college or another path! Hinsdale Central wants to honor your future plans by displaying, at our graduation ceremony, a personalized banner featuring your plans. This colorful banner, which is yours to keep, is a great keepsake commemorating your success in high school and beyond. Banners are 24"x30" and printed in color on both sides with 4 grommet holes for easy hanging. These banners are currently on sale, for $75 each, with proceeds going to activities programming here at Hinsdale Central. Use this link to order and pay now!  Orders will not be filled if payment has not been received by May 13. We will try to place orders after that date but understand that the price increases to $100. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Sally Phillip ( sphillip@hinsdale86.org ). From the PTO Attention Senior Parents! Prom & Post Prom tickets are now on sale. Immediately following Prom, Seniors are steps away from enjoying a stunning cruise on Lake Michigan. This PTO supported event, offers a once in a lifetime experience and is a decades old tradition. Seniors will continue dancing, enjoying delicious food, photo booth, and making lifetime memories in a substance free environment. The Hinsdale Police department cites Post Prom as the #1 reason for the reduction in incidents following Prom. Even if you've purchased Prom tickets, Post Prom tickets are still available by sending $55 through Zelle at  treasurer@hcpto.org . Please encourage your Senior to attend! Thank you to some of our amazing sponsors, including The Cunningham Family, Hinsdale Advanced Eye, Page's, the Boosters, and Burdi. Save the Date for the last PTO Meeting of the school year on  Wednesday, May 7th at 9am and Zoom . In support of Mental Health Awareness month, we will host a panel of speakers to discuss resources available through Hinsdale Central and our Community Partners. We look forward to seeing you there! Hinsdale Central Foundation, Partnership in Lifelong Learning Teacher Appreciation 2025 It's a great day to be a Red Devil, so let's honor those who make that a reality!   Please consider donating to the Hinsdale Central Foundation to honor that special teacher, coach, sponsor, counselor, or staff member during Teacher Appreciation Week. Parents can even nominate their own former teachers and coaches and donate in their name! The person you choose to honor will receive your message and a special certificate to display. Your donation will help support programming that benefits teachers, students, and families throughout our Red Devil Nation. When you donate, this is what you can expect: The recipient receives your message, which is also shared with the principal and the superintendent. They will also receive a certificate of appreciation as well as public recognition in the school and local newspaper.   Hinsdale Central students, teacher grants and programs will be funded by your donation, and the amounts remain confidential.                                                                                                                                                           This is a wonderful opportunity to give a teacher/coach/staff member the recognition of a “job well done.” All you need to do is fill out this form by May 1, 2025. Let us know: The teacher you wish to honor                                  Their department or position The amount you will donate Personal message you choose to send                                             Contributions to the HC Foundation provide enrichment opportunities for Hinsdale Central students today and in the future. On behalf of our students and teachers at Hinsdale Central, thank you! Upcoming Dates Prom, May 3

Thursday, May 01 2025

Board Briefs: April 24, 2025

D86 Board Briefs Highlights From Meeting On April 24, 2024 REMINDER: Please SUBSCRIBE to receive alerts when Board of Education and Committee meeting agendas are posted. State Recognition The following Hinsdale South students were recognized during the meeting: IHSA Humorous Duet Acting Annina Garro and Luiza Oliveira - 2nd in State IHSA Musical Theatre Review Camila Flores, Annina Garro, Zara Jamil, Luiza Oliveira, Asmitha Pallath, and Leah Simpson - State Champions IHSA Group Interpretation "SUFFS" Andrea Crisp, Camila Flores, Annina Garro, Verena Greiss, Quinn Isberg, Zara Jamil, Casey Johnson, Luiza Oliveira, Asmitha Pallath, Leah Simpson, and Carlie Thomas - Sectional Champions; 6th in State Boys Swimming Parker Chan - 4th place - 500 Freestyle & 12th place - 100 Backstroke Parker holds the most school and pool records, totaling 11   Discussion Items Mobile Phones 2025-2026 School principals discussed plans to limit the distractions caused by mobile phones in classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year. Organizational Updates for 2025-2026 Superintendent Dr. Michael Lach outlined some changes to the district’s staffing structure for next year.   Action Items APPROVED: Electric Contract Parameters The Board authorized Chief Financial Officer Josh Stephenson to execute a 24 month, 100 percent fixed electric contract at or below 0.0475 cents per kilowatt hour. APPROVED: Canon Copier Replacement The Board approved the second phase of Canon copier replacements for an amount not to exceed $181,975.37. APPROVED: Member Initiative Program Grant with DuPage County The Board approved the Member Initiative Program Grant with the County of DuPage for funding the mother's room renovation at Hinsdale South. APPROVED: LED Lighting Bid The Board approved a bid for LED Lighting Replacement for Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South gymnasiums, for an amount not to exceed $97,562.00 to Twin Supplies LTD. APPROVIDED: Tuck Pointing The Board approved a bid for tuckpointing to I. W. & G. Inc. for an amount not to exceed $292,134.00 APPROVED: One-Year Contract with 3DK9 Partners LLC The Board approved a contract with 3DK9 Partners LLC to provide canine detection services for both Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South high schools for the 2025-2026 school year, at an hourly rate of $59.50. APPROVED: $2,500 Donation from the Rotary Club of Hinsdale Foundation for College Starter Kits Hinsdale South Community Liaison, Ayesha Truman, and the Hinsdale South Community Action Team work diligently throughout the year to provide for students in various areas. One of those ways are through college starter kits for our graduating seniors who may need some assistance before traveling away from home. The kits include laundry detergent, toiletries, shower items, towels, sheets and cooking utensils. APPROVED: Donation of Network Switch From Argo Community High School District 217 Argo Community High School District 217 has offered to donate an HP 5412 Rzl2 Network Switch to District 86. Our main network infrastructure utilizes the same make and model of switch. The switch modules from this donation will be utilized to expand the capacity of our existing network switches. Additionally, other components will be maintained as spare parts to serve as replacements in the event that any of our current switches experience hardware failure.   APPROVED: 2024-2025 School Year Final Calendar The Board approved the 2024-2025 School Year Final Calendar, removing the five unused emergency days and confirming the last day of school as May 29, 2025.   President's Report Board President Catherine Greenspon thanked the school principals for working to limit the distractions caused by mobile phones, and shared that she believed formalizing procedures regarding cell phones will make a big, positive impact for our kids. Greenspon also highlighted community partnerships, citing donations accepted by the Board during the meeting. She shared that we are seeing the true benefits of working together with community partners, and that it is benefiting our students and staff members.  Finally, Greenspon congratulated our incoming Board members Liz Mitha, Mary Satchwell, Bobby Fischer and Baron Leacock, as well as all of the candidates who ran for the Board. She said it’s great that we have so many passionate community members willing to volunteer their time on behalf of our students.   Information Reports Student Liaison Reports Board of Education Student Liaison Uyen Millon shared the Hinsdale South Liaison Report, while Principal Bill Walsh shared the Hinsdale Central Liaison Report.​ Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Dr. Michael Lach spoke in honor of the two District 86 students who recently passed. He also shared a variety of good news from around the district, reminded the community that registration begins on May 5, offered an update on conversation regarding the school music programs, highlighted the Step Up To South program, and presented the latest Inside 86 Video on the “D86 Multilingual Program: A Partnership in Language & Learning.”   Board Committee Reports Academic Committee Report - March 28, 2025 HR Committee Report - April 8, 2025 Finance Committee Report - April 16, 2025 Facilities Committee Report - April 18, 2025 Policy Committee Report - April 21, 2025 A&O Committee Report - April 21, 2025   Board Policies for First Read Policy 6:310 - High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students Policy 7:31 - Attendance: School Attendance Areas | Policy 7:32 - School Attendance Areas | Policy 4:110 - Transportation Policy 7:100 - Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students   Audience Comments An audience member thanked the current Board of Education for its collaborative approach at table, and for having student-centered conversation that led to positive outcomes. An audience member stressed that all District 86 students are entitled to equal educational opportunities, no matter where they live or which school they attend. Audience members expressed the need for a change in leadership on the Board of Education. Audience members shared the belief that student privacy rights had been violated. An audience member urged the board to reconsider staffing for the Hinsdale Central band program. Audience members spoke in favor of a year-long P.E. exemption for marching band students. An audience member spoke in regards to ongoing Service Employees International Union (SEIU) contract negotiations. An audience member thanked the Board for its commitment to transparency. Audience members thanked the Board of Education for their contributions.   Future Agenda Item Requests Report of the Administration’s Review of the Music Programs   Future Board Meetings Organizational Meeting - Monday, May 5 Committee of the Whole - Thursday, May 8 Regular Action Meeting - Thursday, May 29   Board Briefs are meant to provide highlights of each Board of Education meeting, and are not intended to be an all-inclusive recap. Please use the following link to View a Complete Recording of the Meeting.

Friday, Apr 25 2025

HC Weekly E-Blast April 24, 2025

Weekly E-Blast   |  April 24, 2025 HC Scholastic Art Awards Congratulations to our talented artists from Hinsdale Central on your amazing accomplishment!  The Hinsdale Central community is proud to recognize our Red Devil students on their selection as Scholastic Regional Art Award Winners! We are pleased to announce the 2025 Scholastic Art Suburban Chicago Regional Award Winners. This year in our Suburban Chicago Art Region, over 1500 individual entries and 60 senior portfolios we adjudicated. The 1500 entries were adjudicated across fifteen media categories. Students from more than 40 different schools won awards. 580 works were honored with awards. Safety & Security While Driving On and Around Campus The safety of our students and the security of our neighbors is important and should be respected at all times. As you navigate the traffic around Hinsdale Central, please proceed at a speed that will enable you to come to an immediate stop. Additionally, avoid using our neighbors property as a turnaround. Respecting the property of our neighbors is a sign of our maturity and patience. Q4 Make A Difference Nominations Due Friday, May 9th This will be the last opportunity to nominate someone for this school year!   At Hinsdale Central, many teachers and staff members go above and beyond to engage students or provide extra support to others in our Red Devil community. They teach classes, advise clubs, coach teams, and provide services that “make a difference” at our school. If you know of a teacher or staff member whose dedication or kindness has had a positive and lasting impact on you or a student, we invite you to nominate them. When describing why this individual deserves the award, please be specific and provide examples.  Although applications must be signed, those who submit nominations will remain anonymous. Please nominate them for a Make A Difference Award by completing the form found  here . Anyone can make a nomination!  The PTO presents six recipients with Make A Difference Awards each quarter.  The awards will include our appreciation with a personalized certificate and $100 Lettuce Entertain You Gift Card.   Nominations received by Friday, May 9th, 2025 will be considered for the fourth quarter awards.  Those nominated who have not received an award within the past 8 quarters are eligible for this current quarter.  You can view a list of past Make A Difference recipients  here .   If you have any questions, please contact Denys Kang, Grace Shin, or Kristin Tu at makeadifference@hcpto.org . Class of 2026 Senior Parking We are now accepting senior parking permit applications for the 2025-2026 school year! Important Details: Application Deadline: June 27, 2025 How to Apply: Students must use their D86 school account to submit their application. Application Process: Once received, applications will be reviewed, and students will receive confirmation of submission. Parking Assignments: Notifications regarding parking assignments will be posted and sent out in mid-July. Don't miss the deadline—apply today! Senior Parking Expectation and Application Senior Tribute Stickers Senior Parents Who Missed the Yearbook Senior Tribute Deadline: Purchase a SENIOR TRIBUTE STICKER for $30 at this link to have a tribute designed and printed for your student. If purchased, this sticker would ONLY appear in your senior’s book. Make sure to include a photo from when your student was between the ages of 1 and 7 as well as a brief message at the time of purchase. Second Semester Final Exams Second-semester final examinations will be held from Tuesday, May 27 to Thursday, May 29, 2025. The expectation is that students are in attendance each period (unless otherwise noted) and take their final exam during their designated time frame. The only exception to this is if a student has three final exams on a given day, they can reschedule an exam to a different day through the Dean's Office.  Please note, that students are NOT approved to reschedule exams to take them early for vacations or other personal reasons .   For more information regarding final exams and to find the exam reschedule form,  click here . For more information regarding academic support and how to connect with tutors, click here. Summer School Summer school registration is now open! For information on courses offered and how to register, please visit  https://www.hinsdale86.org/summer-school . Graduation Banners Class of 2025! Congratulations!  Your hard work and commitment to your education has been paid off with acceptance to college or another path! Hinsdale Central wants to honor your future plans by displaying, at our graduation ceremony, a personalized banner featuring your plans. This colorful banner, which is yours to keep, is a great keepsake commemorating your success in high school and beyond. Banners are 24"x30" and printed in color on both sides with 4 grommet holes for easy hanging. These banners are currently on sale, for $75 each, with proceeds going to activities programming here at Hinsdale Central. Use this link to order and pay now!  Orders will not be filled if payment has not been received by May 13. We will try to place orders after that date but understand that the price increases to $100. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Sally Phillip ( sphillip@hinsdale86.org ). 2025 Graduation Raffle Tickets Attention Senior Families: Graduation Raffle Tickets are available now! The Hinsdale Central Booster Club is excited to offer both these sales to our senior families!  All proceeds go back to Hinsdale Central athletics and activities. Please visit  www.theboosters.com to order.  From the PTO Attention Senior Parents! Prom & Post Prom tickets are now on sale. Immediately following Prom, Seniors are steps away from enjoying a stunning cruise on Lake Michigan. This PTO supported event, offers a once in a lifetime experience and is a decades old tradition. Seniors will continue dancing, enjoying delicious food, photo booth, and making lifetime memories in a substance free environment. The Hinsdale Police department cites Post Prom as the #1 reason for the reduction in incidents following Prom. Even if you've purchased Prom tickets, Post Prom tickets are still available by sending $55 through Zelle at  treasurer@hcpto.org . Please encourage your Senior to attend! Thank you to some of our amazing sponsors, including The Cunningham Family, Hinsdale Advanced Eye, Page's, the Boosters, and Burdi. Save the Date for the last PTO Meeting of the school year on Wednesday, May 7th at 9am and Zoom . In support of Mental Health Awareness month, we will host a panel of speakers to discuss resources available through Hinsdale Central and our Community Partners. We look forward to seeing you there! Hinsdale Central Foundation, Partnership in Lifelong Learning Teacher Appreciation 2025 It's a great day to be a Red Devil, so let's honor those who make that a reality!   Please consider donating to the Hinsdale Central Foundation to honor that special teacher, coach, sponsor, counselor, or staff member during Teacher Appreciation Week. Parents can even nominate their own former teachers and coaches and donate in their name! The person you choose to honor will receive your message and a special certificate to display. Your donation will help support programming that benefits teachers, students, and families throughout our Red Devil Nation. When you donate, this is what you can expect: The recipient receives your message, which is also shared with the principal and the superintendent. They will also receive a certificate of appreciation as well as public recognition in the school and local newspaper.   Hinsdale Central students, teacher grants and programs will be funded by your donation, and the amounts remain confidential.                                                                                                                                                           This is a wonderful opportunity to give a teacher/coach/staff member the recognition of a “job well done.” All you need to do is fill out this form by May 1, 2025. Let us know: The teacher you wish to honor                                  Their department or position The amount you will donate Personal message you choose to send                                             Contributions to the HC Foundation provide enrichment opportunities for Hinsdale Central students today and in the future. On behalf of our students and teachers at Hinsdale Central, thank you! Community Speaker Series Presents Harlan Cohen Registration is now open for the final event of the Community Speaker Series season! We are thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author and college success expert, Harlan Cohen, to our community. He will share his advice for achieving success by getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. NEW for this event: Bring your teens! Teenage students are welcome and encouraged to attend our evening event on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00pm in the Hinsdale Central Auditorium. We will also offer a second presentation for parents on Wednesday, April 30 at 9:00am at The Community House. As always, our events are free and open to all. Come out to connect, learn and enjoy! Please note: We anticipate a strong turnout for these events and ask that you arrive early to allow ample time for parking and seating so that we can begin our events promptly and provide our audience with the maximum amount of time with Harlan. Tuesday, April 29, 7:00pm-8:30pm, REGISTER HERE: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CSSCohenPM Wednesday, April 30, 9:00am-10:30am, REGISTER HERE: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CSSCohenAM Harlan Cohen has visited over 500 high school and college campuses, helping students, parents, and professionals navigate change and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. He is the author of seven books, including Win or Learn: The Naked Truth About Turning Every Rejection into Your Ultimate Success and The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run into In College. Harlan has over 1.5 million followers across his social media accounts and hosts The Harlan Cohen Podcast. See the attached flyer for more details.  Upcoming Dates Spring Musical, Mary Poppins, April 24-27 Prom, May 3

Thursday, Apr 24 2025

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - April 24, 2025

Weekly Newsletter April 24, 2025 What's Happening   Rock Your Tees - This Saturday Join us this Saturday, April 26, for a fun evening of: Food Bowling Socializing - Invite your friends and neighbors! All are welcome! *Get a FREE movie ticket to Hollywood Blvd just for showing up!* GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!!!! Our SILENT AUCTION is LIVE!! Click HS Music Boosters Online Auction for access to some fantastic prizes! We are live from now until NOON on Sunday, April 27! Don't miss out on gifts from these amazing local venues!! Cubs Broadway in Chicago Chicago Symphony Orchestra Ravinia Shakespeare Theater - Navy Pier  Disney Gift Basket Trader Joe's Gift Bag HS Student Parking Pass And MORE!!!   2025/2026 Student Parking Permits Parking permits for the 2025/2026 school year will be sold in the Dean's Office on the following dates: Monday, May 12 - Thursday, May 15 Monday, May 19 - Thursday, May 22 The cost is $150 (cash or check). Please bring payment to receive your tag. Important: Applications must be completed online. Tags are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. A parking tag is required to park in the lot. For questions, please contact Mrs. Matozzi at dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org.       Summer School - Registration is Open Registration information for Summer School 2025 is available on the District 86 website. Should you have any specific questions, please contact Susan Grady (sgrady@hinsdale86.org) or Jordan Stob (jstob@hinsdale6.org).   Student Highlights   South Asian Student Association Our South Asian Student Association had a blast hosting a Holi celebration. Thank you to all who attended, including the Hinsdale Central South Asian Student Association.   Stinger, a news site managed by students, provides coverage of news, opinions, culture, and sports. Committed to journalistic integrity, Stinger strives to deliver relevant information to its readers. A link will be provided every week for your enjoyment. Stinger - Student News Site   Audrey Atkinson - 100th Career Goal Audrey Atkinson reached a significant milestone on Saturday, netting her 100th career goal! Not only that, but she added two more in the 7-1 victory over Montini, bringing her impressive tally to 105. This achievement is truly rare for a high school soccer player, and with her talent, there are surely many more goals to come!   Results for Athletic Events   Faculty/Staff Highlights   John Schlamann - Math Teacher In honor of the HSHS Math Team’s strong finish at the ICTM State competition this past weekend, our last math teacher spotlight highlights the Head Coach of the Math Team, John Schlamann. John began his career at Hinsdale South, teaching a variety of math classes. Approximately 10 years ago, he became certified to teach computer science as well. He teaches all of the computer science courses we offer at Hinsdale South and also travels to Hinsdale Central to teach computer science there. Since John started teaching Computer Science, he has more than tripled the size of our computer science program! Last year, Hinsdale South was awarded the College Board’s Female Diversity Award for expanding female participation in AP Computer Science Principles. In addition to sponsoring the HSHS Math Team, John sponsors the Coding Club and also creates and shares many formative assessments with the greater CS network of teachers.   Thank you for all you contribute to the D86 community! We are lucky to have you!    Blanca Spence - Social Work What an accomplishment! Congratulations to Blanca Spence, Social Worker at Hinsdale South, on completing the Boston Marathon in a phenomenal 3:07.   Graduation Information   2025 Graduation Banners Sale We are excited to announce the first-ever sale of graduation banners! These banners will be displayed during the graduation ceremony, measuring 24"x 36". They are printed in color and come with grommet holes on each corner. The banners will feature the current senior yearbook photo taken during the school year. Orders must be placed by May 1, 2025, and are currently on sale for $55 each. Proceeds will support Student Activities programming at Hinsdale South.  The banners will be displayed in the stadium on graduation night, and families are welcome to take them down after the ceremony for a wonderful photo opportunity; of course, they will make a great souvenir and memory for years to come.  Sales are now open, and you can place your order here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nick Chavarria at nchavarr@hinsdale86.org.   Senior Slideshow Do you want to be featured in the Senior Slideshow? Send your favorite pictures to Luiza Oliveira by Friday, April 25, with "Senior Slideshow" in the subject line. We will display them at the prom!   Hinsdale South Boosters   Home Run Inn Pizza - Darien Thanks to Home Run Inn Pizza - Darien for their generous partnership in our latest fundraiser! Hinsdale South community, let's rally together! Order delicious take-and-bake pizzas from Home Run Inn now through April 30. Pick up your orders on May 5, 6, or 7 and enjoy a fantastic family meal. You'll support Hinsdale South students by ordering, as 30% of all sales go directly to the Booster Club. Scan the code or visit HERE to place your order today!     Hinsdale South Music Boosters   Victor Garcia & HS Jazz Band - May 1 Get ready for an unforgettable night of jazz! The Hinsdale South Music Booster Club and the Music Department present the incredible Chicago jazz trumpeter Victor Garcia, joining our very own talented Jazz Band for a performance on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. According to Examiner's Neil Tesser, Garcia is "one of the most exciting young musicians," and his skills extend to singing, percussion, and creating the impressive arrangements that have made him a professor at Roosevelt, Loyola, and UIC. Come and support your Hinsdale South Jazz Band and experience the artistry of Victor Garcia – all for FREE!   Hinsdale South Foundation   Foundation Opportunities Spring in Chicago brings exciting opportunities with the Hinsdale South Foundation! As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, the Foundation is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to fill various roles, including Board positions, advertising sales, yard sign coordination, and more. Remember, our vital work, awarding over $15,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors this spring, and all our efforts, depend on the generosity of volunteers. If you're passionate about supporting our students and have some time to contribute, please contact John Barnes ‘80 at jbarnes@cadets.com to learn more about how you can get involved. We can't operate without your help!   Community Events   Community Speaker Series Presents Harlan Cohen Registration is now open for the final event of the Community Speaker Series season! We are thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author and college success expert Harlan Cohen to our community. He will share his advice for achieving success by getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. NEW for this event: Bring your teens! Teenage students are welcome and encouraged to attend our evening event on Tuesday, April 29, at 7:00 PM. in the Hinsdale Central Auditorium. We will also offer a second presentation for parents on Wednesday, April 30, at 9:00 AM. at The Community House. As always, our events are free and open to all. Come out to connect, learn, and enjoy! Please note: We anticipate a strong turnout for these events and ask that you arrive early to allow ample time for parking and seating. This will allow us to begin promptly and give our audience the maximum amount of time with Harlan. Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 -8:30 PM, REGISTER HERE Wednesday, April 30, 9:00 - 10:30 AM, REGISTER HERE     PARENT VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED! We are excited to announce that the 2025 Hinsdale South Career Day will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about a variety of careers directly from professionals in our community—including you! We are looking for parent volunteers who are passionate about their careers and willing to share their experiences with our students by speaking to classes throughout the morning. Due to early release, the school day will run from 8:00 AM to 12:35 PM. Your insights can help inspire and guide students as they explore future career paths. If you are interested in participating, please fill out THIS INTEREST FORM.     SCHOOL CALENDARS    

Thursday, Apr 24 2025

April e-Newsletter: Supporting One Another, Today an...

D86 E-Newsletter April 18, 2025 Supporting One Another, Today and Always Message From The Superintendent As we continue to navigate the immense grief and loss felt throughout our community, I want to thank you for the outpouring of care, empathy, and support you’ve shown to one another. We’re all terribly saddened by the untimely passing of Bryson and Jack, but in moments like these, we are reminded of the strength, compassion, and resilience that define our community. We’ve witnessed countless acts of kindness as people have come together to lift one another up. It’s in these gestures that the heart of our district truly shines. Thank you. While we wish these circumstances were different, they have shown us what is possible when we lead with empathy and come together with purpose. Our hope is that this sense of unity and compassion does not fade when the immediate grief subsides, but instead becomes a permanent part of how we show up for each other every day. The strength of our community should not just be seen in times of sorrow, but in the way we consistently support, listen to, and care for one another. As a district, we remain committed to fostering a culture where every student, staff member, and family feels safe, supported, and connected. We encourage you to take a moment to check in—with yourself and with those around you—and to remember that help and support are always within reach. With care and continued partnership, Dr. Michael Lach Superintendent Here's What Is Happening In District 86 Community House Offering Drop-In Hours For District 86 Students The Community House Counseling Center is offering walk-in hours for anyone attending District 86. The counseling center uses innovative models to help individuals with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, life transitions, grief, and more.   Secure Firearm Storage The DuPage Regional Office of Education– in partnership with the DuPage County State’s Attorney's Office, the DuPage Sheriff’s Office, and the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association–recently released information on secure firearm storage. The joint letter also asks that anyone who overhears someone talking about or threatening to commit an act of violence–either toward themselves or others–to please contact your local police department, school district, or Illinois Safe2Help, where you can provide information anonymously and confidentially.   Hinsdale Central Spring Play: Mary Poppins While Hinsdale South already wrapped up its outstanding performances of "Six," there's still time to catch the Hinsdale Central spring show. Use the following link to order tickets to Mary Poppins, which runs from April 24-27.   Central Students Create Student-Led Model UN Conference Isa Ibrahim and Anthony Barakat, sophomores at Hinsdale Central High School, have founded DuPage Model United Nations (DUMUN), a student-led Model UN conference engaging high school students in diplomacy, leadership, and civic responsibility. DUMUN offers a dynamic platform for students to engage in real-world diplomacy, debate pressing international issues, and develop skills in public speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking High school students from both schools are invited to attend the upcoming DUMUN Conference on April 27 at Hinsdale South High School. Use the following link to register.   Community Speaker Series: 5 Simple Rules for Success in College New York Times bestselling author and college success expert Harlan Cohen offers his advice for achieving success by getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. In the final Community Speaker Series event of the school year on April 29 and April 30, Cohen will equip parents and students with the knowledge and tools to support student success while maintaining a healthy parent-child relationship.   Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) Events The Glenbard Parent Series engages top experts, parents and school staff to become proactive and informed in pursuit of the mutual goal to strengthen our communities. Programs are free and open to the public. View Upcoming Events   Have News To Share? Let Us Know

Friday, Apr 18 2025

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - April 17, 2025

Weekly Newsletter April 17, 2025 What's Happening   SIX The Musical - Teen Edition Congratulations to the cast and crew of Six! This weekend, our school and community enjoyed four performances by these amazingly talented students. Thank you to our director, Mr. Yuska, and all the adults, volunteers, and staff who helped make this show a reality. Congrats again to the cast and crew for this amazing performance!   Summer School - Registration is Open Registration information for Summer School 2025 is available on the District 86 website. Should you have any specific questions, please contact Susan Grady (sgrady@hinsdale86.org) or Jordan Stob (jstob@hinsdale6.org).   2025/2026 Student Parking Permits Parking permits for the 2025/2026 school year will be sold in the Dean's Office on the following dates: Monday, May 12th - Thursday, May 15th Monday, May 19th - Thursday, May 22nd The cost is $150 (cash or check). Please bring payment to receive your tag. Important: Applications must be completed online. Tags are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. A parking tag is required to park in the lot. For questions, please contact Mrs. Matozzi at dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org.       Counseling   College Representative Visits Students wishing to visit with a college representative should sign up on SchooLinks and then come to the Counseling Office to get a pass from Mrs. Alvarez for the visit. The pass needs to be signed by the teacher whose class the student will miss. Students must have this pass to attend the college visit. Without it, they will not be admitted to the meeting. The College Rep Visit will usually last about 30- 45 minutes. Monday, April 21 10:45 AM - University of Nevada - Las Vegas    Student Highlights       Results for Athletic Events   Faculty/Staff Highlights   Lexi Fosco - Math Teacher Lexi Fosco is one of our Algebra 2 Trig Honors and Precalculus Teachers and has been at South for the past 6 years.  Prior to coming to Hinsdale South, she taught for a year at Reavis High School.  Lexi is incredibly involved in the Hinsdale South community as a dance coach, junior & senior class sponsor, and Equity Coach.  Her leadership and passion for this work inspired her Doctoral Dissertation research on increasing access & opportunity to advanced coursework for Black & Hispanic high school students, which she will defend later this month and graduate at the end of May.  Next year, Lexi will take her math skills to new heights as District 86’s new Director of Data and Analytics. She will use data to improve student outcomes, target support, and help analyze our district programs. Thanks for all you do to contribute to math and the entire school community!  Good luck with your new role next year!   Graduation Information   2025 Graduation Banners Sale We are excited to announce the first-ever sale of graduation banners! These banners will be displayed during the graduation ceremony, measuring 24"x 36". They are printed in color and come with grommet holes on each corner. The banners will feature the current senior yearbook photo taken during the school year. Orders must be placed by May 1, 2025, and are currently on sale for $55 each. Proceeds will support Student Activities programming at Hinsdale South.  The banners will be displayed in the stadium on graduation night, and families are welcome to take them down after the ceremony for a wonderful photo opportunity; of course, they will make a great souvenir and memory for years to come.  Sales are now open, and you can place your order here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nick Chavarria at nchavarr@hinsdale86.org.   Senior Slideshow Do you want to be featured in the Senior Slideshow? Send your favorite pictures to Luiza Oliveira by Friday, April 25th, with "Senior Slideshow" in the subject line. We will display them at the prom!   Hinsdale South Boosters   Home Run Inn Pizza - Darien Thanks to Home Run Inn Pizza - Darien for their generous partnership in our latest fundraiser! Hinsdale South community, let's rally together! Order delicious take-and-bake pizzas from Home Run Inn now through April 30th. Pick up your orders on May 5, 6, or 7 and enjoy a fantastic family meal. You'll support Hinsdale South students by ordering, as 30% of all sales go directly to the Booster Club. Scan the code or visit HERE to place your order today!     Hinsdale South Music Boosters   2nd Annual Rock Your Tees - Bowling Night! We are just over ONE WEEK AWAY! Join us April 26th for a fun evening of: Food Bowling Socializing - invite your friends & neighbors - all are welcome!! *Get a FREE movie ticket to Hollywood Blvd just for showing up!* GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!!!! Our SILENT AUCTION is LIVE!! Click HS Music Boosters Online Auction for access to some amazing prizes! We are live from now until NOON on Sunday, April 27th! Don't miss out on gifts from these amazing local venues!! Cubs Broadway in Chicago Chicago Symphony Orchestra Ravinia Shakespeare Theater - Navy Pier  Disney Gift Basket Trader Joe's Gift Bag HS Student Parking Pass And MORE!!!   Victor Garcia, Jazz Trumpeter, Visits Hinsdale South Get ready for an unforgettable night of jazz! The Hinsdale South Music Booster Club and the Music Department present the incredible Chicago jazz trumpeter Victor Garcia, joining our very own talented Jazz Band for a performance on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. According to Examiner's Neil Tesser, Garcia is "one of the most exciting young musicians," and his skills extend to singing, percussion, and creating the impressive arrangements that have made him a professor at Roosevelt, Loyola, and UIC. Come and support your Hinsdale South Jazz Band and experience the artistry of Victor Garcia – all for FREE!   Hinsdale South Foundation   Foundation Opportunities Spring in Chicago brings exciting opportunities with the Hinsdale South Foundation! As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, the Foundation is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to fill various roles, including Board positions, advertising sales, yard sign coordination, and more. Remember, our vital work, awarding over $15,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors this spring, and all our efforts, depend on the generosity of volunteers. If you're passionate about supporting our students and have some time to contribute, please contact John Barnes ‘80 at jbarnes@cadets.com to learn more about how you can get involved. We can't operate without your help!   Community Events   Community Speaker Series Presents Harlan Cohen Registration is now open for the final event of the Community Speaker Series season! We are thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author and college success expert Harlan Cohen to our community. He will share his advice for achieving success by getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. NEW for this event: Bring your teens! Teenage students are welcome and encouraged to attend our evening event on Tuesday, April 29, at 7:00 PM. in the Hinsdale Central Auditorium. We will also offer a second presentation for parents on Wednesday, April 30, at 9:00 AM. at The Community House. As always, our events are free and open to all. Come out to connect, learn, and enjoy! Please note: We anticipate a strong turnout for these events and ask that you arrive early to allow ample time for parking and seating. This will allow us to begin promptly and give our audience the maximum amount of time with Harlan. Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 -8:30 PM, REGISTER HERE Wednesday, April 30, 9:00 - 10:30 AM, REGISTER HERE   PARENT VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED! We are excited to announce that the 2025 Hinsdale South Career Day will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about a variety of careers directly from professionals in our community—including you! We are looking for parent volunteers who are passionate about their careers and willing to share their experiences with our students by speaking to classes throughout the morning. Due to early release, the school day will run from 8:00 AM to 12:35 PM. Your insights can help inspire and guide students as they explore future career paths. If you are interested in participating, please fill out THIS INTEREST FORM.     SCHOOL CALENDARS    

Thursday, Apr 17 2025

HC Weekly E-Blast April 10, 2025

Weekly E-Blast   |  April 10, 2025 JETS Sectionals 2025 Congratulations to the JETS Varsity Team for winning another Sectionals Championship for the ACES Competition ( A cademic C hallenge for E ngineering and S cience), in a hotly contested battle of the minds in a dominant win over a field of 7 teams in the Unlimited Division, knocking out rival Naperville Central by over 40 points! Heather Wang emerged as Sectional Champion in the Biology Competition, with Rachel Zuo taking 5th!  Rezaan Malick performed flawless stoichiometry to take Sectional Champion in  Chemistry, with Karen Gu taking 4th, and Yash Mishra taking 5th place! Alex Richardson hacked and coded his way to a fantastic 3rd place finish in Computer Science, with Max Zheng taking 4th place! Emily Jehng did Mr. Schmidt proud by defeating other rivals taking the Engineering Graphics Championship, with Meiyan Zhu also representing women in STEM and the Red Devils by taking 2nd place! Noor Pirzada and Teagan Manning helped conjugate verbs and tied for 3rd place in the English Competition, with Heather Wang taking 4th and Aadya Boggaram taking 6th! In a battle of exacting calculations, Max Zheng took 2nd in the Mathematics Competition, with Nate Maydanchik taking 3rd for the Red Devils! Demonstrating his versatility, Nate Maydanchik took 2nd place in the crazy Physics Competition, with Meiyan Zhu making Mr. McClain proud taking 3rd and Noor Pirzada taking 4th in an intense battle of mind power! Congratulations to these multi-talented Red Devil Scholars as they prepare for the State ACES Competition in mid-April!  Spring Assessment Information On Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Thursday, April 17, 2025, students in grades 9-11 will take the state-mandated Pre-ACT & ACT assessment. Students in Grade 12 will not be in attendance. Please see the schedule below as to when students are testing.    District 86 Spring Testing Schedule Grade Level Wednesday, April 16 Thursday, April 17 9 PreACT 9 Non-Attendance Day 10 Non-Attendance Day PreACT 11 ACT Non-Attendance Day 12 Non-Attendance Day Non-Attendance Day Dismissal  Information Dismissal times range based on the exam.  Here are the approx. times for STANDARD tests. Grade 9 -  11:15 a.m.* Grade 11 -  12:30 p.m.* Dismissal times range based on the exam.  Here are the approx. times for STANDARD tests. Grade 10 -  11:15 a.m.* Bus Times 11:45 AM-All routes Departure 1:30 PM-Late Testing Bus Departure  3:00 PM-Juniors with 1.5x with prior RSVP  11:45 AM-All routes Departure 1:30 PM-North / South routes Departure *Students who have ACT-approved extended time per their IEP/504/ML status may be dismissed later than the times listed above or may test over two days. Here is important information regarding the testing: Dismissal & Transportation: Student parking is open and any student with a license can park in the student parking lot. Cafe & Meal Information: Breakfast:  Will be available from 7:00-7:50.  Cafeteria will close at 7:50 to move students to their testing location. Snacks:  Cafe & Devil’s Roast is CLOSED during testing.  Students should not be in the cafe/commons. Lunch : Quest will have “grab & go” options for students as they finish between 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Supports on Non-Testing Days: On the days that students are NOT testing, we will have the following supports open for students to use; Testing Center, Achieve, Excel, and the SSC. Students should come in Door 5 to use these supports. This is a great time for students to catch up on missing work. Tips for Success Testing:  We need your help to make sure our testing days are successful. Students should bring their charged school-issued Chromebooks and charger Students should be in their testing location by 7:50 so we can begin promptly at 8:00 and ensure an on-time dismissal  Students should get a good night's sleep and eat a protein-rich breakfast before testing Students should bring a water bottle and a snack Students are not allowed to have their cell phones, headphones, and/or smartwatches. They should be left in their locker, car, or backpack. For additional information, students should review their testing location email from Jennifer Regnier. Class of 2026 Senior Parking We are now accepting senior parking permit applications for the 2025-2026 school year! Important Details: Application Deadline: June 27, 2025 How to Apply: Students must use their D86 school account to submit their application. Application Process: Once received, applications will be reviewed, and students will receive confirmation of submission. Parking Assignments: Notifications regarding parking assignments will be posted and sent out in mid-July. Don't miss the deadline—apply today! Senior Parking Expectation and Application 2025 Summer School   The Summer School Program of Studies can be found on the district website . Registration will begin on Monday, April 14 at noon. Cap and Gown Distribution Caps and Gowns will be handed out during all lunch periods on Tuesday, April 15. If you are unable to pick them up on the day, you can get them from the Main Office after the 15th. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Van Ness at jvanness@hinsdale86.org . Senior Tribute Stickers Senior Parents Who Missed the Yearbook Senior Tribute Deadline: Purchase a SENIOR TRIBUTE STICKER for $30  at this link to have a tribute designed and printed for your student. If purchased, this sticker would ONLY appear in your senior’s book. Make sure to include a photo from when your student was between the ages of 1 and 7 as well as a brief message at the time of purchase. Graduation Banners Class of 2025! Congratulations!  Your hard work and commitment to your education has been paid off with acceptance to college or another path! Hinsdale Central wants to honor your future plans by displaying, at our graduation ceremony, a personalized banner featuring your plans. This colorful banner, which is yours to keep, is a great keepsake commemorating your success in high school and beyond. Banners are 24"x30" and printed in color on both sides with 4 grommet holes for easy hanging. These banners are currently on sale, for $75 each, with proceeds going to activities programming here at Hinsdale Central. Use this link to order and pay now!  Orders will not be filled if payment has not been received by May 13th.  We will try to place orders after that date but understand that the price increases to $100. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Sally Phillip ( sphillip@hinsdale86.org ). 2025 Yard Signs and Graduation Raffle Tickets Attention Senior Families: 2025 Yard Signs and Graduation Raffle Tickets are available now! The Hinsdale Central Booster Club is excited to offer both these sales to our senior families!  All proceeds go back to Hinsdale Central athletics and activities. Please visit  www.theboosters.com to order.  Struggling to Balance School with Athletics? Catch the P.A.S.S. today! We get it–being a student athlete isn’t easy, and rigorous practice schedules often make it hard to keep up with everything that’s going on in class. That’s why P.A.S.S., or Peer Athlete Student Scholars, is here to help and support you. Whether it be for test prep or concept review, we’re here to ensure that you can be just as successful on the court as you are in the classroom. Some of our offerings include: Individualized class review, prep, and support Group tutoring or study sessions AP Exam review Finals review sessions Are you ready to hit the ball out of the park on your next test? Sign up for a P.A.S.S. session today at  this link . Looking for a way to get involved and earn volunteer hours? Apply to become a P.A.S.S. tutor at  this link . Any questions? Get in touch to learn more about P.A.S.S. and its offerings by emailing Ary Bansal at abansal6002@stu.hinsdale86.org or Connor Mason at  cmason7114@stu.hinsdale86.org . Or, scan the QR code below to learn more. Post Prom Attention Senior Parents! Prom & Post Prom tickets are now on sale. Immediately following Prom, Seniors are steps away from enjoying a stunning cruise on Lake Michigan. This PTO supported event, offers a once in a lifetime experience, and is a decades old tradition. Seniors will continue dancing, enjoying delicious food, photo booth, and making lifetime memories in a substance free environment. The Hinsdale Police department cites Post Prom as the #1 reason for the reduction in incidents following Prom. Even if you've purchased Prom tickets, Post Prom tickets are still available. Please encourage your Senior to attend! Thank you to some of our amazing sponsors, including The Cunningham Family, Hinsdale Advanced Eye, Page's, the Boosters, and Burdi. Pickleball Club is having a Parent (Adult) - Student Pickleball tournament on Sunday, April 13 from 2-5 at the HC tennis courts. Here is the QR code to sign up: Devils' Advocate dropped its March magazine recently that included stories about how news site like The New York Times have included additional games like Connections to grab younger readers and what this means for the future of news, a spotlight about how senior Mason Bernacki and junior Yaz Crisostomo enjoy speed racing, and a spotlight about rising professional singers like juniors Davon Johnson and Sohan Whittier and senior Kayla Liang. In addition to the magazine, our online reporters have published some interesting reads!  Senior Sadiyah Alam's Q&A with swimmer Noah Pelinkovic about the winning boys' swim season.  Junior Willa Braden writes about the beginning of the girls' soccer season .  Learn about the   new ice cream shop that opened in Lombard by senior writer Tobi Oranu.   Want more news? Be sure to visit hcdevilsadvocate.com and subscribe to the student-run publication to support our student journalists. Want to join the team? Consider enrolling in Journalism: Newsmagazine or Journalism: Newswriting & Reporting, both now offering an earned honors credit opportunity!  Hinsdale Central Foundation, Partnership in Lifelong Learning Teacher Appreciation 2025 It's a great day to be a Red Devil, so let's honor those who make that a reality!   Please consider donating to the Hinsdale Central Foundation to honor that special teacher, coach, sponsor, counselor, or staff member during Teacher Appreciation Week. Parents can even nominate their own former teachers and coaches and donate in their name! The person you choose to honor will receive your message and a special certificate to display. Your donation will help support programming that benefits teachers, students, and families throughout our Red Devil Nation. When you donate, this is what you can expect: The recipient receives your message, which is also shared with the principal and the superintendent. They will also receive a certificate of appreciation as well as public recognition in the school and local newspaper.   Hinsdale Central students, teacher grants and programs will be funded by your donation, and the amounts remain confidential.                                                                                                                                                           This is a wonderful opportunity to give a teacher/coach/staff member the recognition of a “job well done.” All you need to do is fill out this form by May 1, 2025. Let us know: The teacher you wish to honor                                  Their department or position The amount you will donate Personal message you choose to send                                             Contributions to the HC Foundation provide enrichment opportunities for Hinsdale Central students today and in the future. On behalf of our students and teachers at Hinsdale Central, thank you! Community Speaker Series Presents Harlan Cohen Registration is now open for the final event of the Community Speaker Series season! We are thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author and college success expert, Harlan Cohen, to our community. He will share his advice for achieving success by getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. NEW for this event: Bring your teens! Teenage students are welcome and encouraged to attend our evening event on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00pm in the Hinsdale Central Auditorium. We will also offer a second presentation for parents on Wednesday, April 30 at 9:00am at The Community House. As always, our events are free and open to all. Come out to connect, learn and enjoy! Please note: We anticipate a strong turnout for these events and ask that you arrive early to allow ample time for parking and seating so that we can begin our events promptly and provide our audience with the maximum amount of time with Harlan. Tuesday, April 29, 7:00pm-8:30pm, REGISTER HERE: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CSSCohenPM Wednesday, April 30, 9:00am-10:30am, REGISTER HERE: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CSSCohenAM Harlan Cohen has visited over 500 high school and college campuses, helping students, parents, and professionals navigate change and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. He is the author of seven books, including Win or Learn: The Naked Truth About Turning Every Rejection into Your Ultimate Success and The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run into In College. Harlan has over 1.5 million followers across his social media accounts and hosts The Harlan Cohen Podcast. See the attached flyer for more details.  Upcoming Dates Culture Fair, April 11 Spring Musical, Mary Poppins, April 24-27 Prom, May 3

Thursday, Apr 10 2025