News

Have you been wanting to volunteer at Central but haven’t had the time? The Red Devil Spirit Scholarship Committee is looking for a few volunteers to read no more than a dozen very short essays from applicants during the month of April. These scholarships are need-based and open to graduating seniors.

For more information or to sign up, please email [email protected] (Susan Kason and Hannah Souman, RDSS Co-Chairs)

Junior Parents and Students: Join us for the PTO’s 2025 College Workshop on Sunday, March 9th, 12pm-2:15pm, HCHS Auditorium.

Parents are invited to attend a panel led by Central parents who have recently been through the application process. The parent panel will address tips and advice on everything from timelines and testing to essays and scholarships. There will be a School Links and Common App demonstration as well.

Students will rotate between breakout sessions including Essay Writing, Admissions from the perspective of college reps, and a Senior Panel offering tips and advice from current seniors.

To register, please fill out this Google Doc HERE.

Attention Seniors!

The Hinsdale Central PTO Red Devil Spirit Scholarship Application is now open. The PTO will grant several scholarships, ranging from $1000 to $5000 per award.

The scholarship is need-based and the application process is entirely online. The application deadline is April 11, 2025. To apply or view the application, please click HERE.

Any questions? Please get in touch with the RDSS Team at [email protected]

The Hinsdale Public Library is offering Peer Tutoring for high school students this month.

Stay on top of your work this semester with help from P.A.S.S. peer tutors. Sessions will be available in Math and Science classes, AP Euro, World History and Spanish. Register here. Sessions this semester are:

Wednesday, Feb. 19

• 6:30-7:30: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• 7:30-8:30: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Sunday, March 2

• 1-2: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• 2-3: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; and AP Euro and World History
• 3-4: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• 4-5: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; and all levels of Spanish

Sunday, March 14

• 1-2: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• 2-3: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; and AP Euro and World History
• 3-4: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• 4-5: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; and all levels of Spanish

Sunday, March 23

• 1-2: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• 2-3: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; and AP Euro and World History
• 3-4: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• 4-5: Algebra, Trigonometry, PreCalculus, AB/BC Calculus, Physics, Chemistry and Biology; and all levels of Spanish

Check out the Hinsdale Central PTO Parent List.  It contains first-hand reviews from district 86 and district 181 parents about providers that have helped positively address their child’s anxiety; depression; school avoidance; eating disorders; insomnia; peer relations; grief; stress; substance abuse and more.

Much like “Angie’s List,” The Parent List contains resources in our community that have already been successfully used by another parent. Insightful reviews on doctors, therapists, support groups, inpatient and outpatient programs, tutors, nutritionists, books and holistic medical approaches may all be found on The Parent List.

To read existing Parent List provider reviews, go to hcpto.org/parent-list/ 

The Parent List always needs fresh referrals to keep current. Help another local parent by leaving your anonymous review on a local provider by clicking HERE

Questions can be directed to:   [email protected]

THANK YOU to those families who already donated to support the Literacy & Math Intervention Program at Hinsdale Central.  The PTO was able to raise enough funds to purchase 50 gift cards and gift bags that will be used to incentivize students who attend during their lunch.

As a reminder, this program supports kids who benefit from intervention and extra help from teachers in order to bring their skill level and grades up.  The Intervention groups are small and more informal than traditional classes.  Staff at Hinsdale Central have reported that students who regularly attend achieve spectacular results. 

There is still time to donate and support this important program.  The PTO is accepting donations of $5-$10 gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin Donuts, or Raising Canes.  Gift cards and checks (written out to Hinsdale Central PTO) can be dropped off or sent to:

Hinsdale Central PTO

Attn:  Intervention Rewards

5500 S. Grant Street; Hinsdale, IL 60521

You can also make a monetary donation by sending funds to the PTO Zelle account at [email protected].

The PTO will use 100% of these funds to purchase rewards like the ones seen in the photo.  Be sure to reference Intervention Rewards in the notes/memo on checks.

Are you interested in being more involved and make a significant impact at Hinsdale Central? Secretary, Post Prom Chair, Winter Rave Coat Check (one night only 2/22) positions are still available.  Please email [email protected]. We appreciate any help!

Secretary (1-4 hours a month):

• Attends General PTO meetings (bi-monthly January, March, May) and Executive Board meetings (alternate months February, April, June.) Makes note of action items stemming from meetings (does not take meeting minutes.)
  • • • Uploads final agendas to DropBox
      • Helps manage DropBox
      • Provides additional leadership, as needed

• • Post Prom Chair (s): (time: now until 5/3, 2-4 hours/month)
    • Manages Post Prom event and coordination with Prom staff
    • Leads an established team (fundraising, communications) to ensure that timeline is followed
    • Excellent opportunity for a Freshman or Sophomore parent! Guidance and support will be provided by past chair, committee, and team
    • Attends event on Saturday, May 3rd

• • Winter Rave Coat Check (1 night only on 2/22):
    • Get a rare behind the scenes peek at the Winter Rave
    • Help store coats, etc for students
    • Assist with activities to make sure staff has everything ready- we need 1-3 enthusiastic volunteers! Perfect for a couple!

The PTO is excited to promote the English and Math Intervention program.  This program supports kids who benefit from intervention and extra help from teachers, helping to bring their skill level and grades up, meeting the goal of having students  perform at grade level.  Intervention groups are smaller and more informal that traditional classes.   Students who regularly attend achieve better results.  We are excited about this program and hope to add extra incentive for kids to join during their lunch.

Families who would like to support this program can donate $5-$10 gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, Dunkin Donuts or Raising Canes by sending them to:

Hinsdale Central PTO

Attn:  Intervention Rewards

5500 S. Grant Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521

You can also make a monetary donation by sending funds to the PTO Zelle account at [email protected].

The PTO will use 100% of these funds to purchase rewards gift cards.  Be sure to reference Intervention Rewards in the notes.

Last call! Please join us THIS WEEK for the Community Speaker Series winter events at The Community House. We are thrilled to welcome internationally renowned educational psychologist and award-winning author, Dr. Michele Borba. Come for the expertise and stay for the refreshments! Kramer Foods will provide treats on Wednesday evening, and Cafe LaFortuna will provide coffee on Thursday morning. We appreciate our community partners and look forward to connecting with our parent community!

Thanks to the generous support of D86 and D181, the CSS events are free and open to all.

Register HERE: Wednesday evening session, 2/5, 7:00-8:30pm

Register HERE: Thursday morning session, 2/6, 9:00-10:30am