News

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.

Thank you to everyone who joined the October 15th PTO Meeting!

Principal Bill Walsh and Director of Counseling Jen Regnier shared how the school and staff support students from Freshman year through Senior year as they explore post–high school pathways. Whether students are considering a two- or four-year college, the Transition Center, or a trade, they outlined the many tools and resources available to guide them along the way.

New this year: SchoolLinks, a portal with college information, scholarships, and details about college representative visits will be introduced to Freshmen students.

Watch the Recording: View Zoom Recording
View the Slides: View Presentation Slides

Junior Parents and Students: Join us for the PTO’s 2026 College Workshop! The Workshop will be held on Sunday, February 1st, 2026 from 12-2:15pm. Parents are invited to attend a panel led by Central parents that 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 School Links and Common App demo 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. More details to come!

At the last PTO meeting on 10/15, Principal Bill Walsh and Director of Counseling Jen Regnier shared how the school and staff support students from Freshman year to Senior year to help them determine post-high school pathways. Whether a two or four-year college, the Transition Center, or a trade, they walked through the information, tools, and resources available to support students. New this year, SchoolLinks, a portal with college information, scholarships, and college rep visit information, will be rolled out to Freshmen students.

The recording of the meeting will be sent to paid PTO members soon. The slide presentation can be found HERE.

Mark your calendar for the next PTO Conversation on November 19th at 9am in the Community Room at Central & on Zoom. The topic is Finals & Test Preparation Strategies,  Academic Resources, including ARC and AP Support – Features tips from teachers in core subject areas.

The Families Helping Families Committee (FHF) is extending our annual donations appeal for another week. FHF 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. Your donation will help meet needs for your student’s peers as they arise, such as gas cards, clothing, toiletries, utility/rent payments, etc.

Please consider making a donation. Any amount is greatly appreciated by using our online form 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). Email fhf@hcpto.org with questions.

Thank you for your generous support! Pauline Brannigan & Denys Kang (Families Helping Families Co-Chairs)