News

Thank you to all who submitted nominations for the Q4 Make A Difference awards. After reviewing the dozens of nominations received by the committee, we are pleased to announce the Make A Difference award recipients for the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 school year.

Congratulations to:

Christoper Freiler – Social Studies	Greg Johnson – Lacrosse Coach

April McPhillips – FACS	Elizabeth Meagher – Special Education

Karen Russo – Business Education	Kelly Watson – Physical Education

Looking for ways to keep students academically engaged over the summer? TutorConnect, a student-led tutoring organization founded by a Hinsdale Central student, is offering free, peer-led classes at the Hinsdale Public Library.

Classes are open to elementary, middle, and high school students and cover subjects like math, reading, writing, study skills, and more. It’s a great opportunity for students to build confidence, reinforce academic skills, and stay prepared for the new school year at no cost to families.

Spots are limited. Register today: TutorConnect
Questions? Email Aanya Shah at ashah6483@stu.hinsdale86.org

Regular PTO Meetings (based on your input) and the weekly e-Blasts help families stay updated on pertinent topics, upcoming events, and dates. It is also the only way to access the Online Directory.

Please join the PTO today HERE! All 100% of dues fund programs that support Hinsdale Central families, students, and staff.  Is your student graduating? Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Click HERE  to donate.

To learn more about the PTO, visit hcpto.org or reach out to execboard@hcpto.org to get involved!

Your voice matters! The PTO is dedicated to bringing actionable content and information during each of the meetings throughout the year. To meet the needs of our members, let us know what is on your mind by filling out the survey below. We strive to incorporate all appropriate feedback into the bi-monthly 2025-26 PTO conversations.

Click HERE to access the survey, which will take less than 5 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous, and email addresses are not captured.

Any questions? Please reach out to Spring O’Brien and Kristin McDaniel at president@hcpto.org.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

• No School, Memorial Day – Monday, May 26th
• Finals – May 27-29th

Mark your calendars—the last spirit wear sale, hosted by The Boosters, is happening on Tuesday, May 20, from 3–8 PM at the Grant Street entrance. It’s your final chance to stock up on Red Devil gear before summer! Whether you’re looking to stay spirited during the off-season or find the perfect gift for your favorite 8th grade grad, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss it—once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Check out the Minted 2025 Grad Shop! From invites, announcements, and thank you notes, save 20% on your order with the code FUNDRAISEHCPTO! Make your graduation extra memorable for your student while saving money and giving back to the PTO.

By the way- this code is good year-round for other special events or gifts. Use FUNDRAISEHCPTO at minted.com for 20% off all your purchases (some exclusions apply).

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the last PTO meeting of the 2024-204-25 school year. It was a very informative and encouraging meeting! In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, we focused on all of the work done within the school and the Social Work department to walk alongside students as they deal with their emotional struggles.

If you missed the meeting, please check out the recording of the livestream, and the presentation from the HC Social Work team. There are some additional HANDOUTS  from The Community House Counseling Center pointing towards many ways that teens can get help.

Pam Lannom from the Hinsdalean attended our meeting too, and she wrote an editorial featuring the highlights of the mental health message.

Congratulations to all of our seniors who are moving on to their next chapters in life! Have a happy and safe summer!

The PTO Exec Board

Mark your calendars—the last two spirit wear sales, hosted by The Boosters, are happening on Tuesday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 20, from 3–8 PM at the Grant Street entrance. It’s your final chance to stock up on Red Devil gear before summer! Whether you’re looking to stay spirited during the off-season or find the perfect gift for your favorite 8th grade grad, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss it—once it’s gone, it’s gone!

On Friday, May 16th, the Staff Appreciation Committee still needs volunteers and potted plants/flowers contributions. We will set up a breakfast buffet of bagels, cream cheese, fruit platters, and breakfast sweets. Please help if you can to make this event a huge success…Sign up HERE.

*Contribute 2 colorful potted plants/flowers tied with a bow to use as table centerpieces (20 needed). The plants and flowers brighten up the staff lounge so beautifully.

I can pick up these items from your home prior to the 16th or you can drop them off to HCHS Grant Street Entrance on Friday, May 16th by 6:30 AM.

*Contribute some time – Volunteers are needed starting at 6:30 AM for set-up in the staff lounge and continuing through to 9:30 AM to help replenish the buffet, greet teachers, and clean up. Please come for whatever amount of time you have to spare.

Please contact Kathy Shilder (staff appreciation chair) with any questions at appreciate@hcpto.org.