Board Briefs: January 12, 2026

D86 Board Briefs Highlights From Meeting On January 12, 2026 REMINDER: Please SUBSCRIBE to receive alerts when Board of Education and Committee meeting agendas are posted. Field Trips The Board approved field trips for the Hinsdale Central boys bowling and cheerleading teams to participate in state and national competitions this month. Board Briefs are meant to provide highlights of each Board of Education meeting, and are not intended to be an all-inclusive recap.

Wednesday, Jan 14 2026

HC Weekly E-Blast January 8, 2026

Weekly E-Blast   |  January 8, 2026 Buildings and Grounds A shout out and acknowledgement of Hinsdale Central’s Buildings and Grounds is way past due. When you think what makes Hinsdale Central work so well, your first thought should be the fire our students bring to their academics and extracurriculars, but you should also think about the Buildings and Grounds team that manages, repairs, and improves our campus. Hinsdale Central was built in 1949 and rests on 19.5 acres of land of which 552,900 square feet encompasses the size of the building. The buildings and grounds staff consists of Frank Wright, site supervisor, an administrative assistant, an equipment manager, 3 grounds staff, 8 maintenance staff, and 4 custodial staff. The Hinsdalean recently ran an article “ Ask the Experts ” on the custodial staff at Hinsdale Central, hope you enjoy the story.  ARC Updates for 2nd Semester The Academic Resource Center (ARC) will be back open as of Tuesday, January 6th.  The ARC is open to all students to get help in most subjects during periods 4-7.  Students can visit during their lunch period or during study hall (as long as the student has a pass from their classroom teacher).  There is a Math teacher available every day.  Student tutors in all subjects will return on Monday, January 12, 2025.  Here is our schedule of student tutors. Student Tutor Training ARC is looking for a few more student tutors for the 2nd Semester. On Friday, January 9th, at 7:20 am is ARC Tutor Training in the ARC (1702). Any sophomore - senior who is interested in becoming a tutor should attend. If you are currently a tutor, you do NOT need to attend. NHS students who successfully serve can earn NHS points. Questions? See Dr. C. Join the P.A.S.S. Team and make a difference on our Leadership Committee and Tutor Team! Calling all Hinsdale Central Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors! Are you a dedicated student athlete who wants to make a difference in their local community and help lead an organization to success? P.A.S.S. is looking for talented student athletes and scholars to join us as Tutors and Leadership Committee members, and we’d love for you to join us! With over 350 service hours, along with many school and community partnerships, P.A.S.S. has a busy calendar of events and needs your help! By joining P.A.S.S., you can empower countless student-athletes across Hinsdale Central to hit it out of the park academically through one-on-one and group tutoring sessions. Moreover, as a Leadership Committee Member, you can be the guiding force for P.A.S.S.'s operations, tutor recruitment, data management, marketing, or even events to come. What are you waiting for? Apply now at this link or by scanning the QR code below! Questions? Reach out to Milan Bansal, mbansal8001@stu.hinsdale86.org , or Connor Mason, cmason7114@stu.hinsdale86.org , to learn more! PTO Conversation Join the next PTO Conversation on Cell Phones, AI and Social Media on Wednesday, January 14th at 7pm on Zoom.  Not a member yet? Join today https://hcpto.org/join-the-pto/ Community Connections: How Hinsdale Central Links Learning to Life Our students learn best when they can connect classroom learning to the real world.  The links below highlight several meaningful ways you can partner with Hinsdale Central to inspire, mentor, and guide students as they explore future careers.  We encourage you to start there, then  continue reading  to learn more about why these opportunities matter so much to our students.   GUEST SPEAKER INTEREST FORM CAREER MENTOR AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY FORM HOST A FIELD TRIP FORM Upcoming Dates Pack the Place Week Jan. 12-16 Variety Show Jan. 16 7PM WinterFest Feb. 7 6-8 PM Winter Play, Feb. 5-7 Lunar New Year Feb. 15 Young Hearts for Life, Feb. 24

Thursday, Jan 08 2026

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - January 8, 2026

Weekly Newsletter January 8, 2026 8th Grade Information Night - Tonight! Families of incoming freshmen for the 2026-2027 school year are invited to our essential 8th Grade Information Night on Thursday, January 8. The Evening's Schedule: 6:00 PM: Activities and Athletic Fair (Fieldhouse) 7:00 PM: High School Presentation (Auditorium) Please park in the Elm Street lot and enter through Door 9 near the gymnasium. We look forward to seeing you!   Student Pick-up/Drop Off Reminders To ensure the safety of our students and staff, designated lanes are established to ensure traffic flow, as outlined on the map below. There are two approved locations for student loading and unloading: Circle Drive: Loop located closest to Clarendon Hills Road (marked with a red X on the map). Elm Street Lot: Located within the staff parking lot area. Please do not use bus lanes or general parking areas for drop-off/pick-up. Following these routes reduces congestion and keeps our campus and surrounding streets safe during peak hours. Parking passes can be obtained in the Dean's Office.   Course Selection for 2026-2027 Course selection for the 2026-2027 school year begins later this month and will continue through early February. The timeline is listed below: The master schedule of classes will be developed from the requests made through the course selection process. If a course is not requested during registration, a seat is not likely to be available later. The requests submitted at the counselor meeting are considered a commitment by the students to take the classes they have asked the school to provide. Selections made at this time are for the entire 2026-2027 school year. Disappointment can be avoided if choices are based on adequate preparation and forethought. The final deadline for course request changes is February 6. Please begin discussions with your student right away.   Chromebooks and School Readiness In order to ensure that our students are able to effectively maximize the use of the technology provided by our staff and district, we ask that students make sure their Chromebooks are brought to school every day fully charged. Any support you can provide in reinforcing these expectations is appreciated.   Students Loaning/Returning School Inventory Recognizing that students may have issues that arise, “loaner” Chromebooks OR "loaner" chargers are provided to the student for the school day to allow for uninterrupted access to the 1:1 environment. Students should visit T.S.I. with the appropriate Infinite Campus pass and have their ID/lanyard with them. Students do not need a pass before the school day begins. Because temporary loaners and chargers are issued for a one-day rental, any device or charger not returned to the school within five consecutive days will be assessed a replacement fee equal to the price District 86 pays to replace it. Disciplinary action may result for failure to consistently bring a fully charged Chromebook to school.   Parent Essentials - TSI Video The Hinsdale South administration has spent the year focused on helping our families feel ready for success. As part of that mission, we’ve added a new segment to our Parent Essentials video library. Join TSI instructor Mr. Jim Bondi and his students for an informative look at Student Chromebooks and how they support learning at South. [Watch the video HERE]     Deans Office   Attendance Matters: Every Day Counts Did you know that missing just two days of school each month adds up to more than 10% of the school year? Research from Johns Hopkins University and the Illinois State Board of Education shows that students who are “chronically absent” (missing 10% or more of the year) are far less likely to stay on track academically and graduate on time. Even absences for valid reasons, like illness or appointments, can add up quickly and make it harder for students to keep pace. Every day in class helps build strong relationships, skills, and confidence. Let’s work together to keep students in school and learning. If you’re facing barriers to attendance, please reach out to our Student Services Team. We’re here to help.   Student Attendance Policies District 86 is committed to student success. One of the best indicators of student success is consistent school attendance as it leads to improved academic achievement. While some work can be completed at home, there is no replication for the classroom experience, which is essential to adolescent learning. Therefore, Hinsdale District 86 has established attendance protocols, which are designed to support students and keep students accountable. Students are required by state law to attend school every day. The D86 Board of Education's attendance policy states that students will attend and be on time for class. Student attendance is not optional; it is a requirement of every class. Additionally, the following is a guide to the intervention/supportive measures that may be implemented with each student. Please note that interventions will be individualized for each student to find the most appropriate solution(s) to support the student, including interventions for students with individualized education programs (IEP) and Section 504 plans; thus, not every intervention will be automatically applied to each student. Hinsdale South does not assign detention for absences that are reported by a parent or guardian, whether excused or unexcused. These policies have remained unchanged and are consistent with those of previous school years. If your student will be absent from school for any reason, please contact the attendance office within 24 hours of the notice to notify them. Without a valid reason, absences are considered “unexcused”, which could result in academic or behavioral consequences. Click here to view the Attendance Handbook for Parents and Students   Pre-Arranged Absences The Pre-Arranged Absence Form must be completed by the parent/guardian at least two (2) days before the absence begins in order for it to be excused. This form is required in the following instances: The student will be absent for three (3) or more school days. The student will be absent during final exams. The student will be absent due to a non-school-related activity. The student will be absent due to a civic event. Parents/guardians must contact the Attendance Office to verify the absence. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities Complete the Pre-Arranged Absence Form electronically. Include the reason for the absence and the relevant dates. For non-school-related competitive activities or sports, please provide a letter from the coach with dates, schedule, or registration documents. For college visits, please submit documentation of the scheduled appointment or tour. Student Responsibilities Discuss all assignments and classwork with teachers prior to the absence. Be prepared to meet all deadlines and complete required coursework on time. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain accurate attendance records.   Bell to Bell, No Cell This year, students and staff will be expected to keep cell phones and other personal electronic devices out of sight, thereby out of mind, during instructional periods. It is critical that our instructional environment be a place for students to learn, collaborate with peers, and think critically. For that to happen, we as educational leaders want to create a learning environment that avoids distractions, in particular, digital distractions.   Counseling Department   College of DuPage - College Jumpstart An opportunity for rising senior high school students in College of DuPage’s region for up to four Gen Ed courses that are easily transferable to most institutions. The idea is to target courses that are challenging to find a qualified dual credit instructor, as well as courses that are highly transferable. Since students in District 502 receive a 50% discount on tuition while in high school, this is an opportunity for students to complete Gen Eds in a cohort-style environment, explore COD's campus, and build their transcript. Students will be able to enroll in a learning community that includes two courses. Students can enroll in both learning communities if they wish to take all 12 credit hours. Courses begin June 15 and end August 8. Registration begins March 11. Sign up for an information session on Zoom at cod.edu/college-jumpstart. ● January 13 at 6 PM ● February 12 at 7 PM ● March 10 at 6 PM     Staff Highlights   Kimberly Lund & Gail Wallace - Dean's Office Kimberly Lund and Gail Wallace ensure that all aspects of attendance run smoothly—and they do so with a smile. Throughout the day, Kimberly and Gail assist students with a wide range of needs, ensure attendance is entered accurately for the entire building, oversee all personnel in the Attendance Office, and organize and deliver student passes. Thank you, Kimberly and Gail, for all that you do for our school—we truly could not do what we do without you!   Student Highlights   South Students Named Illinois State Scholars The Illinois State Scholar Program, administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), recognizes graduating seniors across the state who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and strong potential for college success. Students are selected based on a combination of ACT or SAT scores, unweighted grade point average, and class rank at the conclusion of their junior year. Students designated as Illinois State Scholars receive a Certificate of Achievement and statewide recognition. This honor represents a significant academic milestone and reflects years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. District 86 congratulates these outstanding students on earning this prestigious recognition. The list of Illinois State Scholars follows below: Aiesh Ali, Syed Ali, Jenna Alkhudari, Julian Angel, Filip Angelovski, Eamon Bargher, Gerald Bauer, Jackson Bauer, Drew Baughman, Zofia Bien, Jacob Borowski, Antonio Bosiljanov, Peyton Chang, Alexander Damis, Elliot Davis, Boston Desmond, Ashley Diprospero, Camila Flores, Anna Frankel, Layla Gallegos, Justyn Giadla, Sarah Haney, Gabriella Hanson, Liam Holich, Abigail Holzwart, Rose Homrighaus, Kesi Houar, Ioanna Jason, Casey Johnson, Anita Joseph, Eva Joseph, Rishikesh Joshi, Emma Koelling, Sean Laitman, Arianna Lam, Autumn Lambke, Macey Laskowski, Andrew Leonardson, Colton Lin, Kaleia Lin, Teressa Jane Louis, Jake Lu, Emma Madsen, Noor Malo, Lazar Martic, Yusuf Masood, Taylor Mazur, Maeve McCracken, Diona Mehmeti, Ayman Najjar, Ndiana Obot, Lucy Old, Asmitha Pallath, Raveen Patel, Zelda Price, Rayyan Qureshi, Jerusalem Rassi, Kennedy Ruff, Jackson Schuyler, James Sciaccotta, Sarah Sieczka, Emilija Sinkevicius, Cody Splingaire, Jonathan Styczynski, Daniel Tabor, Brent Tolentino, Karina Uscinavicius, Anna Wilcox, Sienna Wright, Victoria Wysocki, Aidan Yen.     Stinger - Student News Site   Athletic Results   Senior News     60th Anniversary   60th Anniversary Tour In honor of our 60th Anniversary, Hinsdale South will be opening its doors on selected dates to give tours of the building. Join us on Thursday, February 26, at 5:30 PM for the next tour! The tour begins at the main entrance, Door #1 off of Clarendon Hills Road.   Upcoming Events   Wednesday, January 14 - Early Release Monday, January 19 - NO SCHOOL/ MLK day Wednesday, January 21 - Early Release Friday, January 30 - Early Dismissal 12:35 PM / District Improvement Day

Thursday, Jan 08 2026

Board Briefs: December 18, 2025

D86 Board Briefs Highlights From Meeting On December 18, 2025 REMINDER: Please SUBSCRIBE to receive alerts when Board of Education and Committee meeting agendas are posted. Good News The Hinsdale South Good New Report celebrates the success of the Hornets girls tennis team (above, left). Addy Filipiak won a singles state championship in Class 1A, while the team finished fourth in the state. The Hinsdale Central Good News Report highlights the leadership of Will Gaffney and Tyler Thick (above, right) in creating a Hinsdale Central history wall that celebrates the school’s Red Devil legacy. Action Items APPROVED: District 86 Transition Programming Review The Board discussed and approved a motion to engage Dr. Daniel Cates for an external review of Transition Center programming to better understand program design, staffing, and associated costs. The intent of the review, outlined in the proposal, is to provide greater clarity and context, and no determinations have been made at this time. Transition Center staff members and families will have the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the review process. ADOPTED: Adopt 2025 Levy The Board approved the adoption of a levy in the amount of $107.90 million, which does not include $12.24 million debt service levies on existing District bonds. Together, this represents a 3.16% increase over the previous year. Certificate of Tax Levy 2025 Truth in Taxation Compliance Certificate Final Levy 2025 Resolution 26.08 Authorizing Final Levy for 2025 AWARDED: Summer 2026 Construction Bid Packages The Board approved bids for the construction projects in the summer of 2026. AWARDED: Switchgear Maintenance Bid The Board awarded the base bid and alternates two, three, four, and five to McWilliams Electric Company, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $681,500. APPROVED: Purchase of Pedestrian Bridge at Hinsdale South Varsity Baseball Field The Board approved the purchase of the pedestrian bridge for Hinsdale South through Roadrunner Bridge as part of the Sourcewell Cooperative for an amount of $59,320. APPROVED: Support Staff Position Adjustment The Board approved the realignment of the Hinsdale Central High School Guidance Office to eliminate one 10-month position and convert one 10-month position to a 12-month schedule. APPROVED: Student Settlement Agreements   Discussion Items Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and Chief Informational Officer Hiring Update The Board held three Special Meetings on Dec. 11-13 to interview superintendent candidates in closed session, with finalist interviews scheduled for Jan. 7–8. The Board plans to make an offer following those meetings and bring a recommendation to hire a new superintendent to the Jan. 29, 2026 meeting. The timelines for hiring an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and a Chief Information Officer align with the superintendent search to allow for input from the new superintendent, with candidate interviews planned for Feb. 11–12. 2027 School Year Calendar - First Read The recommended school calendar for the 2026-27 school year was presented for review. The Board requested a brief presentation comparing the advantages and disadvantages of using late arrival versus early dismissal to provide staff with collaboration time to ensure students receive the highest level of support both inside and outside the classroom. The calendar will return to the Board for approval during the January meeting. Architect of Record Request for Qualifications (RFQ) The Board directed Chief Financial Officer Josh Stephenson to initiate and manage the RFQ process for a new Architect of Record for the school district. Grading Member Jeff Waters expressed an interest by the Board to ensure administration has the same expectations they do for data that will return for board discussion around grading in February. The board is interested in further understanding the variations in the summative/ formative ratios at a course level; anomalies occurring in re-assessments; the summative/ formative skew and a more granular understanding of what comprises the percentage of summative work and the percentage of formative work. Discussion continued of ensuring the principals have the appropriate support from the CIO and his team to bring the data forward that the Board needs to understand how grading is working and to ensure that the folks in the building closest to the topic of grading are thoughtfully discussing and preparing the information and data for the Board.   Policies for First Read The policy committee reviewed and recommended revisions to draft language to implement an elective transfer option that prioritizes transfers from the higher population school to the lower population school, without the occurrence of overcrowding or other capacity concerns. The policy will appear on the consent agenda at the January Board meeting.   Board Committee Reports A&O Committee November Report Policy Committee December Report The Board supported the recommendation for enrollment of a maximum of two foreign exchange students at each high school campus, according to policy 7:50 and its AP - Foreign Exchange Student Admission. The Board directed administration to implement the policy and AP, including making program information available on the district website and communicating with organizations and families that have reached out to express interest in the program to communicate next steps. 750 AP - Foreign Exchange Student Admission Foreign Exchange Student Acknowledgement Form Closed Session Minutes Review Committee Semi-Annual Report HR Committee December Report Finance & Facilities Committee December Report Academic Committee December Report Science Department Update Special Education Department Update   President's Report Board President Catherine Greenspon thanked D86 students, staff and community members for their continued support for the district. She also wished everybody a happy and safe winter break.   Superintendent’s Report In his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Michal Lach shared that Hinsdale Centrals’ Momin Ahmen was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and also highlighted the recent South vs. Central staff basketball game. Finally, he wished the community happy holidays and a joyful new year.   Audience Comments Parents, students, and staff members spoke in support of the Transition Center, expressing pride in the program’s reputation and gratitude for the District’s commitment to students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Speakers emphasized the program’s positive impact on student confidence, independence, employment readiness, and sense of purpose, noting that it serves as a vital support system for both students and families. Speakers encouraged the Board to engage directly with students and families and maintain transparency throughout the review process. An audience member said grades and grading remain a challenge in District 86, and stated that District 86 needs to take a deep dive into courses with unforgiving summative/formative ratios. An audience member shared hope that the Board will continue its tradition of listening to the community. An audience member expressed a belief that the revised intra-district transfer policy would benefit students at both high schools by increasing the number of courses running at Hinsdale South and alleviating crowding at Hinsdale Central. An audience member cited recent survey responses as evidence that community members disapprove of the Board’s leadership.   Future Board Meetings Thursday, January 29, 2026 Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Thursday, March 26, 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, Dec 19 2025

December e-Newsletter: Time to Rest, Recharge, and E...

D86 E-Newsletter December 18, 2025 Message From the Superintendent: Time to Rest, Recharge, and Enjoy Winter Break As the semester draws to a close and final exams conclude, we reach a natural pause in the school year–one that invites reflection on the learning and growth that have taken place over the past several months. The weeks leading up to winter break are often filled with focus and intensity, and I am proud of the care and effort our students have shown as they wrapped up the semester. I am equally appreciative of the teachers and staff who guided, supported, and encouraged students throughout this busy time, and of the families who partnered with us along the way. Winter break offers a well-earned opportunity to slow down. I hope the coming days provide time for rest, connection, and renewal, whether that means celebrating traditions, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a change of pace. This break is an important reminder of the value of balance as we prepare for the second half of the school year. I wish you happy holidays and a healthy, joyful New Year. We look forward to welcoming students back in January refreshed and ready to begin the next chapter of the school year. Sincerely, Dr. Michael Lach Superintendent Here's What Is Happening In District 86 From The Board: Wishing You All The Best This Holiday Season The Board of Education recently shared a message reflecting on the past year and celebrating the many accomplishments of our students, staff, and families. As we head into the holiday season, the message offers appreciation and well wishes to our entire school community. Read the Message   School Resumes on January 6 School will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 6, following winter break. We look forward to welcoming students back for a great start to the new year.   Inside 86: Early Release Wednesdays This Inside 86 video highlights how Early Release Wednesdays give staff dedicated time to collaborate, refine instruction, and support student learning. While students dismiss at 1:55 p.m., this weekly time helps ensure strong coordination and high-quality support for all students. Watch the Video   Hinsdale South Wins First Annual Staff Basketball Game The South vs. Central Staff Basketball game resulted in a win for the Hornets. It took an overtime period, but the Hornet teachers defeated the Red Devils by a score of 45-39. It was a great night of D86 fun!   Have News To Share? Let Us Know

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

HC Weekly E-Blast December 18, 2028

Weekly E-Blast   |  December 18, 2025 Boys Basketball The boys basketball teams have completed its first month of competition. The varsity basketball team will play in their own Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic on December 26, 27, 29, 30 at the Hinsdale Bank Gym. The varsity Red Devils are coming off the school's winningest three-year stretch in the 125-year history of varsity basketball at Hinsdale Central. The future also looks bright for the Red Devils as the Sophomore, Freshman "A" and Freshman "B" teams collectively compiled a perfect 11-0 record in Thanksgiving Tournament play last month. Grading Window Semester 1 for the 2025-26 school year ends on Thursday, December 18, 2025 (barring any weather or emergency days). The grading portal on Infinite Campus will close to students on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 8 am. Infinite Campus will open up again on January 9, 2026 at 12 pm for students and parents to see final grades.  Report Cards will be emailed to families on the evening on January 9, 2026. Finals Make Up If you have a student who needs to make up a Final Exam, they can come in over Winter Break to take the final.  The hours are as follows:  Monday, December 22 and 29 7:30am – 12:30pm – Students must start by 12:30pm to be done by 2:00pm. Tuesday, December 23 & 30   7:30am – 12:30pm – Students must start by 12:30pm to be done by 2:00pm. Friday, December 19, 26 and January 2 - 7:30am – 12:30pm – Students must start 12:30pm to be done by 2:00pm. Monday, January 5th - 7:30am – 12:30pm – Students must start by 12:30pm to be done by 2:00pm. If possible, we recommend students call the main office to ensure we have the test ready for them to take.  The main office is: 630-570-8000 . Semester 2 Intervention For second semester, students in English 1, Algebra 1, and/or Geometry may be identified for intervention based on one or more of the following criteria: Earning a final grade of a D or F for 1st Semester Earning a score on the Pre-ACT below "proficient" Teacher Recommendation Students and families who were identified for intervention will receive additional information via email. Community Connections: How Hinsdale Central Links Learning to Life Our students learn best when they can connect classroom learning to the real world.  The links below highlight several meaningful ways you can partner with Hinsdale Central to inspire, mentor, and guide students as they explore future careers.  We encourage you to start there, then continue reading to learn more about why these opportunities matter so much to our students.   GUEST SPEAKER INTEREST FORM CAREER MENTOR AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY FORM HOST A FIELD TRIP FORM Boosters Fundraiser You save 20% and Minted donates 10% Make your holiday card and gift purchases count this year by using the Booster’s unique code at Minted.com : F UNDRAISEHINSDALEHS . You’ll receive 20% off and Minted will donate 10% of your purchase back to us at the end of the year! Thank you so much for your support and happy holidays! Devils' Advocate dropped its November-December magazine this month that included stories about how the district combats cheating, how students can alleviate stress at the end of the semester and spotlights about Special Education Department Chair Sara Pendergrass and the band program. In addition to the magazine, our online reporters have published some interesting reads!  Seniors Eeshan Lal & Niko Miceli have been busy filming their take on Hot Ones, with their most r ecent covering the boys basketball team with various players.   Senior Emmett Marcet  attended the holiday concert and captured some interesting shots!  Senior Zena Attassi visited the new Skims store in Oak Brook to cover its products and popularity.  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!  Q2~ Make A Difference Award Recipients Thank you to all who submitted nominations for the Q2 Make A Difference Awards. The committee reviewed all the nominations received and is pleased to congratulate the following six Make A Difference Award recipients for the Second Quarter of 2025-26. A big thank you to these teachers and staff for their commitment and kindness to our Red Devil community. They are going above and beyond in making a true difference at Hinsdale Central.   Jacqueline Berenson-Math Christopher Kostro-English Matthew McNiff-Special Education Lisa Sopiarz-Family and Consumer Sciences Jordan Stob-English Christopher Wilbur-Social Studies Upcoming Dates Pack the Place Week Jan. 12-16 Variety Show Jan. 16 7PM WinterFest Feb. 7 6-8 PM Winter Play, Feb. 5-7 Lunar New Year Feb. 15 Young Hearts for Life, Feb. 24

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

Hinsdale South Weekly Newsletter - December 18, 2025

Weekly Newsletter December 18, 2025 Dear Hornet Families - As the final bells ring and the first semester of the 2025-26 school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to celebrate the tremendous effort and dedication shown by our students, staff, and families. To our students: We are incredibly proud of your hard work. Whether you tackled a challenging final, mastered a new skill, or demonstrated kindness in the hallways, your commitment to learning, growth, and South Pride has been evident! To our staff: Thank you for your tireless dedication. Your passion for education and the support you offer our students truly make Hinsdale South an exceptional and special place. To our families: I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your active engagement in our school community throughout the year. It’s amazing to see all the South Pride within our 60th year! To our Seniors and their families: The second half of the year will accelerate quickly with college decisions, prom, and graduation. I encourage you to take a deep breath and truly cherish this time with your family and loved ones. These moments of downtime are precious as you prepare for the next exciting chapter of your lives. We thank you for your leadership this semester. We will see all students for the second semester on Tuesday, January 6. Our weekly newsletter will return on January 8. On behalf of myself and the entire administrative team, I wish you and your family a safe, peaceful, and joyous winter break filled with warmth and wonderful memories. With South Pride Dr. Kari Peronto, Principal   60th Anniversary Tour - TONIGHT In honor of our 60th Anniversary, Hinsdale South will be opening its doors on selected dates to give tours of the building. Join us on Thursday, December 18, at 5:00 PM for the next tour! The tour begins at the main entrance, Door #1 off of Clarendon Hills Road.   8th Grade Information Night Families of incoming freshmen for the 2026-2027 school year are invited to our essential 8th Grade Information Night on Thursday, January 8. The Evening's Schedule: 6:00 PM: Activities and Athletic Fair (Fieldhouse) 7:00 PM: High School Presentation (Auditorium) Please park in the Elm Street lot and enter through Door 9 near the gymnasium. We look forward to seeing you!   Don't Miss Out on Your Yearbook! There is still time to secure your yearbook at the current price! Prices go up on January 1. Purchase now to save money. Order via the Infinite Campus student store. Order using this direct link.   Chromebooks and School Readiness In order to ensure that our students are able to effectively maximize the use of the technology provided by our staff and district, we ask that students make sure their Chromebooks are brought to school every day fully charged. Any support you can provide in reinforcing these expectations is appreciated. Students Loaning/Returning School Inventory Recognizing that students may have issues that arise, “loaner” Chromebooks OR "loaner" chargers are provided to the student for the school day to allow for uninterrupted access to the 1:1 environment. Students should visit T.S.I. with the appropriate Infinite Campus pass and have their ID/lanyard with them. Students do not need a pass before the school day begins. Because temporary loaners and chargers are issued for a one-day rental, any device or charger not returned to the school within five consecutive days will be assessed a replacement fee equal to the price District 86 pays to replace it. Disciplinary action may result for failure to consistently bring a fully charged Chromebook to school.     Deans Office   Attendance Matters: Every Day Counts Did you know that missing just two days of school each month adds up to more than 10% of the school year? Research from Johns Hopkins University and the Illinois State Board of Education shows that students who are “chronically absent” (missing 10% or more of the year) are far less likely to stay on track academically and graduate on time. Even absences for valid reasons, like illness or appointments, can add up quickly and make it harder for students to keep pace. Every day in class helps build strong relationships, skills, and confidence. Let’s work together to keep students in school and learning. If you’re facing barriers to attendance, please reach out to our Student Services Team. We’re here to help.   Student Attendance Policies District 86 is committed to student success. One of the best indicators of student success is consistent school attendance as it leads to improved academic achievement. While some work can be completed at home, there is no replication for the classroom experience, which is essential to adolescent learning. Therefore, Hinsdale District 86 has established attendance protocols, which are designed to support students and keep students accountable. Students are required by state law to attend school every day. The D86 Board of Education's attendance policy states that students will attend and be on time for class. Student attendance is not optional; it is a requirement of every class. Additionally, the following is a guide to the intervention/supportive measures that may be implemented with each student. Please note that interventions will be individualized for each student to find the most appropriate solution(s) to support the student, including interventions for students with individualized education programs (IEP) and Section 504 plans; thus, not every intervention will be automatically applied to each student. Hinsdale South does not assign detention for absences that are reported by a parent or guardian, whether excused or unexcused. These policies have remained unchanged and are consistent with those of previous school years. If your student will be absent from school for any reason, please contact the attendance office within 24 hours of the notice to notify them. Without a valid reason, absences are considered “unexcused”, which could result in academic or behavioral consequences. Click here to view the Attendance Handbook for Parents and Students   Pre-Arranged Absences The Pre-Arranged Absence Form must be completed by the parent/guardian at least two (2) days before the absence begins in order for it to be excused. This form is required in the following instances: The student will be absent for three (3) or more school days. The student will be absent during final exams. The student will be absent due to a non-school-related activity. The student will be absent due to a civic event. Parents/guardians must contact the Attendance Office to verify the absence. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities Complete the Pre-Arranged Absence Form electronically. Include the reason for the absence and the relevant dates. For non-school-related competitive activities or sports, please provide a letter from the coach with dates, schedule, or registration documents. For college visits, please submit documentation of the scheduled appointment or tour. Student Responsibilities Discuss all assignments and classwork with teachers prior to the absence. Be prepared to meet all deadlines and complete required coursework on time. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain accurate attendance records.   Bell to Bell, No Cell This year, students and staff will be expected to keep cell phones and other personal electronic devices out of sight, thereby out of mind, during instructional periods. It is critical that our instructional environment be a place for students to learn, collaborate with peers, and think critically. For that to happen, we as educational leaders want to create a learning environment that avoids distractions, in particular, digital distractions.   Counseling Department   College of DuPage - College Jumpstart An opportunity for rising senior high school students in College of DuPage’s region for up to four Gen Ed courses that are easily transferable to most institutions. The idea is to target courses that are challenging to find a qualified dual credit instructor, as well as courses that are highly transferable. Since students in District 502 receive a 50% discount on tuition while in high school, this is an opportunity for students to complete Gen Eds in a cohort-style environment, explore COD's campus, and build their transcript. Students will be able to enroll in a learning community that includes two courses. Students can enroll in both learning communities if they wish to take all 12 credit hours. Courses begin June 15 and end August 8. Registration begins March 11. Sign up for an information session on Zoom at cod.edu/college-jumpstart. ● January 13 at 6 PM ● February 12 at 7 PM ● March 10 at 6 PM     Faculty/Staff Highlights   Suzanne Howard - English Teacher When Suzanne Howard retires at the end of this school year, Hinsdale South will be saying goodbye to a huge part of its history. Sue graduated from Hinsdale South as a dedicated student and talented athlete whose shot put record still stands to this day. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mrs. Howard started her teaching career back at her alma mater, where she has affected countless students and teachers with her creativity, kindness, optimism, and dedication. Sue has taught all levels of students in the English department during her tenure. Mrs. Howard has been a key team member of the English I and AP Language and Composition teams for the last part of her career, where she has developed a curriculum that encourages students to ponder real-life issues and ideas. In addition to teaching, Sue coached track for several years and still follows and cheers on all of our student athletes. She is the Hornet Leadership Board Jr/Sr Co-Sponsor, which involves the giant task of fundraising and hosting Prom and other senior activities.   As a colleague, Sue Howard is always the person to turn to when you need a shoulder to cry on and a coach to cheer you on. If you need help finding a resource, she can out-research anyone and will provide you with every answer you need. Outside of school, Sue's dedication to excellence, love for learning, and perseverant work ethic helped inspire her two daughters, one of whom teaches Social Studies and the other who is earning a law degree from Northwestern University. For the past several years, Sue has worked out and competed in CrossFit, wowing everyone with her strength.  Even though Sue will retire this year, she will remain a lifelong Hornet and will be missed dearly.     Student Highlights   Science Olympiad On Saturday, December 13, Hinsdale South's Science Olympiad team competed at the Neuqua Valley Invitational against a 43 team field containing 11 of the top 20 teams in the state last year. Against this tough competition, the Hornets finished 8th, 15th, and 21st overall. Team highlights include 23 teams finishing in the top 10 for their event and 10 teams finishing in the top 5. Individually, 35 team members brought home 56 medals! Check out the images for more information regarding team and individual results."   Breakfast Club The following students received the Breakfast Club Award on December 12, 2025.  Every quarter, each department selects a student to be recognized for their outstanding academic or extracurricular accomplishments, contribution to the community, or just their outstanding #SouthPride.        Stinger - Student News Site   Athletics   Varsity Danceline Congratulations to our Athletes of the Week, Varsity Danceline. In their first competition of the season, the team delivered an outstanding performance at the Sycamore Invitational, earning 1st place with their Pom routine and an impressive 3rd place with their Jazz routine out of 15 competing teams. Their dedication, precision, and hard work truly shone on the floor—an achievement to be proud of! Great job, Girls! Congratulations on a great start to the season! Ben Miller - Wrestling Congratulations to our Athlete of the Week, Ben Miller. Ben is a junior and has become a true leader and captain of the boys’ varsity wrestling team. He is undefeated (8-0) and has been Victorious against tough competitors ranked as high as 5th in the state, along with avenging a loss from last year’s St Laurence dual. Ben has five pins for the year and is now 2-0 in conference. Great job, Ben! Congratulations on a great start to the season!   Athletic Results   Senior News     60th Anniversary   Alumni Spotlight Series: Celebrating 60 Years! As part of our 60th anniversary celebration, we're kicking off a special Alumni Spotlight Series! Each week, we'll feature inspiring alumni who have returned to work at Hinsdale South. They'll share their unique perspective as both a graduate and a staff member, offering valuable advice to current students.   Upcoming Events   Monday, January 5 - NO SCHOOL/Teacher Institute Day Tuesday, January 6 - Second Semester Begins/Back to School Wednesday, January 14 - Early Release Monday, January 19 - NO SCHOOL/ MLK day Wednesday, January 21 - Early Release Friday, January 30 - Early Dismissal 12:35 PM /District Improvement Day

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

Wishing You All The Best This Holiday Season

Dear District 86 Community,  As 2025 draws to a close, the District 86 Board of Education extends its gratitude to the students, staff, families and community members who continue to elevate the excellence of our District. Thank you for your generous investment in our schools. This year has asked much of all of us, and we have once again shown the resilience, grit and persistence that defines District 86. Our classrooms, labs, theaters and athletic fields have been filled with students pursuing ambitious goals. From students advancing in state and national competitions, to staff members earning county and state-level recognition, this year has showcased the very best of D86. We've collectively demonstrated extraordinary philanthropy, a deep commitment to caring for one another, and learning experiences that spanned the globe. These achievements reflect not only individual effort, but also the steady collaboration among teachers, support staff, coaches, sponsors and many others who support their growth each day. This year, our administrative teams have taken on expanded responsibilities as we navigate leadership transitions, and we are grateful for their professionalism during this period of change. Their teamwork, thoughtful planning and commitment to continuity have ensured that teaching and learning remain the focus across the district. The results speak for themselves, as our exceptional high schools continue to rank among the best in the state, and across the nation. We have also continued our work to ensure that decisions across the district are grounded in accurate, replicable, reconcilable and publicly reported data. From student achievement metrics to financial reporting, transparency remains a core value. Families and community members should feel confident that the information guiding our choices is accessible, consistent and aligned with our long-term goals. This commitment helps us identify where our students are excelling, where additional support is needed and how we can best allocate resources to strengthen outcomes for all learners. At the same time, we have been busy planning for upcoming transitions. Earlier this fall, Superintendent Dr. Michael Lach announced his retirement. We thank him for his work with our students and staff. The Board is now deep into the process of selecting the next superintendent, a decision we know will shape the school district’s future. We remain committed to a thorough and inclusive search that reflects community values and positions District 86 for continued excellence. We expect to name our next superintendent in January. In the coming months, we hope to hire both the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, as well as our next Chief Information Officer, in collaboration with our new Superintendent. These positions represent strategic investments in teaching, learning and technology–areas that are central to our mission and vital to preparing students for postsecondary education and/or the workforce. Through change and challenge alike, District 86 has shown its collective strength. We are proud of the progress made this year, and of the countless moments in which our students and staff demonstrated purpose, creativity and compassion. As we move into 2026, we do so with optimism and a clear focus on supporting each learner who walks through our doors. We are fortunate to have such a supportive community. Thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to the opportunities ahead and remain honored to serve our District 86 community. In Gratitude, Your D86 Board of Education

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

Board Briefs: December 11-13, 2025

D86 Board Briefs Highlights From Meetings On December 11-13, 2025 The District 86 Board of Education held three Special Meetings last week on Dec. 11, Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 to interview candidates for superintendent in closed session, according to the Board’s timeline. In Open Session on Dec. 13, the board took action as follows: Appointment of Legal Counsel During the Saturday, Dec. 13 meeting, the Board appointed Grasso Law P.C. to assist Odelson, Murphey, Frazier & McGrath (OMFM) in Robbin Schwartz v Hinsdale School District 86, and to pursue other legal remedies as directed by the Board.   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 Hear a Complete Recording of the open session portion of the meeting.

Wednesday, Dec 17 2025

HC Weekly E-Blast December 11, 2025

Weekly E-Blast   |  December 11, 2025 Stuff the Truck On November 21st, BPA and NHS partnered together for Stuff the Truck benefitting HCS Family Services.  We had so many donations that Leah Block had to fill her entire minivan as an overload to the vehicle HCS Family Services sent. Together, NHS and BPA, with other school donations, Hinsdale Central was able to donate 5,552 pounds of goods! Thank you so much to everyone who donated items for Stuff the Truck, it was an overwhelming success. Academic Supports at Hinsdale Central As the end of the semester draws to a close and finals approach, we know that many students may see additional academic support.  At Hinsdale Central, we have many resources available to help students.  Please see  this sheet for the description, location, and availability of each support. Final Exam Schedule First-semester final examinations will be held from Tuesday, December 16 to Thursday, December 18, 2025. Please take note that Friday, December 19 is an Emergency Day. Should circumstances arise that impact our ability to hold a final exam on one of the three previous days, Friday, December 19 will be an attendance day to host exams from that day. If you plan on traveling, please note attendance on Friday, December 19 is a potential student attendance day until 1:00 PM. 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 . Finals Bus Schedule Tues. 16th ~ leave school 1 PM ~ All routes Wed. 17th ~  leave school 1 PM ~ All routes Thurs. 18th ~ leave school 11:15 AM ~ All routes                        1 PM ~ 1 Bus for Make-Up testers 5:30 PM ~ Late Athletic Bus ~ all 3 days No TCD. Morning routes stay the same. Boosters Fundraiser You save 20% and Minted donates 10% Make your holiday card and gift purchases count this year by using the Booster’s unique code at Minted.com : F UNDRAISEHINSDALEHS . You’ll receive 20% off and Minted will donate 10% of your purchase back to us at the end of the year! Thank you so much for your support and happy holidays! Understanding Anxiety in Students with Learning Differences Parents and caregivers of students in grades 6–12 with IEPs or 504 Plans are invited to join the D86 Access Network for an evening with Elevate Counseling + Wellness. Therapists Regina Blackstone, LCSW, and Vanessa Lambrecht, LPC, will share practical ways to recognize anxiety, support regulation, and help teens build confidence and calm at home and school. 📅 Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m. 📍 Hinsdale South – Black & Gold Room 💙 RSVP: bit.ly/D86Access121125rsvp Hosted by the D86 Access Network. Connecting caregivers of students with IEPs and 504s to resources, support, and community. 📕 Order Your 2025–2026 Yearbook Yearbook orders are now open!     Order Here      Cost:  $65      Distribution: Early May      Important: We order very few extra copies—placing your order through Walsworth is the  only way to guarantee you’ll have a book this year. Senior Tribute order information is  here  for the Class of 2026 Walsworth is our official provider for yearbooks. Senior Portrait and Yearbook Photo Information Further information can be found here: https://central.hinsdale86.org/activities/senior-photos-yearbook-photos Upcoming Dates December 11 - Holiday Concert

Friday, Dec 12 2025