News

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

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).

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 [email protected].

The Community House is offering a free virtual event on Monday, May 12th at 7pm for parents in honor of Mental Health Awareness month. This one-hour webinar, Recognizing the Signs: How to Spot Emotional Struggles in Youth, will support parents in understanding and recognizing when their child might be experiencing a mental health issue as well highlighting ways to respond, connect to appropriate resources and build stronger lines of communication.

Walk the Walk for Mental Health will take place on Sunday, May 18th at 9am at The Community House. It is a great opportunity to raise awareness for positive mental health and provide mental health services to many students in our community. Register HERE. Learn how to register on a fundraising team HERE.

• No School, Memorial Day – Monday, May 26th
• Walk the Walk for Mental Health – Sunday, May 18th, 9-10am

This upcoming Wednesday PTO conversation is focused on Mental Health Awareness & Resources. Jen Cave and Jim Kupres (social workers) and Mary Galagher (school psychologist) will host a panel providing information on resources available to aid you and your students.

The panel wants to ensure they are addressing your questions and the needs of your student, so please take a moment to fill out this two question survey to help guide the discussion. There will also be time for questions.

The meeting is on Wednesday, 5/7, at 9am in the Community Room (across from the main office- enter on Grant St.) and on Zoom.

Thank you to the following family for Post Prom Sponsorship at the #Bring Your Fire Level ($3000+):

The Cunningham Family

Thank you to the following businesses for Post Prom Sponsorship at the Red Devil Nation Level ($2000):

Thank you to the following family and business for Post Prom Sponsorship at the Transportation Partner Level ($1000):

The Bernacki Family

Thank you to the following business for Post Prom Sponsorship at the Community Partner Level ($500):

Thank you to the following businesses and families for Post Prom Sponsorship at the Friends Level ($250):

Stephanie Fodor, The Goebel Family

Thank you to the following families for Post Prom Sponsorship at the Individual Contributions Level ($100):

Erin Walsh, Donna Babaran, Greg Hart, Lisa Lundgren, Jen Donnan, Catherine Greenspon, Greg Hart, Ryan Kowalczyk, Lisa Lundgren, The Novatney Family, Kara Reiff, Judy Sun, Bharati Chittineni, Dominika Stepinski, Guillermo Rivera, Jackie Zydeck

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).