Sep 19 - Straight talk from Principal Mike McGrory: Your chance to ask questions!
Oct 17 - "Help, I just found out I have a test tomorrow!": Organizational skills and tips for life - how we can help our kids manage their time and study most effectively.
Nov 14 - "What were you thinking?" The teenage brain is not completely developed until 21 to 25 years old. How does that affect the choices your teenage makes?
Dec 15 - Holiday Breakfast
Jan 23 - "What's for Dinner?"Experts talk about the importance of good teen nutrition
Feb 27 - SLearn about "Arts" Departments at Hinsdale Central: Everything from drama, studio art and music to computer graphics and photography. Hinsdale Central has it all!
March 19 - Steering through the maze of teen driving laws: Permits, curfews, designated drivers, etc. Local expers and Hinsdale Central instructions tell us the right road to take.
April 16 - What is the "Common App" and how des my college-bound student get started? And how, can my student begin to write that college essay? Come learn more about this important topic with the Guidance and English Departments.
May 14 - Panhellenic Meeting @ the Community House
PTO meetings: 8:45a.m.-10:00a.m. followed by "Conversations": 10:15a.m.-11:30a.m.
Both are held in the first floor Community Room just inside Central's main (55th Street) entrance.
January 23'rd PTO Converstion:
PTO Conversations topic this month: "What's for Dinner?" Please join us on Monday, January 23rd at 10:15 am, immediately following the 8:45 am PTO meeting, for an in depth look at Nutrition and Teenagers.
Jenny Westerkamp, a Dietitian and Sports Nutritionistfrom SportFuel Inc. and Eat Like the Pros LLC, will discuss the importance for good nutrition on brain development, high academic and athletic success, and for anxiety relief.In addition, our discussion will also focus on Hinsdale Central's promotion of organic products, improvements of lunch offerings and what HC teaches our students about nutrition.We hope to see you there!
NOTE: February 27th Conversations:"Learn about the ARTS Departments at Hinsdale Central!"
"What were you thinking?" A common rephrase from parents of teenagers. The brain is not fully developed until 21-25 years old. How does that affect the choices your teenager makes? Hinsdale Central PTO Conversations committee is excited to feature two speakers this Monday, November 14th at 10:15 AM; Jeanne Donaldson, AP Psychology Teacher, Hinsdale Central and Nancy Grapenthien, 6th Grade Science Teacher at Clarendon Hills Middle School. The adolescent brain is not fully developed until 21 to 25. Our speakers are going to cover the science of the brain and brain development, how this development effects decision making, planning, judgment and learning. And how parents can help their teenagers traverse the challenges during this monumental maturation phase. Don’t miss this informative session on Monday, November 14 from 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM in The Community Room at Hinsdale Central. Please join us for our exciting November PTO Conversations meeting.
"Help, I just found out I have a test tomorrow!" Do you hear this in your home? If so, please join us for our October Conversations meeting and hear Lisa Marsicano, Executive Function Skills Specialist and owner of Solutions for Student Success, LLC, and Kristin Bronke, from the Business Department at Hinsdale Central, offer ways to help our kids manage their time and study most effectively. Topics include organizational skills to navigate both daily homework and month-long projects; general test preparation and test taking tips; methods to overcome distractions; and tips for life. Calming techniques to reduce stress and anxiety will also be provided! Don’t miss this informative session on Monday, October 17 from 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM in The Community Room at Hinsdale Central. As always, please remember to bring a photo ID for entry into the high school. http://vimeo.com/31080906
September 19’th PTO Conversation: Straight talk from Hinsdale Central’s Principal, Mike McGrory! He’s been here for one year and is ready to share his views on the “State of the School.” Please join us for the first PTO "Conversations" meeting of the school year on Monday, September 19th at 10:15 AM in Hinsdale Central’s Community Room to learn about many important issues facing students and parents, from our principal’s perspective. And, bring your own questions—Principal McGrory is eager to hear from you! If you are really interested in a specific topic, please feel free to email Mr. McGrory prior to the meeting at mmcgrory@hinsdale86.org. **** Don’t forget your picture ID to gain entrance to the school (front doors). Given that it is the first PTO meeting, it may take a little longer than usual to “sign in.” Please allow extra time for this important process.
"Conversations" from back in 2009/2010/2011 still pertinent and of interest:
2011 Conversations
The September 20th PTO "Conversations" shared the latest information on the District 86 Master Facilities Plan and the future expansion and renovation options the school board is considering. District 86 Superintendent Nick Wahl presented the plan and updates from this summer. If you missed the meeting or would simply like to review what was said, please click on the link below:
Monday, October 18 our Conversations was on: "Hot Button Curriculum Issues." Assistant Principals Stephanie Palmer and Bill Walsh discussed the new academic honor code, GPA issues, how courses are selected, how our summer school is structured, and how parents can work with the school to make the proper placement choices for our children. They shared a lot of important information on Hinsdale Central's curriculum.
The November 15th Conversations: Painting? Architecture? Cooking? Engineering? Music?Journalism? Sports Marketing? How do you fit in the classes that foster your child’s passion and get them thinking about a future career? “Elective Classes – Helping Students Jump Start Their Careers.” Department heads from our elective classes will talk about their offerings and how these classes can help your child focus his or her career goals. Assistant Principal Stephanie Palmer will talk about how to overcome the barriers to taking electives and Guidance Director Pat Huebner will talk about scheduling strategies for fitting all those classes in a busy school day.
February 28'th Conversations: Drug Awareness Program
Marijuana – Prescription Drugs – Heroin – we all know the names of the drugs, but do you know what is being used at Hinsdale Central? How to spot a drug problem in your teen? Where to turn for help? Come to the Monday, February 28 PTO Conversation “Drug Culture at Hinsdale Central – What Parents Need to Know” to get answers to all the questions you have. In addition to hearing from our own Officer Mark Keller, a representative from the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group, reporter Rob Stafford and Dr. David Tews of Serenity House will be on hand to educate us on the drug culture our teens are facing. The meeting starts at 10:15 am in The Community Room.
March 21 Conversation on Internet Safety:
Did you see “The Social Network”? Are you having conversations with your kids about what they are doing on Facebook or YouTube? Do they really keep things “private”? Have you ever asked who sees their pictures, videos and posts? Would you ever talk to them about sexting?
Listen to Sarah Migas, Internet Safety Specialist from the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, provide her expertise on these issues. She will also share her experience with internet exploitation and stalking, and how to keep our high school children safe. If you haven’t heard Sarah speak on these topics before, please don’t miss this opportunity! She is a dynamic speaker with many stories to share and advice to give. Clic k on the link below: mms://wms.hinsdale86.org/sd86 internet/pto_3-21-11.wmv
March 18 Conversation: College Essay Writing Workshop THE COLLEGE ESSAY – those three words strike fear into the heart of every high schooler as well as their parents! Join the PTO on Monday, April 18 at 10 am as we alleviate those fears with an all-star panel of experts. Megan O’Rourke, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Butler Universitywill review the essay component of a college application and will give us pointers on helping our students. Counselor Donna Wheeler will talk about the assistance the Guidance Department offers, including essay writing seminars during lunchtime in the fall, and English Department Head David Lange will explain what our English Department does to prepare our students during their junior year writing class. Whether you have a junior getting ready to write the final essay, or a younger student just looking ahead to that day, this is a program you do not want to miss!
April 2010 "Conversations" Guidance Department Report
Want to know the latest information from our Guidance Department? Guidance Director Pat Huebner will present the Guidance Department Report based on the 2008 study. It is updated and ready to be shared. In addition, the department's new College Application Process for Both Special Education and 504 Plan Students Needing Accommodations for Testing, as well as the College Planning Guide, the new Gap Year Booklet and the new Colleges with Support Programs Booklet will be available for review. Pat will also fill us in on the most current college acceptance data and information on the upcoming AP tests. This will be an information-packed meeting that you do not want to miss!
March 2010 "Conversations" Technology - The Sequel
Monday, March 22 at 10:15 a.m. we presented: "Technology - The Sequel." Assistant Principal Pam Bylsma and Teacher Kristin Smetana will introduce the new Internet Safety Curriculum and let you know what your student will be learning each year. Then Officer Mark Keller and Internet Specialist Keith Chval will address the security changes on Facebook as well as what you can do as a parent to protect your child with Twitter and You Tube.
February 2010 "Conversations" The Excellence of HCHS's Library
“Set aside your school-day memories of the silent, stifling, stodgy library atmosphere; that was THEN!Join us on Monday, February 22 at 10:15 am for our next PTO Conversation - "The Library - It's Not Just Books Anymore”: a presentation that will introduce you to the vibrant, active, energetic pace of daily life in HC’s library. This is NOW!You will be amazed at the variety of wonderful opportunities provided for our students: certified teacher-librarians who actively collaborate with classroom teachers from all departments, and who plan a variety of special events and performances for students; a media production center; a 21st century digital literacy skills curriculum; a student library advisory board; visits from award-winning authors; and librarian assistance before and after school. Come meet with HC’s teacher-librarians and see how they are preparing today’s students for the world of tomorrow!”
2/22/2010 Conversations on the Library, parts one and two:
January 2010 "Conversations" Superintendent Nick Wahl
“Join the PTO on Monday, January 25 at 10:15 am for a conversation with District 86 Superintendent Nick Wahl. He will be joined by members of the District 86 School Board and will discuss how the board functions and what hot topics are on their agenda right now. Come and learn about the School Board and bring your questions for our superintendent.”
October 2009 "Conversations" The Path To Problem Solving At Hinsdale Central
Your student has a problem at school, but now you have a problem too:Whom do you call to get some help and guidance? If you have ever stood with telephone in hand wondering what to do, this is for you! At the October PTO "Conversations" we discussed, "The Path to Problem Solving at Central." Pam Bylsma, Assistant Principal, led the discussion and provided plenty of student and parent resources along with solutions to the question, "What do I do if my son/daughter has a problem with _______ ?" She reviewed suggestions for conflict resolution within academics, athletics and activities, as well as safety and social/emotional issues.
Interim Principal Tom Paulsen opened the meeting with a frank discussion of the H1N1 virus and the actions Hinsdale Central is taking to keep our school healthy.
September 2009 "Conversations" Deciphering the College Application Process
Hinsdale Central parent Ann Scott prepared this "College Tip Sheet" for distribution at the September 21 PTO meeting. Having launched two children - one to a large public university and one to a smaller private institution - Ann shared her wealth of experience with us. Simply click on the PDF below. Thank you, Ann!