Register Now for the College Planning Workshop on 2/1

Denys KangNews

Register now for the College Planning Workshop for Hinsdale Central High School Junior Students and Parents, sponsored by the PTO and HCHS Guidance.

The Workshop will be held on Sunday, February 1st from 12-2:15pm. This workshop is designed to provide Juniors and their parents with additional guidance as they prepare to navigate the college application process. Students will participate in 3 breakout sessions focused on the college search and application process. The breakout sessions include the following: College Applications Workshop from the perspective of two college admission representatives, Application Essays Workshop led by a college admission representative, and the HCHS Senior Student Panel which includes discussion and Q&A on how the seniors selected their college list, with advice on filling out the Common App, managing timelines/deadlines, and writing the essays.

Parents can participate in a session in the Auditorium, which will include time for Q&A about the college application process. The panel is led by Central parents that have recently been through the process and will include information on School Links and Common App. All Junior students who would like to attend the workshop must register as space is limited. Parents need not register.

Register HERE to participate in this valuable session!

IEP/504 High School Transition Night on 1/14

Denys KangNews

Have a middle school student coming to District 86 next year? Join us for IEP/504 Transition Night to learn what to expect and how to support your student as they move into high school. ✨

Wednesday, January 14th at 5:30pm, Hinsdale South Library

RSVP HERE

High School Happenings at HPL

Denys KangNews

Diagnostic ACT Exam
Saturday, January 24th, 9:30am – 1pm

This practice digital ACT exam will identify your current strengths and weaknesses and will provide a baseline for creating your study plan to improve your score.

RegisterHERE.

High School Trivia After Dark

Snow Day “Sleepover” Edition

Friday, Jan. 30th, 7–8:30pm; high school only

Enjoy a hot chocolate bar and popcorn as you compete against your classmates for the 2026 Trivia Night Trophy!

We will be working in teams of up to 6 and prizes will be awarded to the first-place team. You may sign up as a single player or as part of team. If you are creating your own team, please let us know who your teammates will be. Space is limited, sign up now!

Register HERE.

Smart Money for High School and College Students: Navigating Your Financial Future with Confidence

Sundays, Feb. 1 & 8, 1:30–3pm; parents welcome

Learn essential money skills for your future. Financial advisor Nora Hernandez of Equitable Advisors in Oak Brook will present.

Designed for high school and college students, this two-session class will teach financial basics so you can make well-informed financial decisions and manage your money throughout your life.

February 1: will cover budgeting, short-term investing, and long-term investing.

February 8: will cover compound interest, credit cards, student loans, and credit scores.

High School Peer Tutoring with P.A.S.S.

Select dates in January & February

Stay on top of your work this semester with help from P.A.S.S. peer tutors. Sessions cover Math and Science classes, AP Euro, World History and Spanish.

Register HERE.

Volunteer at HPL:

Seed Library Volunteers

We are periodically looking for volunteers to help us maintain our Seed Library. If you are interested in packaging and labeling seeds, please contact our Seed Library coordinator to let us know.

Homework Helper Volunteer Training

Thursday, January 15th, 3:45–4 pm

We are looking for volunteers to serve as Homework Helpers for younger students on Mondays or Thursdays, 4–6 p.m.

Interested? Attend our volunteer training and then sign up to volunteer on the dates that work for you. Register HERE, or if you can’t make the training, email our Homework Helpers coordinator and we will get you set up to help!

Important Upcoming Dates

Denys KangNews

  • Early Release – Wednesday, January 14th, 1:55pm
  • PTO Meeting – Wednesday, January, 14th, 7pm (Zoom)
  • HPL Diagnostic ACT Exam – Saturday, January 24th, 9:30am-1pm
  • Young Hearts For Life ECG Screening – Tuesday, February 24th

Hinsdale Public Library

Denys KangNews

Diagnostic ACT Exam
Saturday, January 24th, 9:30am – 1pm

This practice digital ACT exam will identify your current strengths and weaknesses and will provide a baseline for creating your study plan to improve your score.

Register HERE.

Q2 Make a Difference Award Winners

Denys KangNews

Thank you to students, parents, and staff who submitted nominations for the Q2 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 Second Quarter of the 2025-26 school year.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following six staff members:

Jacqueline Berenson – Math

Lisa Sopiarz – FACS

Christoper Kostro – English

Jordan Stob – English

Matthew McNiff – Special Education

Christoper Wilbur – Social Studies

 

Holiday Bash 2025 A Huge Success!

Denys KangNews

Thank you so much to all of our amazing donors who contributed to the success of the Holiday Bash! Your contributions every year never cease to amaze me! Every donation counts, and the entire staff of Hinsdale Central is so grateful!
A special thank you to our volunteers who worked hard before, during and after: Mark Bernacki, Jess Christensen, Mary Crisostomo, Sara Johnson, Denys Kang, Kathy Schilder, Grace Shin, and Emily Van Houtte.
The lines were long to get into the beautifully transformed Multi-Purpose room, but it was worth the wait! This year, we entertained our wonderful and dedicated staff with Carol-Oke. As always, staff came in their holiday best, enjoyed festive music, and a grand raffle was announced!
Please enjoy a little VIDEO of this year’s Holiday Bash.
Thank you again for everyone’s help and contributions!
Meraiah Bernacki (Holiday Bash chair)

Spread Holiday Cheer & Save 20% at minted.com

Denys KangNews

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is here! As a member of the HC PTO, you can save 20% on your holiday cards and support the PTO. Visit Minted HERE to get started and enter the code FUNDRAISEHCPTO. For every order placed, you will save 20% off holiday card and gift purchases, and Minted donates 10% back to the PTO.

Use this code year-round for birthday, event, and graduation cards and invitations. One of the many benefits of your PTO membership! Share with your friends and family, as well.

ICYMI 11.19 PTO Conversation on Finals & Test Prep Strategies

Denys KangNews

On Wednesday, 11/19, we had a thoughtful and information-packed PTO Conversation on Finals & Test Preparation Strategies. Finals take place December 16-18th with a make up day on December 19th. This is the Finals Schedule.

In case you missed it, HERE is the video of the meeting. The presentation can be found HERE. Teachers are always the first and best way for students to seek help. The following are some of the key takeaways and advice to aid your student in academic success:

  • Ms. Porod, Chair of the Math Department/Mr. Meyer, Chair of the Social Studies Department
    • Attendance/Engaged Student
    • Needs Analysis
    • Learning Habits
    • Study Space
    • Pressure Practice
    • Micro Habits
  • The Hinsdale Public Library is hosting several study events- listed in the eBlast.

This information and more are included at hcpto.org/academic-resources/.

Baked Goods Still Needed for Holiday Bash – Don’t Forget to Drop Off Donations!

Denys KangNews

Baked goods are still needed for the Holiday Bash this Wednesday, December 3rd. The Holiday Bash is the Staff Favorite Event of the Year. It cannot happen without your help and generosity!
Sign up HERE to donate. In recognition, we will display your name on our “Thank You” Graphic on the tables and big screen.
The 37th Annual PTO Holiday Bash, a celebration for staff, transforms The Commons Area and the Multipurpose Room into a Seasonal Wonderland. The Bash includes festive music, a raffle, awards for Best Dressed, catered hors d-oeuvres and a feast of holiday sweets-all provided by you and the PTO.
Thank You in Advance!!!
Meraiah Bernacki, PTO Holiday Bash Chairperson