News

Q3 Make A Difference Award Recipient

Denys KangNews

Thank you to all who submitted nominations for the Q3 Make A Difference Awards. The committee reviewed the nominations received and is pleased to congratulate the following six Make A Difference Award recipients for the second quarter.  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 (Toni Anderson-Mathematics, Jennifer Burkemper-Fine Arts/Music, Dr. Chris Cirrincione-Assistant Principal of Instructions, Maureen Drown-Counseling, Abbey Green-Mathematics, Greta Leader-Social Studies).

Did you miss the PTO meeting on March 19th?

Denys KangNews

Thank you to everyone who participated in our PTO meeting on March 19th, Finishing the Year Strong and Summer Opportunities.

This meeting focused on PASS (Peer Athletes tutoring) and many other resources available to students at https:hcpto.org/academic-resources. We heard from Jennifer Lange from COD and Principal Bill Walsh about D86 Summer School, job opportunities at COD, and how to obtain a work permit. Have your students check out the Job Board outside Student Services!

A special committee focus was on Parent Network and their recent Summer Opportunities Fair for students with 504 Plans and IEPs. The meeting also included information about end of year PTO sponsored Senior activities including applying for Red Devil Spirit Scholarships, Panhellenic information meeting, and Post Prom.

If you missed it, here is a video of the meeting.

Please save the date for our last PTO meeting which will be on Wednesday, May 7th at 9am in the Community Room. Mental Health Awareness month!

Support Post Prom 2025 & Beyond!

Denys KangNews

What is Planned for Post Prom 2025?

  • Following Senior Prom on Saturday, May 3rd at Navy Pier, students set sail on the Odyssey for a luxury cruise on Lake Michigan. Live music, food, a photo booth, karaoke, and more make this a once in a lifetime event!
  • Students travel to and from Prom and Post Prom in chaperoned busses
  • This is an event not to be missed and we can’t do it without the help of the Hinsdale Central community and families

Why is Post Prom Important to our Community?

  • A decades-old tradition that ensures Hinsdale Central Prom attendees a safe space to continue making memories
  • The Hinsdale Police Department supports this event as the single most impactful event in keeping students safe after Prom
  • In 2023 over 85% of Prom attendees joined for Post Prom

Debunking Post Prom Myths

  • MYTH: I have to wait SO LONG to board the boat. TRUTH: After Prom ends, you’ll be steps away from boarding the Odessey on Navy Pier
  • MYTH: We’re going to the lake house (fill in the blank) after Prom. TRUTH: In prior years, Seniors have made memories of continuing the celebration during Post Prom and getting some rest before spending the rest of Prom weekend supervised at the lake or other destination
  • MYTH: What if my friends aren’t going? TRUTH: Rally your friends to make sure you don’t miss out on the full, once in a lifetime experience of Prom & Post Prom (We have more kids trying to get ON the boat at the last minute and this year we are not able to accommodate last minute requests)
  • MYTH: It is SO COLD on the boat. TRUTH: It’s May in Chicago- the weather is anyone’s guess, but the Odessey has coverage, don’t forget the dancing, and is bringing a coat too much of a parent suggestion?? (there is a coat check at Prom)

Make your tax-deductable donation today! Visit https://898.6bc.myftpupload.com/post-prom-donation/ to submit the form online. Donations are accepted through Zelle: treasurer@hcpto.org OR mail your check to HCHS PTO, 5500 South Grant Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521, prior to April 28, 2025. Please write “2025 Post Prom” in the memo note.

Additional Post Prom Myths to debunk? Send to prom@hcpto.org

Interested in volunteering? Contact prom@hcpto.org

Sign-up for Exclusive Classes at SHRED415

Denys KangNews

All Central families, students, and staff are invited to help support Post Prom and the PTO at SHRED 415.  Two private classes on Wednesday, 4/16 at 6:45 pm or Sunday, 4/27 at 11am for Hinsdale Parents, students, and staff.

Hinsdale Shred415‘s signature class is based on four, fifteen minute segments, alternating between treadmill drills and strength training. Modifications are given for all exercices.

We ask for a donation of $10 (or more) for the class (the usual price is $34.) You can Zelle your donation to treasurer@hcpto.org (put Shred in the note.) There will also be a QR code at the class to donate. Anyone who donates $25 or more will receive 2 complimentary classes.

When signing up HERE, please include your email so a waiver can be sent. Students under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature.

Shred is located at 230 E Ogden Ave, Hinsdale, IL 60521. Learn more about Shred HERE.

It’s Not Too Late to Apply for a Red Devil Spirit Scholarship!

Susan Blumberg-KasonNews

Attention Seniors!

The Hinsdale Central PTO Red Devil Spirit Scholarship Application is now open. The PTO will grant several scholarships in the neighborhood of $2,000 per award.

The scholarship is need-based and the application process is entirely online. The application deadline is April 11th. To apply or view the application, please click HERE.  Any questions? Please get in touch with the RDSS Team at rdss@hcpto.org

Join us Wednesday, 3/19 to Discuss Finishing the Year Strong & Summer Opportunities

Denys KangNews

The next PTO meeting is Wednesday, March 19th, 7pm on Zoom: Finishing the Year Strong & Summer Opportunities. Zoom info and agenda is sent on Tuesday.

Finishing the Year Strong

Summer Opportunities

  • Jobs
    • Job Board
    • Work Permit (Principal Walsh, Jen Regnier)
    • D86 Summer Opportunities (Parent Network- Deana, Chair, Hinsdale South)
  • Summer Studies at College of DuPage (Jennifer Langge, Program Coordinator for HS & Adult Enrichment)

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Support Post Prom 2025 & Beyond!

Denys KangNews

What is Planned for Post Prom 2025?

  • Following Senior Prom held on Saturday, May 5th at Navy Pier, students set sail on the Odyssey for a luxury cruise on Lake Michigan. Live music, food, a photo booth, karaoke, and more make this a once in a lifetime event!
  • Students travel to and from Prom and Post Prom in chaperoned busses
  • This is an event not to be missed and we can’t do it without the help of the Hinsdale Central community and families

Why is Post Prom Important to our Community?

  • A decades-old tradition that ensures Hinsdale Central Prom attendees a safe space to continue making memories
  • The Hinsdale Police Department supports this event as the single most impactful event in keeping students safe after Prom
  • In 2023 over 85% of Prom attendees joined for Post Prom

Debunking Post Prom Myths

  • MYTH: I have to wait SO LONG to board the boat. TRUTH: After Prom ends, you’ll be steps away from boarding the Odessey on Navy Pier
  • MYTH: We’re going to the lake house (fill in the blank) after Prom. TRUTH: In prior years, Seniors have made memories of continuing the celebration during Post Prom and getting some rest before spending the rest of Prom weekend supervised at the lake or other destination
  • MYTH: What if my friends aren’t going? TRUTH: Rally your friends to make sure you don’t miss out on the full, once in a lifetime experience of Prom & Post Prom (We have more kids trying to get ON the boat at the last minute and this year we are not able to accommodate last minute requests)
  • MYTH: It is SO COLD on the boat. TRUTH: It’s May in Chicago- the weather is anyone’s guess, but the Odessey has coverage, don’t forget the dancing, and is bringing a coat too much of a parent suggestion?? (there is a coat check at Prom)

Make your tax-deductable donation today! Visit https://898.6bc.myftpupload.com/post-prom-donation/ to submit the form online. Donations are accepted through Zelle: treasurer@hcpto.org OR mail your check to HCHS PTO, 5500 South Grant Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521, prior to April 28, 2025. Please write “2025 Post Prom” in the memo note.

Additional Post Prom Myths to debunk? Send to prom@hcpto.org

College-bound students can prepare for ACT/SAT exams using LearningExpress Library

Denys KangNews

FOR CLARENDON HILLS STUDENTS ONLY

The Clarendon Hills Public Library provides free access to LearningExpress Library Complete, a powerful e-learning platform that contains a collection of practice tests, quizzes, tutorials, microlessons, e-books, articles and flashcards to help students review the English, math, reading, writing and science concepts they’ll encounter on the official ACT/SAT tests.

In addition, students will find AP test prep resources covering a variety of subjects, such as biology, calculus, chemistry, computer science, English literature and composition, psychology, statistics, U.S. history, world history, French, Spanish and more.

LearningExpress Library Complete test prep includes:

• Authentic practice tests
• Test-taking strategies and tips
• Interactive tutorials with full-length pre-tests, unit quizzes and post-tests
• Essay practice with sample essays, annotations and scoring guides
• Detailed answer explanations
• Simulated test options designed to mimic test-day conditions
• Personalized study plans identifying areas of strength and those requiring more practice
• Diagnostic score reports

To begin using LearningExpress Library Complete, students can log in via the library’s website or directly at: https://tinyurl.com/chpllearninglibrary.  Students can create a personal account so that they can save their work in progress, store score reports, and revisit any practice tests, tutorials or e-books. Registration requires only a valid email address and a password.

 

Join us Wednesday, 3/12, to Discuss Finishing the Year Strong & Summer Opportunities

Denys KangNews

The next PTO meeting is March 12th at 7pm: Finishing the Year Strong & Summer Opportunities

Finishing the Year Strong

  • Academic Resource Highlight
    • P.A.S.S.
    • https://898.6bc.myftpupload.com/academic-resources/
  • PTO Sponsored Senior Sendoffs
    • Post Prom
    • Red Devil Spirt Scholarships
    • Panhellenic Meeting

Summer Opportunities

  • Jobs
    • Job Board
    • Work Permit (Principal Walsh, Jen Regnier)
    • D86 Summer Opportunities (Parent Network- Deana, Chair, Hinsdale South)
  • Summer Studies at College of DuPage (Jennifer Langge, Program Coordinator for HS & Adult Enrichment)

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Staff Appreciation Committee Pie Donations for Pi 3.14 Day Celebration

Denys KangNews

The Staff Appreciation Committee is still looking for pie contributions. Please sign up HERE to contribute pies for Staff Appreciation Pi Day!! Drop off donated pies at the Grant Street entrance by 8:30am on Friday, 3/14. A reminder that March 14th is an early dismissal day, 12:35pm, for the students. Please email me with any questions. Thank you so much and Happy Pi Day!!

Kathy Schilder (appreciate@hcpto.org)