News

Thank you to those who have already donated to Families Helping Families. We are reaching out again to request your support during the month of THANKSgiving. So far, we have received far less in donations compared to previous years. In order for FHF to continue to support and meet the needs of your child’s peers and their families, we are asking for monetary donations from our school community.

The Families Helping Families Committee has been working with the Hinsdale Central Social Work Department since 2006 to support Hinsdale Central families who need a helping hand. Our mission is to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive at Hinsdale Central.

Please consider donating by using our online form on the PTO website and selecting “Families Helping Families” from the committee list. You can also write a check to HCPTO (memo FHF) and mail it to Hinsdale Central HS, Attention HC PTO (5500 S Grant St., Hinsdale, 60521). Any amount is greatly appreciated.

Your donation will help to provide gift cards to families at Thanksgiving and to meet needs as they arise, such as gas cards, clothing, toiletries, utility/rent payments, etc. Email [email protected] with questions.

Thank you for your generous support!

Pauline Brannigan & Denys Kang
Families Helping Families Co-Chairs

Show your appreciation for the Hinsdale Central staff by donating $10 to sponsor a Thanksgiving pie! Every year the HC PTO Staff Appreciation volunteers provide pumpkin pies – and it is one of the staff’s favorite days! They are grateful for the gesture as one last item they have to make or for those visiting family, they have a tasty treat ready to bring.

Your donation will be acknowledged on the Happy Thanksgiving sticker placed on each pie (ie. “Happy Thanksgiving from the Smith Family.”)

Donate $10 to help continue this PTO Thanksgiving tradition HERE. The donation period ends on Friday, 11/22. The pies will be handed out on Tuesday, 11/26. If you would like to volunteer to help distribute the pies, keep your eye out for a sign-up genius from the Staff Appreciation team.

Due to logistics, we are unable to accommodate requests to sponsor pies to specific staff members.

Attention all Sophomores and Juniors: Are you interested in a career in Cosmetology, Construction, Auto Technology, Construction, Nursing or other career and technical trades? Sign up for the field trip to Technology Center of Dupage to learn more about TCD’s unique dual credit programs, hands-on learning and internships. Pick up a field trip form at the Counseling Office. Forms are due November 15th. Field trip is on December 5th For program descriptions and virtual tours, go to www.tcdupage.org.

Yearbooks for the 2024-2025 school year are on sale now at yearbookforever.com! Purchase yours now for $50 to avoid the December 1st price increase!

Parents of Seniors: the HC yearbook has a tradition of honoring our graduating seniors by selling senior tributes. These tributes are a space for parents to share a childhood photo of their student as well as a special message. For more directions and an example tribute, visit this link. To purchase one for $35, visit yearbookforever.com. Purchase now to avoid the December 1st price increase!

• Fall Play, A Midsummer Nights Dream – November 21-23rd
• Thanksgiving Break – November 27-29th

Last change to register! The Hinsdale Public Library, along with its High School Junior Advisory Board, is hosting our annual After Dark Escape Room for all area high school students. This year’s theme is Clue. Players will use the clues and solve the puzzles to figure out who kidnapped Mr. Body, using what weapon, and in what room! Register HERE as a team or solo for this high school after-hours real life Clue game!

7-8:30p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9th at the Hinsdale Public Library.

Don’t forget to sign up for our first big staff event of the year, the fall WELCOME BACK to SCHOOL Luncheon. The committee still needs your help!

The luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30th. A catered lunch of salad and sandwiches will be served buffet style in the staff lunchroom. There will be approximately 300 staff members attending this luncheon over the course of 5 lunch periods.

Please consider helping with this event by:

1. Providing a fresh fruit platter.

2. Baking 4 dozen cookies or dessert bars.

3. Providing two mums in a pot tied with a fall seasonal bow to be the centerpieces on the tables.

4. Volunteering on the day of the event to serve food

Please sign up HERE.

Register for the first event of the Community Speaker Series season happening this week! We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Aliza Pressman to share her parenting expertise with our community. Whether you are in the trenches with a toddler or a teen, this event is for you. 

There will be an evening presentation and a morning presentation. Both events will be held in person at The Community House. The events are free and open to all. 

Tuesday, October 29th, 7:00-8:30pm: REGISTER HERE.

Wednesday, October 30th, 9:00-10:30am: REGISTER HERE.

This year, local businesses are being invited to support the CSS as community partners by providing hospitality at the CSS events. Our first community partners are Cafe La Fortuna and Gone Grazy. Both have generously offered to provide refreshments at our October events.

Dr. Aliza Pressman is a developmental psychologist with nearly two decades of experience working with families and the health care providers who care for them. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling book THE 5 PRINCIPLES OF PARENTING: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans, and the host of the award-winning podcast Raising Good Humans. See FLYER for more details.