2020-2021 School Supply Kits On Sale Now!

In the midst of e-learning, we are looking forward to a return to school in the fall! Online ordering of school supply kits for the 2020-2021 school year is now open. Online ordering of kits is a convenience provided for families by the PTO. Save time by pre-ordering! All items in the kits are teacher approved and are the specific brands required by the school. Supplies will be shipped to student homes before the school year begins so students can bring their supplies to put in their lockers on “back to school day.”

Order deadline – June 14, 2020

Ordering instructions:
– Go to the ordering webpage at: https://www.educationalproducts.com/ShopPacks/
– Enter school ID# HIN022
– Choose the kit for your student’s grade in the fall
– You may add a language dictionary or a calculator if your student needs one
– Graphing calculators are only needed for students in 7th or 8th grade Accelerated math and 8th grade Advanced math
– Make sure you have received an email confirmation of your order

Fee waiver – students who are eligible for a fee waiver through the school district may request a supply kit through the school office. Please contact Sally Cuchna in the office for more information.

Questions should be directed to: schoolsupplies@hmspto.org

 

Executive Board Proposed Slate

The PTO Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following slate of candidates for the 2020 – 2021 PTO Executive Board. This slate will be presented to the General Membership for a vote at the next PTO meeting on Monday, May 8th at 9AM. As this meeting may not able to be held in person, please send any questions, concerns, or nominations from the floor to Karin Rohn at nominating@hmspto.org before May 8th.

• President: Corlyn Simmons & Dawn Wood
• Co-VPs of Communications: Shelley Carter & Kristin McDaniel
• Co-VPs of Fundraising: Kristin Kentra & Helen Becka
• VP of Technology: Beth Folkmann
• Treasurer: Jennifer Fisher
• Corresponding Secretary: Kassandra Fisher
• Recording Secretary: Erica Posthuma

We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the members of the Nominating Committee for their time and thoughtfulness throughout this process. The Nominating Committee was composed of the following parents representing all four HMS elementary feeder schools: Treacy Adamo, Janice D’Arco, Bijal Doshi, Lynn Mayer, Karin Rohn & Laura Tortorello.

Volunteer Opportunities – 2020-2021 School Year

This school year may be wrapping up, but we are already starting to plan for next year and we need your help! If you are interested in becoming more involved at HMS by leading one of the committees below, or if you have any questions about the committees, please contact Karin Rohn at president@hmspto.org. We would love your help!

World War II Day – One co-chair needed – World War II Day is one of the highlights of the 8th-grade year and we are sure you will enjoy being a part of this inspiring event. It is a one-day event in the spring when we invite veterans of World War II to share their amazing stories with our 8th graders.

Gardening – With the completion of the parking garage we will finally be able to focus on beautifying the grounds of our new school. We are looking for a committee chair to take care of purchasing/planting/decorating seasonal pots and/or planters at the new HMS building.

Back to School Day – This exciting day is currently scheduled for August 17th. We are looking for 1-2 co-chairs to organize stations and volunteers for this day when students pick up their schedules, buy spirit wear, set up their lockers, and more.

 

Current Student Registration Opens April 13

If you have a child currently in Preschool/ECE moving on to Kindergarten or a child in 1st through 7th Grade, you will need to complete the District registration and fee payment process to complete enrollment for your child for the 2020-21 school year. Registration is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13. On Monday, you will receive an email from D181 with more details and a direct link to the District 181 Skyward Family Access system. With that link, you can log in, then follow the directions that will guide you through the steps to complete online registration.

 

Mental Health Providers are Conducting Teletherapy Sessions for Teens and Children

NzaaaaaaA recent poll of mental health providers currently included on The Parent List (a Hinsdale Central PTO parent resource), indicates that most have switched over to teletherapy (phone and/or video sessions) to treat their patients during the current pandemic.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for children and teens.

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Watch for behavior changes in your child that include:
• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
• Poor school performance or avoiding school
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body pain
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

To view The Parent List, go to https://hcpto.org/parent-list/ or click HERE

Questions about The Parent List can be directed to: parentlist@hcpto.org

In no way does the Hinsdale Central High School or Hinsdale Middle School PTOs, Hinsdale Central High School or Hinsdale Middle School staff, school districts 86, 181 or 63 endorse or recommend any specific provider reviewed on The Parent List. The Parent List is a subjective forum set up by the Hinsdale Central High School PTO for your convenience. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for deciding to use any of the service providers on The Parent List in any capacity, and district 86, district 181, district 63 and the Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale Middle School PTOs disclaim all liability for any damages, injuries, losses, expenses, or claims of any kind arising out of the provision of services by anyone or any agency appearing on The Parent List.

 

 

A Special Webinar By Dr. Lisa Damour

A Special Webinar will be presented by The Community Speaker Series and the D181 Foundation Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m.
​​​​Dr. Lisa Damour will be speaking on “How to Manage Stress, Anxiety, and Parenting Under COVID-19.” Dr. Damour will explain the psychological science key to understanding how stress and anxiety operate, both under everyday conditions and at times of heightened concern and disruption.

Registration: This presentation is free and open to all however, registration is required to attend the webinar. Slots are limited. A recording of the webinar will be made available after the presentation. Click HERE to register

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the webinar. Each link is unique to the person who registered and cannot be forwarded. If you have not used Zoom before, we recommend you log into the webinar a few minutes early.

Click HERE to view flyer

Last Call for HMS PTO Exec Board Applications – Secretaries Needed!

The PTO Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2020-2021 PTO Executive Board. The Executive Board oversees all PTO committees, funding of these committees and governs the PTO membership. Participating on the PTO Executive Board is a great way to get involved at HMS, have your voice heard, and view the big picture related to school events.

We are looking for candidates to fill the positions of Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary. If you are interested in being considered for a position on the Executive Board, please click HERE to complete the online form. Applications are due by April 6th.

Question? Please email Karin Rohn at nominating@hmspto.org

 

Promoting Positive Mental Health for Teens Feeling Isolated

“We’re in This Together” is an excellent resource for parents and teens shared with us by Erika’s Lighthouse. Click HERE to access tips for teens on how to manage anxiety and/or sadness; read about how other teens are coping during this time; learn about apps to maintain positive mental health and much more. Parent resource includes how to talk with your teen about their concerns during this time of worry. HMS uses materials from Erika’s Lighthouse to educate students about depression awareness

Last Call for HMS PTO Exec Board Applications

The PTO Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2020-2021 PTO Executive Board. The Executive Board oversees all PTO committees, funding of these committees and governs the PTO membership. Participating on the PTO Executive Board is a great way to get involved at HMS, have your voice heard, and view the big picture related to school events.

If you are interested in being considered for the Executive Board, please click HERE to complete the online form. Applications are due by April 6th.

Question? Please email Karin Rohn at nominating@hmspto.org