District 86 Student Handbook

The 2020-21 edition of the District 86 Student Handbook has been revised to align it with the district's policy manual, which was updated by the administration and approved by the board in the fall. The handbook and planners for Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South include school rules, procedures and expectations, as well as a summary of the policies that govern the district. You can access these resources by visiting https://d86.hinsdale86.org/handbook.
Process for Changing Instructional Models

Some of our students will learn from home on a full-time basis to start second semester, but would like to maintain the option of switching to our hybrid model. With this in mind, we have developed the following process that these students and their families can use to request a change from remote to in-person instruction.
Student Lunches

Students have two choices on days they are eating lunch on campus: they can bring their lunch with them to school, or they can take a free lunch provided by the District.

Hinsdale Central is not allowing any dropoff of lunches, nor any deliveries of lunches from outside vendors. Students who have special dietary needs or requests can contact Quest at 630-570-8100.
Free Meals! Fuel Up for Learning!
Social Work Services and January Social Work Newsletter

Hinsdale Central Social Workers have many resources and are available for appointments to meet with students who would like a space to process the current political and social climate. The HC Social Worker Virtual Office page is full of resources and contact information.

Each month, the Social Work Department will be releasing a Digital Digest for all students and parents to read. We will be highlighting different tips and strategies to help each of you during this pandemic. Here is a copy of our January issue: HERE
Upcoming College Fairs

Due to capacity limitations, District 86 will not be hosting our annual College Fair this spring. We encourage families to attend one of the following virtual college fair opportunities: 

NACAC Virtual College Fair on Sunday, January 31 from 1-7 p.m. ET. Register for free at virtualcollegefairs.org.

Big Futures Day College Fair Midwest on Thursday, March 11, 5:00-9:00 PM ET. Register for free at cb.org/bigfuturedays. 
FAFSA Completion

This is a reminder to all seniors that you are required to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or complete a FAFAS Non-Participation Form which can be turned into the counselor. 
Course Selection for CURRENT Students:

We will begin selecting courses for the 21-22 school year in the coming weeks. Students will receive the following information via email:
1. List of all the courses they have been recommended for
2. Video instructions provided for students to log into their HAC account and select the courses they want to take prior to meeting with their counselor
3. Notification of a scheduled time/date to meet with their counselor to finalize the courses they have chosen

This will occur:
February 1- February 4 for current Sophomores
January 22- 28 for current Juniors

It is important that students come to their appointment with the courses they are interested in AND at least 2 alternative electives. We do our best to get students into their first choice courses, but this is not always possible. Students who miss their scheduled time are responsible for contacting their counselor by February 4 or courses will be selected for them. Please reach out to your counselor with any changes. 
Hinsdale Central Learning Cohort Flow Chart

Have questions regarding Hinsdale Central's Learning Cohort and how to make changes? An informational flow chart can be found here
Upcoming events sponsored by Hinsdale Library are open to all families in D86:

VIRTUAL: Why Gap Years Matter More Than Ever
Tuesday, February 9, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Are you wondering about the benefits of a Gap Year and realistic options amidst COVID and the disruption of higher ed? Join Katherine Stievater, Founder of Gap Year Solutions, for a presentation and Q&A about the benefits of a Gap Year and what Gap Years look like when international travel is not a realistic option. Katherine Stievater founded Gap Year Solutions to help students successfully transition to college with a customized plan that builds life skills through “Real World Learning.” Based in the Boston, MA area, she is Accredited by the national Gap Year Association, and is a Professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. Click here to register and we will send you a Zoom invitation the morning of the program  
Presented by The Community Speaker Series, D86 and D181
 
Madeline Levine, Ph.D.  
Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World 
 
In the wake of uncertainty and rapid change, many adults are doubling down on the pressure-filled parenting style that pushed children to excel. Dr. Levine identifies the skills that children need to succeed in a tumultuous future and offers day-to-day solutions parents can use to raise kids who are ready to face the challenge.  
 
Date:               Wednesday, February 10, 2021 
Time:               7:00 – 8:15 p.m.           
Format:           Zoom Webinar 
Register:         Click here or visit www.d181foundation.org 
 
The presentation is free and open to all. Registration is required as each viewer receives a unique link. This event will be recorded and will be available ONLY to those who register for the event. If you are unable to attend the live-stream, but will want to view the recording, please register. 
COVID -19 Exposure Procedures and Guidance for Parents

The health and well-being of our community remains a top priority. Our District is committed to being as prepared as possible and thus provides the following updates on our health procedures. Access the Health Service COVID-19 web site for more information on the IDPH COVID-19 Exclusion Guidance that is in effect for any student who is:
  • EXPERIENCING ANY COVID-19 SYMPTOM
  • TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
  • EXPOSED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO SOMEONE WITH COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
  • EXPOSED TO SOMEONE SUSPECTED OF HAVING COVID-19
  • EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WHO HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
Technology Help Desk

Students having difficulty with technology, should contact the Hinsdale Central Tech Help Desk at helpdesk@hinsdale86.org or call 630-655-6180. The IT staff can help students reset passwords or repair Chromebooks as well as many other tech issues. 
Hinsdale Central High School
5500 South Grant Street • Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 570-8000