News

Thank you to students, parents, and staff who submitted nominations for the Q3 Make A Difference awards. After reviewing many incredible and thoughtful nominations, we are pleased to announce the six Make A Difference award recipients for the Third Quarter of the 2025-26 school year.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following six staff members:

James Conyers – Athletic Coach	Sarah Porod – Math Dept. Chair

Noah Lawrence – Social Studies	Janeen Tomas – Math

Sam Norris – Technology Services	Julie Van Ness – Administrative Assistant

The PTO is thrilled to offer the Red Devil Spirit Scholarships again this year. This is a need-based scholarship up to $2000 and will open on March 15th with a deadline of April 15th.

In Case You Missed It:
If you were unable to attend our recent PTO meeting, we apologize for the technical difficulties that occurred during the live event. The meeting included an important discussion on the intentional and mindful use of artificial intelligence in education, presented by Dr. Chris Cirrincione, API, and James Milkert, Director of Professional Learning, highlighting how AI can be used to thoughtfully support teaching and learning.

The meeting also featured an overview of classroom cell phone expectations, specifically the practice of “Bell to Bell, No Cell,” presented by Ryan Maita, APO, and how this approach supports student focus and engagement.

Unfortunately, issues with the Zoom link prevented some participants from being able to view the meeting live, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this caused. We appreciate your patience and understanding and are pleased to share the full presentation recording so everyone has the opportunity to view it.

Watch the presentation on YouTube HERE.

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:

• Student Resources within the Building (Dr. Cirrincione)
  • ARC (Academic Resource Center), NHS Tutors
  • Academic Overtime
  • Comprehensive list

• 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/.

Come one, come all! The Boosters are hosting a spirit wear sale this Thursday, December 4th from 3-8pm at the Grant St entrance. Hinsdale Central Red Devil spirit wear makes a great gift and all profits go directly to the school community. You can find us using the Grant Street entrance. Cash, card, and Apple Pay accepted.

Show your appreciation for the Hinsdale Central staff by donating $10 to sponsor a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie! Every year the HCHS PTO Staff Appreciation Committee provides one Costco pumpkin pie to every staff member at Hinsdale Central – 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 (“Happy Thanksgiving from the Smith Family”).

The donation DEADLINE is Wednesday, 11/19. The pies will be handed out on Tuesday, 11/25. If you would like to volunteer, 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.