HC Weekly E-Blast July 9, 2026

Weekly E-Blast   |  July 9, 2026 Freshman and New Student Chromebook Pick-Up & ID Photos Chromebook distribution and student ID photo sessions for all incoming freshmen and new students will be held at Hinsdale Central on the following dates: July 29 and July 30 August 5 and August 6 Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM No appointment is necessary. Students should enter through the Grant Street Entrance, where Chromebook distribution and ID photo stations will be located. Important: Only District 86 families who have completed the online registration process will be eligible to receive a Chromebook. If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled dates, Chromebooks will be distributed on the first day of school, August 12, 2026. Booster Spirit Wear Sales The Boosters will be selling Spirit Wear at our Freshman & New Student Chromebook Pickups on July 29 & 30 and August 5 & 6. Make sure to stop by and stock up on your HC gear for the new school year! Seal of Biliteracy Testing Attention incoming Seniors! Mark your calendars for the Fall Seal of Biliteracy Testing , which will take place on  Friday, October 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. October 9 is the Fall District Testing Day for students in grades 9–11 and is a  non-attendance day for seniors , unless you choose to participate in the Seal of Biliteracy testing. If you are interested in earning the Seal of Biliteracy, this is a great opportunity to demonstrate your language proficiency. To learn more, please visit our website . An additional testing date will be offered in  February for students who are unable to test in the Fall or who wish to test at a later date. Contact Dr. Jay Lawrence with any questions. jlawrence@hinsdale86.org Upcoming Dates Freshman & New Student Chromebook Pick Up - July 29 & 30, August 5 & 6 First Day of School - August 12

Thursday, Jul 09 2026

Board Briefs: June 25, 2026

D86 Board Briefs Highlights From Meeting On June 25, 2026 REMINDER: Please SUBSCRIBE to receive alerts when Board of Education and Committee meeting agendas are posted. Hinsdale South’s Kennedy Ruff, and Hinsdale Central’s Rohin Mendi and George Zilliox, were a few of the students recognized during the June 25, 2026 meeting. Good News The Board celebrated the achievements of student-athletes from Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central.   Discussion Items Activities & Athletics Year-End Reports Principals Bill Walsh and Dr. Kari Peronto presented the Hinsdale Central and South Activities and Athletics reports for SY 2026. Hinsdale Central 2026 Activities Report Hinsdale Central 2026 Athletics Report Hinsdale South 2026 Activities Report Hinsdale South 2026 Athletics Report 2026-2027 Superintendent Goals The Board discussed the 2026-2027 Superintendent Goals for Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit. Fiscal Year 2027 Tentative Budget Presentation Chief Financial Officer Josh Stephenson presented the Fiscal Year 2027 Tentative Budget. The tentative budget includes total revenue of $146.86 million and expenses of $146.60 million. Transition Center Action Plan The District 86 administrative team presented the Transition Center Action Plan, which provides a roadmap for the future development of Transition Center programming. Moving forward, District 86 administration will continue to analyze student-to-staff ratios for certified staff and paraprofessionals to maximize opportunities for students. In addition, efficiencies in transportation, eligibility recommendations, and paraprofessional deployment will continue to be examined to protect the operational budget.  In doing so, D86 will continue to provide a world-class experience for students that demonstrates fiscal responsibility and meets community expectations. Artificial Intelligence Taskforce Update The District 86 administrative team provided information on the possibility of a NVIDIA Artificial Intelligence Pilot for the 2026-27 school year, and shared a draft of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance for Staff & Students.   As part of a pilot program, D86 students interested in AI will have an opportunity to extend their learning experiences through courses and extra-curricular programs such as: Technology Service Internship (TSI), Instructional Strategies, Internship and/or Business Work Experience, AI Club, and Coding Club. Upon completion of these courses, students may earn industry credentials, certificates of completion, or general enrichment opportunities. D86 administration will likely return in late summer/early fall with a recommendation to pursue the pilot once additional clarity is provided on data security, potential costs, and criteria used to evaluate the pilot.   BOE Self Evaluation The Board opted to hold its self-evaluation meeting during its planned Board retreat on Sept. 15, 2026.   Action Items APPROVED: 2026-2027 Superintendent Goals The Board approved the 2026-2027 Superintendent Goals. APPROVED: FY 2027 Tentative Budget and Set Budget Public Hearing in September 2026 The Board approved the FY 2027 Tentative Budget and set a budget public hearing for Sept. 29, 2026. AWARDED: Bid 27-004 Chiller Maintenance The Board approved a bid for chiller preventative maintenance services. APPROVED: Resolution 27.02 Designation of Interest Earning The Board approved a resolution to retain the option to transfer interest earnings after the end of the fiscal year. APPROVED: District Depositories The Board designated depositories for school district funds. ACCEPTED: Donation from Darien Lions Club The Board accepted a $1,500 donation from the Darien Lions Club to provide supplies and materials to special education students at Hinsdale South High School and the Transition Center.   APPROVED: 2026-2029 HTHSSS Negotiated Contract The Board approved the negotiated collective bargaining agreement between the Hinsdale Township High School Support Staff (HTHSSS) and District 86.  APPROVED: FY27 Wage Adjustment Schedule for Administrative Assistants and Science Lab Aides The Board approved a wage adjustment schedule for administrative assistants and science lab aides to establish hourly wage ranges based on District 86 experience and market conditions. The schedule seeks to correct historical inconsistencies and establish a more consistent compensation foundation among this employee group. APPROVED: 2026-2027 Student Handbook The Board approved the 2026-2027 Student Handbook. Administration indicated they anticipate an addendum on student academic integrity in August. APPOINTED: LEND Representative and Approve FY2027 The Board appointed Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit as the District’s representative to engage with the Legislative Education Network of DuPage (LEND). APPROVED: 2026-2027 DAOES Board Representative The Board appointed Assistant Superintendent Dr. Josh McMahon as the Board’s Representative to the DuPage Area Occupational Education System (DAOES) for the 2026-2027 school year. APPOINTED: DuPage West Cook Designee The Board appointed Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Kari Smith to serve as the D86 DuPage West Cook Designee. APPROVED: 2026-2027 School Calendar Edits The Board approved corrections to the 2026-27 school year calendar. APPROVED: BOE Professional Development The Board approved member participation in professional development conferences. APPROVED: BOE 2026-2027 Schedule of Regular Meetings The Board approved its 2026-2027 schedule of regular meetings. APPROVED: BOE 2026-2027 HHSTA Negotiations Representatives The Board named Board President Catherine Greenspon and Board Vice President Mary Satchwell as HHSTA negotiations representatives. APPROVED: BOE 2026-2027 Committee Structure Recommendations The Board approved a reduced committee structure for 2026-27 with specifics to be provided in August.   Board Committee Reports Academic Committee Report A&O Committee Report A&O - 2025-2026 Year-End Report Finance & Facilities Committee Report  Human Resources May Committee Report Human Resources June Committee Report  Closed Session Minutes Review Committee Report   Board - President's Report Board President Catherine Greenspon shared that the Board President’s Report will be removed from future agendas, as the Board President can share remarks during the “Board Comments” portion of the meeting.   Board Comments Board Member Liz Mitha shared the Board Self-Evaluation she prepared for the meeting. Mitha identified hiring an experienced superintendent, monitoring performance, and committee work as Board strengths. She said the Board’s greatest area for growth is taking greater responsibility for its own governance, and expressed concern that her input, questions, and requests have at times been disregarded. Board President Catherine Greenspon responded that disagreements are not the same as being disregarded.   Superintendent's Report In his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Chip Pettit highlighted summer capital improvement projects, data-sharing agreements with sender school districts, and an expanded partnership opportunity with Argonne National Laboratory.   Audience Comments Audience members shared the success story of a Transition Center student working independently at Ace Hardware, and asked the Board for more information on its review of the Transition Center. An audience member thanked the Board on behalf of the HTHSSS association union leadership for their work together during contract negotiations. An audience member thanked the administration and Board for working hard to be transparent and collaborative.   Future Board Meetings Tuesday, August 25 Tuesday, September 15 (Board Self Evaluation) Tuesday, September 29 Tuesday, October 27   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, Jun 26 2026

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - June 25, 2026

Weekly Newsletter June 25, 2026 Registration for the 2026-27 School Year 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 2026-27 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. 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. Please note that the approved 2026-27 school fees have been added to each student's account in Infinite Campus. The registration fee for the 2026-27 school year is $485. Payments can be made at the time of registration.  For details on accessing the Parent Portal, please click HERE.   Schedules - Coming Soon The release date for the student schedules will be announced toward the end of July. Keep checking the newsletter for more information. In the meantime, any student required to submit medical forms to the nurse must have them submitted and approved before their schedules are released.     Senior Health Requirements   Senior Meningitis Vaccination 26-27 Students entering grade 12 in the State of Illinois must be immunized for Meningitis. The immunization requirement consists of two doses of the MCV4 vaccine for entry into 12th grade. Only one dose of MCV4 is required for students entering 12th grade if the first dose was received on or after age 16. Proof of receiving the MCV4 Vaccination(s) is required before school starts.   Freshman and New Student FAQ's   Health Requirements Illinois state law requires each new student to have a physical examination performed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, APN, or PA). State law also requires each student to show evidence of the immunizations outlined in the Physical Exam and Immunization Requirements document - CERTIFICATE OF CHILD HEALTH EXAMINATION. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE A CURRENT PHYSICAL OR IMMUNIZATION RECORD ON FILE MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL UNTIL THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. Students participating in sports are required to complete a separate sports physical form issued by the IHSA - IHSA SPORTS PHYSICAL FORM. See the "Athletic" section for more information.     Chromebook Pickup Incoming freshmen and new students can pick up their District 86 Chromebook and student ID card for the 2026-2027 school year on the following dates: Monday, August 3 - 8:00 AM - 3:-00 PM Tuesday, August 4 - 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 5 - 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Chromebook pickup will be held inside the Library; no appointment is necessary. Please park in the stadium lot (across Clarendon Hills Road) and enter through the main entrance, door #1. Only District 86 families who have completed the online registration process and submitted the necessary medical forms to the health office will be able to pick up their school-issued Chromebook. Students must have their Chromebooks on their first day of attendance on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as the devices are a critical part of instruction for the 2026-2027 school year.  If you are unable to pick up your Chromebook on these dates, you will need to collect it on the first day of school. ​   First Day of School Freshmen and new students will have the opportunity to walk through their schedules and meet their teachers on the morning of the first day of school. They will also have the chance to visit an Athletics and Activities Fair. More details will follow. First Day of School Tips: Students should come prepared with their lanyards around their necks, Chromebooks, schedules, and writing materials. The Campus Student app should be downloaded to the student's Chromebook and, if available, their phone. Parents should download the Campus Parent and Parent Square apps. Schedules, locker combinations, and bus numbers will be listed in Infinite Campus (Campus Parent and Campus Student) once released. Bus schedules will be posted on the Hinsdale South website under "Transportation" at the end of July. Books and gym uniforms will be distributed in class. Supply lists will be given by each teacher, if needed. The links to the bell schedule and school calendar will be on the Hinsdale South Website homepage. Get a good night's rest and enjoy your new journey!   How Families Can Stay "Connected" Hinsdale South is dedicated to keeping you informed about everything happening this school year, from your student's progress to exciting activities, athletics, and other important events and services. Here are some essential resources to help you stay connected: Infinite Campus (Campus Parent) - Campus Parent is used to access your student's schedules, attendance, grades, fees, and lunch money. ParentSquare - Newsletters will be sent from Hinsdale South (weekly), as well as communication from the District, and other important letters as needed. Hinsdale South Website - your go-to source for all information, including calendars, announcements, attendance, bell schedules, transportation, and more. Social Media - South Pride can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Log in to your account to follow us.   Spiritwear Sale The Booster Club is so excited to welcome our incoming freshmen and new students to Hinsdale South this fall! Every Friday, students and staff wear their spiritwear or black and gold to show their "South Pride". Grab something for your student today! Shop now at: https://tpsteamgear.chipply.com/southhsgradapparel/ Orders can be shipped right to your door or picked up locally at TPS Sports Team Gear in Willow Springs. Have questions? We’re happy to help—email us anytime at hinsdalesouthboosters@gmail.com Anyone can order this merch! See something you like, whether you're a parent or current South student? Feel free to order!   Deans Office   26/27 Parking Tags On Sale Parking tags for the 2026–2027 school year will be available for purchase in the Dean’s Office. Cost: $150 (cash or check only) Important: Please bring your payment with you to receive your tag. Parking tags are first-come, first-served. You must have a tag to park in the student lot. All applications must be completed online. Please click here to fill out the application. Please email Mrs. Matozzi at dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org with any questions.   Student News   Ryan Fritz - State Winner Congratulations, Ryan Fritz, on your 3rd-place wins for Freestyle and Butterfly at Special Olympics State! We are so proud of you!   Athletics   Sports Physicals All student-athletes, including freshmen, must submit a current Medical Eligibility Form, issued by the ISHA, to the Athletic Office before the first day of participation. Students will not be able to participate until the Athletic Department receives the form. These forms are required annually and can be dropped off at the Front Desk (Door 1) or emailed to the Athletic Department. For more information on Hinsdale South Athletics, please click HERE.   See the 2026-2027 start dates HERE.   Community News         Important Contacts Below is a list of individuals at the building who can assist you with any questions you may have. See below for their area of expertise. Registration & Records - Annette Sarocco, Registrar; asarocco@hinsdale86.org, (630) 468-4269 Health Forms - Karen Fitzer, Nurse; southhealth@hinsdale86.org, (630) 468-4595 Fees - Laura Sharp, District Bookstore Manager; lsharp@hinsdale86.org, (630) 468-4226 Counseling/Schedules - Sylvia Cabrera, scabrera@hinsdale86.org, (630) 468-4251 Transportation & Parking Permits - Donna Matozzi, dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org, (630) 468-4222 Meal & Fee Waiver Program - Diane Corson, south.waivers@hinsdale86.org, (630) 468-4216 Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program - Mary Koziol, mkoziol@hinsdale86.org, (630) 468-4001   AUGUST Sunday, August 2 - Back to School Bash Monday, August 3 - Freshman/New Student Chromebook Pickup Tuesday, August 4 - Freshman/New Student Chromebook Pickup Wednesday, August 5 - Freshman/New Student Chromebook Pickup Monday August 10 - NO SCHOOL/Institute Day Tuesday, August 11 - NO SCHOOL/Institute Day Wednesday, August 12 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Wednesday, August 19 & 26 - Early Release Thursday, August 27 - Curriculum Night  

Thursday, Jun 25 2026

Board Briefs: May 28, 2026

D86 Board Briefs Highlights From Meeting On May 28, 2026 REMINDER: Please SUBSCRIBE to receive alerts when Board of Education and Committee meeting agendas are posted. Good News The Board proudly recognized retiring District 86 staff members, celebrating their years of dedicated service and lasting contributions to our students, schools, and community. Benjamin Simpson delivered the Transition Center Student Board Liaison Report, sharing highlights and perspectives from the Transition Center student experience.   Action Items ADOPTED: Fiscal Year 2026 Amended Budget The Board adopted the FY2026 Amended Budget, as presented. APPROVED: Resolution 26.12 Authorizing Interfund Transfer The Board approved resolution authorizing a $1.35 million interfund transfer from the Education Fund to the Transportation Fund. APPROVED: Resolution 26.11 Authorizing Transfer of Earned Interest The Board approved a resolution authorizing a $1.35 million transfer of earned interest from the Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund. AUTHORIZED: FY2026 Audit The Board authorized the FY2026 audit, as required by state statute. Wipfli, the district auditor, is scheduled to be onsite June 8 to conduct the preliminary fieldwork and will return July 27-July 30 for the final audit for fiscal year 2026. APPROVED: Resolution 26.14 Authorizing Intervention in Proceedings before PTAB The Board approved a resolution authorizing legal counsel to intervene on the District’s behalf before the DuPage County Board of Review and the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board. APPROVED: Solar Panel Contract with Honeywell The Board approved the agreement with Honeywell International Inc. for the installation of solar panels at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South, as presented. ACCEPTED: Donation from Rotary Club of Hinsdale The Board accepted a $2,500 donation from the Rotary Club of Hinsdale, to Hinsdale South High School, for college starter kits for students. APPROVED: SY2027 New Curriculum Materials – Second Read The Board approved the SY2027 new curriculum materials. APPROVED: SY2027 Consolidated District Plan – Second Read The Board approved the SY2027 Consolidated District Plan. Annually the district submits a Consolidated District Plan to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) detailing how the district intends to use federal funds awarded across all eligible grants. APPROVED: Superintendent Retirement Agreement The Board approved a retirement agreement with Superintendent Dr. Michael Lach. APPROVED: Resolution to Adopt Student Disciplinary Decision The Board approved Resolution 26.13 overturning a student disciplinary decision.   Board Organizational Items The Board reviewed the proposed 2026–2027 regular meeting calendar, with meetings scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays on the fourth week of each month, or the third week when impacted by holidays or school breaks. The Board will vote on this schedule at its June 25 meeting. The Board will not make any changes to committee assignments. In June, the Board will have a discussion regarding the future of the A&O Committee. The Board also approved the FY2027 Treasurer’s Bond; designated Incoming Superintendent Dr. Chip Pettit, Admin Chief of Staff Deb Kedrowski, and Backup Board Secretary Lauren Ward to complete Open Meetings Act training; Kedrowski as the District’s FOIA Officer; appointed Board Vice President Mary Satchwell as the IASB Governing Board Representative; and approved continued membership in both the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).   Amended Budget & Interfund Transfer Public Hearings The Board held public hearings on the amended FY2026 budget and proposed interfund transfers, including the presentation of resolutions authorizing the transfer of earned interest and interfund transfers, and provided an opportunity for public comment before closing the hearing. The amended FY2026 budget includes a $1.35 million transfer of interest earnings from the Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund and a $1.35 million interfund transfer from the Education Fund to the Transportation Fund.   Board Committee Reports A&O Committee Finance & Facilities Committee Policy Committee   Board - President's Report Board President Catherine Greenspon thanked students, staff, administrators, and community members for a wonderful school year, wished everyone an enjoyable summer, and said she is looking forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall.   Superintendent's Report In his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Michael Lach congratulated the Class of 2026, thanked community partners for their continued support of Transition Center students and participation in last week’s Partnership Breakfast, and wished students success on their remaining final exams.   Audience Comments An audience member expressed concerns regarding bullying at Hinsdale Central. The speaker stated that current administrative practices and a lack of meaningful consequences have allowed bullying to continue and urged the district to review and revise policies to better deter bullying and create a safer environment for students.  An audience member recognized parents, faculty, staff, and administrators for the positive impact they make in the district. The speaker highlighted Hinsdale Central initiatives such as the You Make a Difference award, an eighth-grade welcome event, and Student of the Quarter recognitions within departments.  An audience member referenced emails sent to the Board from community members the previous month urging the Board to select a new president. The speaker expressed concern that those communications were disregarded and urged Board members to refrain from making disparaging remarks directed toward members of the community.   Future Board Meetings Thursday, June 25, 2026   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, May 29 2026

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - May 28, 2026

Weekly Newsletter May 28, 2026 Dear Hinsdale South Students, Parents, and Community Members, As the final bell rings through the hallways and our students head off for their summer break, I find myself filled with immense pride and gratitude. This school year has been a journey of growth, achievement, and community spirit, and I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective success. This year held a particularly special significance as we celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Hinsdale South. For six decades, this building has been a cornerstone of our community, and witnessing the “60 years of South Pride” through celebrations, building tours, and conversations with graduates and former educators has been truly inspiring. It is evident that South Pride continues to grow each year, and we want to work hard to continue the tradition of excellence. To our parents and guardians: Thank you for your unwavering partnership. Your support - whether through attending athletic events (and supporting our State Champion in Girls’ Tennis), fine arts performances (Mean Girls), volunteering through various parent organizations, or simply guiding your students while they navigate the challenges of high school - is truly what makes Hinsdale South a special place. We are honored that you entrust us with your students’ education and well-being every single day. To our community members: Whether through local business partnerships, mentorships, or attending our events, you continue to help bridge the gap between the classroom and the world beyond, showing our students what it means to be active, engaged citizens. While the building may be quieter over the next few months, our work does not stop. Our staff will be busy preparing for an even more innovative, positive, and supportive school year ahead.  I wish you all a safe, restful, and joyful summer. May you find time to recharge and enjoy the company of family and friends. We are grateful for your continued partnership and look forward to another successful year. With South Pride, Dr. Kari Peronto, Principal Hinsdale South High School   Registration for the 2026-27 School Year 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 2026-27 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. 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. Please note that the approved 2026-27 school fees have been added to each student's account in Infinite Campus. The registration fee for the 2026-27 school year is $485. Payments can be made at the time of registration.  For details on accessing the Parent Portal, please click HERE.   Summer School Registration information for Summer School 2025 is available on the District 86 website. Registered students should review the following information. Should you have any specific questions, please contact Jordan Stob (jstob@hinsdale6.org).   DQ Fundraiser - TODAY!!! Join us for the Booster Club's last fundraiser of the year on Thursday, May 28 - all day! Dairy Queen will donate 15% of their sales. Come enjoy a sweet treat after finals.   Health Information   Freshman and New Students - Health Requirements Illinois state law requires each new student to have a physical examination performed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, APN, or PA). State law also requires each student to show evidence of the immunizations outlined in the Physical Exam and Immunization Requirements document - CERTIFICATE OF CHILD HEALTH EXAMINATION. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE CURRENT PHYSICAL OR IMMUNIZATION RECORDS ON FILE MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL UNTIL THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. Forms can be submitted to the front desk at door 1 or sent to southhealth@hinsdale86.org.   Senior Meningitis Vaccination 26-27 Students entering grade 12 in the State of Illinois must be immunized for Meningitis. The immunization requirement consists of two doses of the MCV4 vaccine for entry into 12th grade. Only one dose of MCV4 is required for students entering 12th grade if the first dose was received on or after age 16. Proof of receiving the MCV4 Vaccination(s) is required before school starts.   Incoming Freshman   Calling All Future Hornets We’re so excited to welcome our graduating 8th graders to Hinsdale South this fall! To celebrate, we’ve launched a special online merch store just for you—HSHS Incoming Freshman Apparel. It’s perfect for graduation gifts and showing off your South Pride from day one. Shop now at: https://tpsteamgear.chipply.com/southhsgradapparel/ Orders can be shipped right to your door or picked up locally at TPS in Willow Springs. Have questions? We’re happy to help—email us anytime at hinsdalesouthboosters@gmail.com (P.S. --- anyone can order this merch! See something you like, whether you're a parent or current South student? Feel free to order!)   Deans Office   26/27 Parking Tags On Sale Parking tags for the 2026–2027 school year will be available for purchase in the Dean’s Office. Cost: $150 (cash or check only) Important: Please bring your payment with you to receive your tag. REMINDER: Parking tags are first-come, first-served. You must have a tag to park in the student lot. All applications must be completed online. Please click here to fill out the application. Please email Mrs. Matozzi at dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org with any questions.   Staff Highlights     Teacher of the Year - Natalie Eslyn A massive congratulations to Social Studies teacher Natalie Eslyn for being nominated by the students of Hinsdale South High School for Teacher of the Year! There is no greater compliment for an educator than to be recognized directly by the students they teach every day. This nomination is a wonderful reflection of Ms. Eslyn's dedication, passion, and the incredible impact she makes in her classroom. Thank you for inspiring our Hornets, Ms. Eslyn, and congratulations on this well-deserved honor!   Employee of the Quarter Big congratulations to Sally Whitesides (Special Education Paraprofessional) and Patrick Maag (Arts and Music Department Chair) on earning the Employee of the Quarter distinction! Chosen and nominated by their peers, Sally and Patrick exemplify the dedication and excellence that make our school great. Thank you for all you do, and congratulations!   Student Highlights   Special Olympics Swimmers - State Bound Congratulations to Edgar Hernandez, Affran Haqque, Nico Ebreo, and Ryan Fritz, who will be competing in individual events at the Special Olympics Swimming in June. Good Luck to all the qualifiers!   Zebralter STEM Scholars At the May 18 City Council Meeting, five students from Hinsdale South High School who are participants in the Zebralter Medical Scholarship Program were recognized. The program was started by Dr. Lota Ojiako to expose children of color to careers in STEM. Three of these students received a $1,000 scholarship after winning a competition several weeks ago. Also pictured are Mayor Joseph Marchese, who served as a judge for the competition, and Ms. Tracy McDonald, the program coordinator at Hinsdale South and a teacher of Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology.   World Language National Examinations Hinsdale South World Language students turned in outstanding performances on the world language national examinations that were administered during the 2025-26 school year.  World Language students from Hinsdale South High School earned a grand total of 10 gold, 9 silver and 6 bronze medals.  A special congratulations to Hinsdale South student Madeline White for earning medals in both the Spanish and French exam contests - silver in Spanish 3 and bronze in French 2! Additionally, several Hinsdale South students scored in the Top 10 of their level of the National Spanish Exam in the Chicagoland chapter of the AATSP. In level 2, Alexander Campos and Luca Leon earned 3rd place, Yusuf Truttling came in 5th place, and Salmaan Bengali came in 7th. In level 3, Maddy Herrada earned 6th place, Lucy Wang came in 8th place, and Matthew Galinski came in 10th. In level 4, Rohan Joshi earned 3rd place, Yacine Ouchen came in 7th, Jacob Arflack came in 8th, and Ravi Joshi came in 9th. In level 5, Rishi Joshi earned 1st place, and Julian Angel came in 4th. Congratulations to these talented top scorers!    These students received top medals for the National French Exam in the Chicagoland chapter of AATF. In level 2, Madeline White earned a Bronze Medal ranking 9th overall in the Nation and the Chapter. Level 3 student Sophie Horn earned a Silver Medal ranking 10th overall in the Nation and the Chapter, and Vassanth Ranganathan earned a Gold medal ranking 4th overall in the Nation and the Chapter! In level 4, Senior Victoria Wysocki earned a Bronze Medal - this makes Victoria a four-time medalist, earning a medal in each of her years at Hinsdale South. This year, she earned a Bronze Medal.  Students from Hinsdale South High School have a long history of high achievement on these exams and were taught this year by the following World Language teachers: Heather Alejandro, Peter DeRousse, Courtney Mikulcik, Amy Piccoli, and Alison Vrtis.  Spanish 2 National Exam Winners:  Premio de oro (Gold): Salmaan Bengali, Alexander Campos, Luca Leon, Yusuf Truttling Premio de plata (Silver):  Antonija Nasteva Premio de bronce (Bronze): Ishani Joshi, Reagan Wirth Mención honorífica: Shreyanshi Jain, Anna Martic Spanish 3 National Exam Winners: Premio de oro (Gold): Lucy Wang    Premio de plata (Silver): Matthew Galinski, Maddy Herrada, Cate Johnson, Madeline White Mención honorífica: Valeria Gálvez, Alysia Lu, Kevin Zaki Spanish 4 National Exam Winners:  Premio de oro (Gold): Jacob Arflack, Rohan Joshi, Yacine Ouchen Premio de plata (Silver): Ravi Joshi, Murat Kose  Premio de bronce (Bronze): Boston Desmond, Yiran Pang  Mención honorífica: Amir Haque, Shivani Joshi, Damian Lopez, Nora Schaffer  Spanish 5 National Exam Winners: Premio de oro (Gold): Rishi Joshi Premio de plata (Silver): Julian Ángel Mención honorífica: Syed Ali Le Grand Concours – National French Contest Winners: French 1 National Exam Winners: Mention honorable: Melissa Laitman French 2 National Exam Winners Médaille de bronze, Lauréat National (Bronze): Madeline White Mention honorable: Sofia Pahomovs, Lukne Selickaite Certificat de Merite: Paulina Mikutavic, Hannah Saad French 3 National Exam Winners Médaille d’or, Lauréat National (Gold) : Vassanth Ranganathan Médaille d’argent, Lauréat National (Silver): Sophie Horn Mention honorable: Nancy Cheng, Alyssa Pendon, Tanishqa Modugulu Certificat de Merite: Emma Glashin  French 4 National Exam Winners Médaille de bronze, Lauréat National (Bronze): Victoria Wysocki Latin 2 National Latin Exam Winner: Cum Laude: Violet Drahos    Athletics   Kennedy Ruff - 3rd in State for Girls Track Congratulations to Kennedy Ruff for her performance at the IHSA Girls State Track Meet! She took 3rd Place in 300m Hurdles & 7th Place in 100m Hurdles.             Athletic Results   Community News      

Thursday, May 28 2026

HC Weekly E-Blast May 21, 2026

Weekly E-Blast   |  May 21, 2026 Boys & Girls Lacrosse The Boys Lacrosse Program concluded their regular season on Monday May 18 with each level finishing with winning records. Varsity finished with an 11-6 record, JV with a 9-5-1 record and Freshman with a 10-1 record. Owen Joyce broke the Hinsdale Central Boys Lacrosse records for Career Goals, Career Assists, and Career Points and Jameson Hellenga broke the record for Single Season Assists. Varsity has their first playoff game on Friday, May 22nd at 7:00pm on Dickinson Field. The 2026 season for Girls Lacrosse has been exciting. JV2 is about to finish their season tonight vs. New Trier at home. JV1 Finished their regular season with a 17-2 Record - beating Loyola and sweeping New Trier - two powerhouse Programs. JV1's season is the best in Hinsdale Central history! This is with many freshmen on the roster.  The Varsity team is also the youngest in program history. The Varsity team still managed to secure a winning record and the #1 seed in their sectional for the 6th consecutive season. Juniors McCall Brzozowski, Maggie Conley, and Demetra Gatzulis returned this season from ACL injuries and are putting up big numbers for their team. Conley and Brzozowski received state recognition for their performances after their return. The Varsity team also has 6 pairs of Sisters on the team indicating that Hinsdale GLAX is more than just a game - it's a family.  Second Semester Final Exams Second-semester final examinations will be held from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29, 2026. 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. This must be completed at least one week in advance.  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 . Late Yearbook Pickup Hello Students and Parents! If you ordered a yearbook this year, make sure that you have picked it up!  Yearbooks that have not yet been picked up are being held in room 2316. They can be picked up during any lunch period or after school until 4pm.  All late pickups will only be held through Tuesday 5/26 . This is your final opportunity to pick up a copy of the 2026 yearbook, so you must arrange for your book to be picked up by then. We  cannot hold your books past 4pm. --El Diablo Yearbook Mental Health Resources You can find these helpful mental health resources available on both the school and PTO website. 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/ Financial Aid Application Completion Requirement for Seniors State law requires all Illinois public high school seniors to complete either the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)  or the  Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application)  as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. For students who choose not to file an application, a Financial Aid Application Nonparticipation Form may be signed by a parent or guardian. The Nonparticipation Form (used to opt-out of the FAFSA) can be submitted online on ISAC’s Student Portal. See the  Financial Aid Application Nonparticipation Form Instructions  for details on how to complete the electronic form. Summer School Information For your convenience, we have created a document of  information and FAQs  for our Summer School Program Registration for 2026 Summer School opened on Monday, March 16 . Families can review course offerings now by visiting the  Summer School webpage . Looking to take a course over the summer for Credit Advancement to free up space in your schedule during the school year? Register for the following Summer School classes to earn credit during the weeks of June 1, June 8, and June 15; Mondays through Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hinsdale South High School: Speech and Communications, Health, Civics, or Etymology. Registration and payment are made through the School Store in Infinite Campus by clicking on Summer School.  Looking to take a course over the summer for Credit Advancement to free up space in your schedule during the school year? Register for Summer School and take the Consumer Economics, a 100% asynchronous course during the weeks of June 22, June 29, and July 6. Registration and payment are made through the School Store in Infinite Campus by clicking on Summer School. Catch the P.A.S.S. for Finals Prep! P.A.S.S. & Evolve Club are sponsoring a Finals Prep Session on May 19th after school in the Library Meeting Rooms at Hinsdale Central. Join us from 3:30-5:00 pm for TEACHER LED Physics/Physics H review and Geometry H review for finals. We’ll also have peer tutors available to study with in all levels of Spanish, all levels of math, social studies and all levels of science. Come hear tips on stress management, study habits, and study with peers and teachers! Check out the sign up below. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48A5AA23A7F8C43-63169513-2026#/ P.A.S.S. is looking for volunteers for the 2026-7 school year. Come join a growing community of peer tutors, have an opportunity to earn NHS hours, get involved in school programming, and partner with academics and athletics to provide a grassroots, student driven initiative focused on community partnerships, school and student impact, and maintain balance in academics and activities for all students. Interested in making a difference? We are looking for committee members, leadership roles, and P.A.S.S. peer tutors. Please email Milan Bansal : mbansal8001@stu.hinsdale86.org or Connor Mason: cmason7114@stu.hinsdale86.org. LEAP into Africa LEAP into Africa, a club committed to supporting the LEAP Math and Science schools in South Africa, is traveling to South Africa, June 2027! Students will visit Cape Town, Johannasburg and Kruger National Park! Filled with incredible experiences learning about South Africa's history and society, at the core of our trip is the school exchange with the LEAP schools where club members learn about their communities and students. Interested in becoming a member of LEAP and joining us? Check out our website:  https://bit.ly/LeapIntoAfricaHC for registration details and trip details. Email Christina Brodell: cbrodell@hinsdale86.org with any questions  2027 Argentina Trip Hinsdale Central's World Language Department is excited to announce a school trip to Argentina in March 2027, visiting Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, and Bariloche. Students will explore the vibrant neighborhoods and tango culture of Buenos Aires, stand at the edge of one of the world's most powerful waterfalls in Iguazu Falls, explore Northern Patagonia and all its beauty. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience open to all Hinsdale Central students.Sign up is now open and space is limited! Sign up via our website:  https://bit.ly/HCWLspringbreaktrips . Email Christina Brodell with questions    cbrodell@hinsdale86.org  Upcoming Dates 2nd Semester Finals - May 27-29

Thursday, May 21 2026

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - May 21, 2026

Weekly Newsletter May 21, 2026 Graduation   Graduation Ceremony All seniors should report to the gym at 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 21. Students should arrive without their cap and gown on, as they are searched and screened before entering the gym. Stadium gates open at 6:00 PM for families and guests, and seating is first-come, first-served. No tickets are required for outdoor ceremonies held in the stadium. If the ceremony is moved inside due to inclement weather, each family receives four tickets to watch in person in the gym and 2 to watch the ceremony in our auditorium via the live stream.     Final Exams Second semester final examinations will be held from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29, 2026. 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.   Bus Schedule - Final Exams Bus routes will operate as usual in the morning. Buses will depart 15 minutes after the last final exam. Wednesday, May 27 - 1:00 PM dismissal (full routes) Thursday, May 28 - 1:00 PM dismissal (full routes) Friday, May 29 - 11:15 AM dismissal (full routes); 1:00 PM dismissal (for make-up test takers)    Registration for the 2026-27 school year is NOW OPEN! 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 2026-27 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. 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. Please note that the approved 2026-27 school fees have been added to each student's account in Infinite Campus. The registration fee for the 2026-27 school year is $485. Payments can be made at the time of registration.  For details on accessing the Parent Portal, please click HERE.   Summer School - Registration is Open Registration information for Summer School 2025 is available on the District 86 website. Registered students should review the following information. Should you have any specific questions, please contact Jordan Stob (jstob@hinsdale6.org).   Multi Tiered Systems of Support   Health Information   Freshman and New Students - Health Requirements Illinois state law requires each new student to have a physical examination performed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, APN, or PA). State law also requires each student to show evidence of the immunizations outlined in the Physical Exam and Immunization Requirements document - CERTIFICATE OF CHILD HEALTH EXAMINATION. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE CURRENT PHYSICAL OR IMMUNIZATION RECORDS ON FILE MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL UNTIL THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. Forms can be submitted to the front desk at door 1 or sent to southhealth@hinsdale86.org.   Senior Meningitis Vaccination 26-27 Students entering grade 12 in the State of Illinois must be immunized for Meningitis. The immunization requirement consists of two doses of the MCV4 vaccine for entry into 12th grade. Only one dose of MCV4 is required for students entering 12th grade if the first dose was received on or after age 16. Proof of receiving the MCV4 Vaccination(s) is required before school starts.   Deans Office   26/27 Parking Tags On Sale Parking tags for the 2026–2027 school year will be available for purchase in the Dean’s Office. Cost: $150 (cash or check only) Important: Please bring your payment with you to receive your tag. REMINDER: Parking tags are first-come, first-served. You must have a tag to park in the student lot. All applications must be completed online. Please click here to fill out the application. Please email Mrs. Matozzi at dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org with any questions.   Attendance Matters - Every Day Counts Click on any of the buttons below to learn more about important attendance topics. Attendance Matters Student Attendance Policy Pre Arranged Absences Bell to Bell, No Cell   Student Highlights   Special Olympics Swimming State Bound Let’s hear it for our amazing Special Olympics Swimming qualifiers! We wish the best of luck to Nicho Ebreo, Ryan Fritz, Edgar Hernandez, and Affan Haqque as they head to the State level to compete. Qualifying for state is a monumental achievement that reflects countless hours of practice, determination, and true sportsmanship. You have already made Hinsdale South incredibly proud. Good Luck at State!   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   Athletics         Athletic Results   Community News   Calling All Future Hornets We’re so excited to welcome our graduating 8th graders to Hinsdale South this fall! To celebrate, we’ve launched a special online merch store just for you—HSHS Incoming Freshman Apparel. It’s perfect for graduation gifts and showing off your South Pride from day one. Shop now at: https://tpsteamgear.chipply.com/southhsgradapparel/ Orders can be shipped right to your door or picked up locally at TPS in Willow Springs. Have questions? We’re happy to help—email us anytime at hinsdalesouthboosters@gmail.com (P.S. --- anyone can order this merch! See something you like, whether you're a parent or current South student? Feel free to order!)         Thursday, May 21 - Graduation Ceremony Monday, May 25 - NO SCHOOL/Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27 - Finals (Periods 4, 3, 5) Thursday, May 28 - Finals (Periods 7, 8, 6) Friday, May 29 - Finals (Periods 1, 2, Make-ups)  

Thursday, May 21 2026

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - May 14, 2026

Weekly Newsletter May 14, 2026 Registration for the 2026-27 school year is NOW OPEN! 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 2026-27 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. 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. Please note that the approved 2026-27 school fees have been added to each student's account in Infinite Campus. The registration fee for the 2026-27 school year is $485. Payments can be made at the time of registration.  For details on accessing the Parent Portal, please click HERE.   Summer School Looking to take a course over the summer for Credit Advancement to free up space in your schedule during the school year? Register for the following Summer School classes to earn credit during the weeks of June 1, June 8, and June 15; Mondays through Thursdays; 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Hinsdale South High School: Speech and Communications, Health, Civics, or Etymology. Or, take Consumer Economics, a 100% asynchronous course during the weeks of June 22, June 29, and July 6. Registration and payment are made through the School Store in Infinite Campus by clicking on Summer School.  Families can now register for Summer School course offerings on the Summer School webpage. Summer School will run in two sessions. Semester 1 will take place from June 1 to June 18, and Semester 2 will run from June 22 to July 9. For any questions, please contact Jordan Stob at jstob@hinsdale86.org.   Final Exams Second semester final examinations will be held from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29, 2026. 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.   Finish the Semester Strong with P.A.S.S. Tutoring As we head into the final stretch of the semester, the P.A.S.S. tutoring program is here to help you stay on track and build confidence for your upcoming exams. Get Ahead with Finals Prep We are now shifting our focus to Finals Prep. Don’t wait until the last minute—start your review process now! Join us for a special Finals Prep Day in the library: Date: Wednesday, May 20 Time: 3:15 – 5:00 PM Support: Both tutors and teachers will be on-site to provide dedicated assistance. Our regular weekly sessions are also ongoing, providing the support you need for test prep and homework. Click here to sign up for a session! Become a P.A.S.S. Tutor Are you looking for a leadership role and a way to earn volunteer hours? We are officially recruiting new tutors! Tutor Requirements: Demonstrated academic excellence Consistent high grades Strong AP scores Questions? Get in touch with us! kvonnahm@hinsdale86.org abansal6002@stu.hinsdale86.org mthomas8155@stu.hinsdale86.org     Multi Tiered Systems of Support   Senior News       Chromebook Buyback District 86 will be buying a total of 130 Acer Chromebooks from graduating seniors from May 20-22 on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested students should bring their Chromebook and completed Chromebook Buyback Form to the TSI room at their school between 7 AM and 3 PM. During this time, the technology services staff will assess the device’s condition. Only Acer Chromebooks, complete with charger and in good working order, will be purchased for $40 each. Anyone who plans on selling their Chromebook back to the district is asked to please remove all stickers from the case. This can be done by using the lowest setting on a hair dryer to warm up the stickers. Only Chromebooks without stickers will still be accepted for buyback. Once the Chromebook's condition has been assessed, we will provide your student with a form that must be returned to the bookstore by May 29. At that time, the bookstore will check your student's account to see if they have any outstanding fees. If they do not have outstanding fees, they will be paid the amount listed on the form. However, if they have outstanding fees, the Chromebook funds will be applied to the balance.   Health Information   Freshman and New Students - Health Requirements Illinois state law requires each new student to have a physical examination performed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, APN, or PA). State law also requires each student to show evidence of the immunizations outlined in the Physical Exam and Immunization Requirements document - CERTIFICATE OF CHILD HEALTH EXAMINATION. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE CURRENT PHYSICAL OR IMMUNIZATION RECORDS ON FILE MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL UNTIL THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. Forms can be submitted to the front desk at door 1 or sent to southhealth@hinsdale86.org. Senior Meningitis Vaccination 26-27 Students entering grade 12 in the State of Illinois must be immunized for Meningitis. The immunization requirement consists of two doses of the MCV4 vaccine for entry into 12th grade. Only one dose of MCV4 is required for students entering 12th grade if the first dose was received on or after age 16. Proof of receiving the MCV4 Vaccination(s) is required before school starts.   Deans Office   26/27 Parking Tags On Sale Parking tags for the 2026–2027 school year will be available for purchase in the Dean’s Office. Cost: $150 (cash or check only) Important: Please bring your payment with you to receive your tag. REMINDER: Parking tags are first-come, first-served. You must have a tag to park in the student lot. All applications must be completed online. Please click here to fill out the application. Please email Mrs. Matozzi at dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org with any questions.   Attendance Matters - Every Day Counts Click on any of the buttons below to learn more about important attendance topics. Attendance Matters Student Attendance Policy Pre Arranged Absences Bell to Bell, No Cell   Staff Highlights     Student Highlights   Environmental Concerns Organization Hinsdale South’s Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO) has been busy this spring with two exciting environmental initiatives recently wrapping up! On April 30, ECO partnered with the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) through the Morton Arboretum to plant 20 native trees on the school grounds. CRTI works to improve lives by supporting the health, diversity, and equitable distribution of trees throughout the Chicago region. These new trees will also serve as a learning tool for students in Hinsdale South’s AP Environmental Science classes as they study the impacts of increased tree canopy in an urban environment. On May 9, ECO hosted its 3rd Annual Native Plant Sale to raise funds for expanding native plantings around campus. This year’s sale was the most successful yet, selling more plants than ever before! Students are excited to use the funds to continue enhancing biodiversity and creating more native habitat on school grounds.     Fermilab High School Science Award Winners Lucy Old and Anita Joseph were recognized as Fermilab High School Science Award winners for the 2025-2026 school year! The Fermi Award is an annual honor reserved for seniors who exemplify enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to the study of science. It's an award that recognizes students who share their positive spirit for the sciences with their peers and teachers. Winners are selected through a department-wide voting process. Congratulations to Lucy and Anita!     Stinger - Student News Site   Athletics       Girls Soccer Congratulations to the Girls Soccer Team - WSC Gold Conference Champs!    Boys Gymnastics Congratulations to Kenwan Johnson (Floor & Vault), Patrick Thomas (Pommel Horse & Parallel Bars) & David Strahanoski (High Bar) for qualifying for the IHSGCA Boys Gymnastics State Finals!     Sports Recruiting Seminar The Hinsdale South Parent Athletic Club is hosting a FREE Sports Recruiting Seminar on Monday, May 18th at 7:00 PM in the Hinsdale South High School Library. Our school is filled with incredible athletic talent—so much potential that can extend well beyond high school. Whether you’re already thinking about playing at the next level or just beginning to explore the idea, this seminar is designed for you. Everyone is welcome—regardless of sport or ability. This is a great opportunity for both athletes and parents to learn more about the recruiting process and how to start preparing for a collegiate athletic journey. Middle school students and families are encouraged to attend as well, making it a valuable early step for those with future goals in mind. The seminar will be led by Michelle Sebastian of BE GRITTY Collegiate Sports Recruiting Consulting, who will share expert insight, practical guidance, and actionable steps to help athletes stand out and succeed in the recruiting process. Learn more about BE GRITTY here: https://www.begrittyrecruiting.com/about Come ready to learn, ask questions, and get inspired about what’s possible. We hope to see you there!   Athletic Results   Community News         Calling All Future Hornets We’re so excited to welcome our graduating 8th graders to Hinsdale South this fall! To celebrate, we’ve launched a special online merch store just for you—HSHS Incoming Freshman Apparel. It’s perfect for graduation gifts and showing off your South Pride from day one. Shop now at: https://tpsteamgear.chipply.com/southhsgradapparel/ Orders can be shipped right to your door or picked up locally at TPS in Willow Springs. Have questions? We’re happy to help—email us anytime at hinsdalesouthboosters@gmail.com (P.S. --- anyone can order this merch! See something you like, whether you're a parent or current South student? Feel free to order!)     Wednesday, May 20 - Senior Send-off/Seniors' Last Day Thursday, May 21 - Graduation Rehearsal and Ceremony Monday, May 25 - NO SCHOOL/Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27 - Finals (Periods 4, 3, 5) Thursday, May 28 - Finals (Periods 7, 8, 6) Friday, May 29 - Finals (Periods 1, 2, Make-ups)  

Thursday, May 14 2026

Canvas Outage

Good Evening D86 Students and Families, As of this afternoon, Instructure, the company that operates Canvas, took the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) offline due to an ongoing cyberattack. Instructure has not yet shared how long services may be disrupted. We recognize this is difficult timing, especially as students prepare for AP exams and end-of-semester work. Here is what to expect in the meantime: Teachers may share assignments and materials through Google Drive or other district tools while Canvas is unavailable Students should check their school email and other district communication channels for updates from their teachers Our team is monitoring the outage closely, working to understand how long it may last, and developing alternative plans should it continue. Thank you for your patience and partnership. D86 Administration

Thursday, May 07 2026

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - May 7, 2026

Weekly Newsletter May 7, 2026 Dear Hornet Families and Students - As we conclude our celebrations of Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to recognize and express my sincere gratitude for our incredible staff who make our school a community. Teachers, educators, and all staff play many roles that often go unseen. They create curiosity for our students, yet are also the protectors of our students’ well-being. On any given day: Our staff cultivates a growth mindset, helping every student believe they are capable of more than they ever imagined Our staff adapt and give tirelessly, showing up early and staying late because they are deeply invested in every student’s success Our staff catch the small things that others may not see; they carry the weight of worries that go far beyond the classroom or office To our staff - THANK YOU for your patience, your strength, and your unwavering belief in providing the opportunity for our students to have a sense of belonging at Hinsdale South. You do more than teach - you change and make an impact on their lives. To our parents - Thank you for partnering with us and for joining me this week in showering our team with the appreciation they so richly deserve. With Sincere South Pride, Dr. Kari Peronto   Registration for the 2026-27 school year is NOW OPEN! 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 2026-27 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. 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. Please note that the approved 2026-27 school fees have been added to each student's account in Infinite Campus. The registration fee for the 2026-27 school year is $485. Payments can be made at the time of registration.  For details on accessing the Parent Portal, please click HERE.   Summer School Looking to take a course over the summer for Credit Advancement to free up space in your schedule during the school year? Register for the following Summer School classes to earn credit during the weeks of June 1, June 8, and June 15; Mondays through Thursdays; 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Hinsdale South High School: Speech and Communications, Health, Civics, or Etymology. Or, take Consumer Economics, a 100% asynchronous course during the weeks of June 22, June 29, and July 6. Registration and payment are made through the School Store in Infinite Campus by clicking on Summer School.  Families can now register for Summer School course offerings on the Summer School webpage. Summer School will run in two sessions. Semester 1 will take place from June 1 to June 18, and Semester 2 will run from June 22 to July 9. For any questions, please contact Jordan Stob at jstob@hinsdale86.org.   Final Exams Second semester final examinations will be held from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29, 2026. 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.   Finish the Semester Strong with P.A.S.S. Tutoring As we head into the final stretch of the semester, the P.A.S.S. tutoring program is here to help you stay on track and build confidence for your upcoming exams. Get Ahead with Finals Prep We are now shifting our focus to Finals Prep. Don’t wait until the last minute—start your review process now! Join us for a special Finals Prep Day in the library: Date: Wednesday, May 20 Time: 3:15 – 5:00 PM Support: Both tutors and teachers will be on-site to provide dedicated assistance. Our regular weekly sessions are also ongoing, providing the support you need for test prep and homework. Click here to sign up for a session! Become a P.A.S.S. Tutor Are you looking for a leadership role and a way to earn volunteer hours? We are officially recruiting new tutors! Tutor Requirements: Demonstrated academic excellence Consistent high grades Strong AP scores Questions? Get in touch with us! kvonnahm@hinsdale86.org abansal6002@stu.hinsdale86.org mthomas8155@stu.hinsdale86.org   Multi Tiered Systems of Support   Deans Office   26/27 Parking Tags On Sale Parking tags for the 2026–2027 school year will be available for purchase in the Dean’s Office. Cost: $150 (cash or check only) Important: Please bring your payment with you to receive your tag. REMINDER: Parking tags are first-come, first-served. You must have a tag to park in the student lot. All applications must be completed online. Please click here to fill out the application. Please email Mrs. Matozzi at dmatozzi@hinsdale86.org with any questions.   Academic Integrity District 86 maintains and updates the student handbook, which includes a section on Academic Integrity. Board Policy 7:190, Student Behavior, explicitly prohibits, “Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.” The improper use of Artificial Intelligence is an example of an academic integrity violation. Unless otherwise directed by your instructor, the Use of AI and representing the work of these tools as your own constitutes cheating and/or plagiarism. Further, even when AI is allowed, the use of the wrong level of AI constitutes plagiarism/cheating and violates the Academic Dishonesty/Honor Code and Board Policy 7:190. If AI is not explicitly allowed by the teacher, students should not use AI in any form. If the student is confused or has a question as to the acceptable use of AI it is the responsibility of the student to ask for clarification prior to beginning the assignment.   Attendance Matters - Every Day Counts Click on any of the buttons below to learn more about important attendance topics. Attendance Matters Student Attendance Policy Pre Arranged Absences Bell to Bell, No Cell   Staff Highlights   Tenure Teachers Congratulations to these staff members who have earned tenured status at District 86. We recognized each of them and are grateful to have them working with our Hornets every day! Araceli Avila Kyle Burritt Nicole Carpenter Stephanie Gibson Maggie Lydon Rebecca Pharr Dorothy Sarnecki Matthew Scott Kim Stansbury Kelsey Taylor David Weishaar   National Nurses Day To our amazing school nurses, Karen Fitzer and Melissa Meehan: Thank you for your endless patience, your expert care, and for making every student feel safe and seen. You do so much more than just treat injuries—you provide comfort when it’s needed most. Happy National Nurses Day!   Student Highlights   Prom Hinsdale South High School seniors returned to the iconic Shedd Aquarium for an unforgettable Prom night. Surrounded by the wonder of marine life and the glow of the city skyline, our students celebrated their journey together in true Hornet fashion. Thank you to all our seniors and staff who made prom such a success! Congrats to our prom Queen, Layla Gallegos, and Prom King, Davy O’Connor. The magic didn't end at the aquarium! As the celebration moved to the water. Our seniors boarded a Spirit of Chicago vessel departing from Navy Pier for an exclusive after-party cruise.  This event would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our staff and faculty. We also extend a heartfelt "thank you" to our incredible Booster Club—your support and commitment to our students ensured the evening was as seamless as it was spectacular.   Student Liaisons to the Board of Education For the final time in their roles as Student Board Liaisons, Asmitha Pallath delivered the Hinsdale South Student Board Liaison Report, and Kiran Singla delivered the Hinsdale Central Student Board Liaison Report. Chiara Jovic was introduced as the Hinsdale Central Student Board Liaison for next year, and Yacine Ouchen was introduced as next year’s Student Board Liaison at Hinsdale South.   State Winners Recognized at the Board of Education Meeting The Hinsdale South Good News Report highlights students who earned impressive state-level recognition across academics, activities, and athletics, including a historic perfect score in FCCLA and multiple top finishes from the Science Olympiad team, which achieved a second consecutive top-10 overall finish. Additional highlights included a third-place Special Olympics basketball team finish and a third-place state medal in girls wrestling.   World Language Awards On April 29, 2026, the World Language Department recognized students for their accomplishments throughout the school year.     Victoria Wysocki - AATF Outstanding Senior in French Award Congratulations to Victoria Wysocki on being a recipient of the 2026 AATF Outstanding Senior in French Award. This award is given to only one student per school each year. Victoria was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Mikulcik, for academic excellence and exceptional commitment to the study of French. Congratulations, Victoria!     Stinger - Student News Site   Athletics   Badminton Team Congratulations to our Varsity Badminton Team—the newly crowned WSC Gold Conference Champions! Your hard work, precision, and relentless spirit on the court have officially paid off. Way to bring home the gold, Hornets!     Sports Recruiting Seminar The Hinsdale South Parent Athletic Club is hosting a FREE Sports Recruiting Seminar on Monday, May 18th at 7:00 PM in the Hinsdale South High School Library. Our school is filled with incredible athletic talent—so much potential that can extend well beyond high school. Whether you’re already thinking about playing at the next level or just beginning to explore the idea, this seminar is designed for you. Everyone is welcome—regardless of sport or ability. This is a great opportunity for both athletes and parents to learn more about the recruiting process and how to start preparing for a collegiate athletic journey. Middle school students and families are encouraged to attend as well, making it a valuable early step for those with future goals in mind. The seminar will be led by Michelle Sebastian of BE GRITTY Collegiate Sports Recruiting Consulting, who will share expert insight, practical guidance, and actionable steps to help athletes stand out and succeed in the recruiting process. Learn more about BE GRITTY here: https://www.begrittyrecruiting.com/about Come ready to learn, ask questions, and get inspired about what’s possible. We hope to see you there!   Athletic Results   Senior News   Chromebook Buyback District 86 will be buying a total of 130 Acer Chromebooks from graduating seniors from May 20-22 on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested students should bring their Chromebook and completed Chromebook Buyback Form to the TSI room at their school between 7 AM and 3 PM. During this time, the technology services staff will assess the device’s condition. Only Acer Chromebooks, complete with charger and in good working order, will be purchased for $40 each. Anyone who plans on selling their Chromebook back to the district is asked to please remove all stickers from the case. This can be done by using the lowest setting on a hair dryer to warm up the stickers. Only Chromebooks without stickers will still be accepted for buyback. Once the Chromebook's condition has been assessed, we will provide your student with a form that must be returned to the bookstore by May 29. At that time, the bookstore will check your student's account to see if they have any outstanding fees. If they do not have outstanding fees, they will be paid the amount listed on the form. However, if they have outstanding fees, the Chromebook funds will be applied to the balance.     Alumni News   Tracy (Mondek) Burton, Class of 1988 1988 Hinsdale South graduate Tracy (Mondek) Burton was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on May, 2, 2026. As indicated in the program, "Tracy was a 4-yr starter at Hinsdale South, earning more than 1,000 pts and All-State Honors! A 1988 graduate, she was team captain in basketball, track, volleyball & cross country. She was the Female Athlete of the Year in 1988." Tracy set records in scoring, rebounding & blocking shots. She played college basketball at Northern Illinois University, leading the Huskies to two NCAA appearances.   Community News   Color Walk for Mental Health Hinsdale South High School’s Mental Health Matters Club invites the community to a Color Walk for Mental Health on Saturday, May 9 at 1:30 PM at the South football field. This free event welcomes all ages and aims to bring the community together to raise awareness, support one another, and promote meaningful conversations around mental health. T-shirts will be available for purchase. All are encouraged to attend. Please register or purchase shirts here.      DuPage Mental Health Summit for Youth & Families The 2026 DuPage Mental Health Summit for Youth & Families is a community-wide event dedicated to strengthening awareness, connection, and support around youth mental health and wellness. It will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the 421 County Administration Building (421 N. County Farm Rd) in Wheaton. This year’s summit brings together parents, professionals, and community members for a day of learning, resource-sharing, and inspiration, highlighted by keynote speaker Ross Szabo, an award-winning mental health advocate and author. Youth Mental Health Impact Tours will provide attendees with insights into DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center services and how the County supports youth mental health through community and supportive court-based resources. These tours are offered in addition to a mental health expo and a panel discussion featuring local experts.   Please register here if you would like to attend. More information will be available soon for organizations interested in being vendors at the mental health expo from 11:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m Questions about the event can be sent to Scott Kaufmann (scott.kaufmann@dupagehealth.org).         Wednesday, May 13 - Early Release Wednesday, May 20 - Senior Send-off/Seniors' Last Day Thursday, May 21 - Graduation Rehearsal and Ceremony Monday, May 25 - NO SCHOOL/Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27 - Finals (Periods 4, 3, 5) Thursday, May 28 - Finals (Periods 7, 8, 6) Friday, May 29 - Finals (Periods 1, 2, Make-ups)  

Thursday, May 07 2026