This will be the final "Updates from 86" email for 2021. The next one will go out on Monday, Jan. 10. We hope everyone has a safe, restful and relaxing winter break.

Our final “Inside the Classroom” video for 2021 highlights how students from Hinsdale South are using their voice to make a difference in the community.

The members of Kelly Van Hout’s civics class were tasked with completing a semester-long service learning project. After reviewing and discussing potential issues to work on, they decided as a group to identify solutions for making the student parking lot and nearby intersections safer for drivers and pedestrians.

You can check out the video from Ms. Van Hout's class by visiting https://youtu.be/hEfY-vKKlm4.

We want to thank Ms. Van Hout, senior Lucas Trush, and the rest of the class for showing us the powerful and lasting impact that teamwork and collaboration can have on a community. 

We look forward to sharing additional examples of the interesting work and important learning our students and staff are engaged in when we return from winter break.

For the second straight year, Solstice, which is the art and literary magazine produced by students and staff from Hinsdale Central, has been named a finalist for a Crown Award by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). It is one of three high school literary magazines from Illinois to earn this honor.

The Crown Award is the highest recognition CSPA gives to a student print or digital medium for overall excellence. The announcement about whether Solstice won a Gold or Silver Crown is expected to occur in March (last year's edition won a Gold Crown).

You can access additional information about the Crown Awards by visiting https://bit.ly/3q5gvNg.

We congratulate the staff from Solstice on this amazing accomplishment.

During her most recent Wednesday Walk-Throughs, Superintendent Tammy Prentiss visited math classes at Hinsdale Central with Principal Bill Walsh, and social studies, art and English classes at Hinsdale South with Principal Arwen Pokorny Lyp.

Superintendent Prentiss and the building principals conduct these walk-throughs on a weekly basis to stay updated on the exciting things that are happening in our schools and further foster relationships with our students, faculty and staff.

The speech teams from Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central turned in outstanding performances at tournaments held on Dec. 11.

Hinsdale South took first place at the Willowbrook Winter Tournament, and had top three finishes in the following individual events:

Hinsdale Central took second place at the NCHS Tournament of Roses, and had top three finishes in the following individual events:

We congratulate both teams on their continued success.

We want to congratulate the following Hinsdale South students on being named the school's Breakfast Club winners for second quarter.

Teachers nominate students for the Breakfast Club award based on their academic or extracurricular accomplishments, contributions to the community or school spirit/pride.

The Hinsdalean's latest student-athlete profile featured a Q&A with Hinsdale Central senior Sofia Gomez, who is a member of the girls bowling team. In the piece, Sofia answers questions about a variety of topics, including the most difficult aspect of the sport, the special techniques she uses while bowling and her goal for the season. She also talks about her favorite class, her favorite sitcom and what she likes to do during her free time.

You can check out the profile on Sofia by visiting https://bit.ly/33r5Wwi. Photo credit to Jim Slonoff from The Hinsdalean.

Each month, the world language teachers from Hinsdale South nominate individuals for recognition as the World Language Students of the Month. These students have a strong interest in a world or classical language, demonstrate the traits of being accountable, respectful and engaged, and perform actions and exhibit an attitude that exemplify what it means to have South Pride.

Below are the students from South who earned this honor for December.

District 86 social worker Jennifer Cave was recently interviewed by The Hinsdalean for its "Ask An Expert" feature. In the piece, Cave talked about the events and activities that students and staff from Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South have organized and engaged in this month to bring increased attention and awareness to the importance of mental health and making healthy choices.

You can access the article by visiting https://bit.ly/3ywzsfH. Photo credit to Jim Slonoff from The Hinsdalean.

Hinsdale South senior Josh Sander has been selected to play for the Blue Team during the 48th Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game on June 18, 2022. You can check out the rosters for both teams (Blue and Red) by visiting https://bit.ly/3pbdEmZ.

Approximately 120 players from across the state take part in this event, which helps support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Alumni of the game include former NFL players Mike Tomczak and Don Beebe and current Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald.

You can learn more about the Shrine Game by visiting https://bit.ly/3mbRAGW.

We congratulate Josh on his selection.

If you missed the edition of Board Briefs for the board of education meeting on Dec. 16, please visit https://conta.cc/3mfll9x.

You can access a more detailed breakdown of this data by building at https://bit.ly/3d93aws.

Employees who work in the administration building or are not assigned to a specific school - 98%