Principal's Message
Greetings and thank you for taking a little time out of your busy schedules to read this issue of What’s the Buzz? Hinsdale South’s educational programming is progressing and the days are going by at what feels, at times, like light speed. Thanks for hanging in there! We have a lot of information to provide and some important updates that we believe you will find valuable as we all seek to ensure the success of our students. On behalf of our entire staff, we say thank you for allowing us to educate and care for your most valued treasures each and every day.
Some time ago, the position that was responsible for several of our communications, including What’s the Buzz? (formerly Hornet Happenings), was eliminated. Unfortunately, I am learning quickly that the impact of that loss is real and has created several challenges. One of those is the reduction in the frequency of this newsletter. Office Secretary, Mrs. Morris, has worked diligently to assume some of the responsibility. So, emails and communications from her name and email address are really important. Please take advantage of the links throughout the document to athletics, booster club, activities, academics, etc. if you are passionate about good news in these areas. We will continue to explore potential ways to increase the frequency of What’s the Buzz? Thanks for your patience.
Please know that the vast majority of our students have responded well to the adjustments in expectations. I am so proud of them! Students keep the hallways clear by making it to class on time. Many students are taking advantage of the many pathways to connect to adults and their peers through sports, activities, and other opportunities. I have observed students taking care of each other by holding doors and carrying backpacks for peers with injuries, giving space to students experiencing emotional challenges, and offering to assist with class assignments and college essays. Students have responded positively to raised expectations regarding respecting each other, adults, and themselves. Whether it is wearing IDs to help with safety or even self-correcting inappropriate behaviors, I appreciate their efforts to be responsible and accountable. I could go on. Our Hornets are the best. A little structure and high expectations never hurt. Now, we must hold the line!
Thank you for your continued support. I am sincerely proud to be Hinsdale South’s Principal. Would you like to talk about the future of our school, setting priorities, and hear more information about topics like school safety and security? I would be honored to meet you and share some thoughts. Please consider joining me for a Meet the Principal Conversation. There are two opportunities. Please join me in South’s Auditorium on either November 14th, 2022 at 7:00 PM or November 16th 2022 at 6:00PM.
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Patrick Hardy, Ph.D., D.Min.
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Data Update
We are now finishing the 8th week of school and I would like to share some additional updates with you. As partners, I think it is important that you know where we stand so that you can support and check on your students at home while we intervene or enrich their experiences at school. Please take a look at the data overviews our phenomenal team provided below. As you read, please consider ways you can nudge, push, challenge, and encourage your students to continue excelling or improving. For sure, the information below will provide great starting points for questions you can ask and discussions for the dinner table about the progress.
Thanks,
Dr. Hardy
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Academic Update
The version of the grade distribution chart below displays the percentage grades all students have received so far. We are sharing this information to provide you with an overall picture of how we are doing. Also because the College Board reports that a “student’s grades in college-preparatory classes remain the most significant factor in college admission decisions” (What Counts in Admission Decisions-Counselors | College Board). Additionally, researchers from the University of Chicago- the Consortium on Chicago School Research - found that students who maintain a B average or better in their freshman year of high school are far more likely (more than 95%) to graduate high school. The Consortium’s findings represent a baseline challenge that is transferable to all students who seek to improve or maintain their likelihood of graduating on time and moving on to college. Let’s all push…Bs or Better!
As you can see, we have several A’s and B’s, however, we are concerned with the number of grades that are lower. The good news is it’s not too late! We have ways to help. The first, and best, is to contact your student’s teachers. We love to partner with parents to support our students. Secondly, we offer help on our Early Release Wednesdays. Sign up to have your student receive help from a teacher (limited to the first academic session), receive help from a peer tutor or simply sign up for a quiet place to study, complete their work or make up an assessment. We look forward to seeing them here!
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What can you do? First, please review your student’s progress today. Second, we defer to you as parents to know how to speak with your students and check in on them regularly ensuring they are completing homework assignments and other learning tasks and performing well on assessments. Third, we encourage you to challenge your students, in your own way, to push for Bs or Better. Let’s remove those Cs, Ds, and Fs. We can do it!
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Attendance Update
Data shows that by 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th-grade test scores. Students should not miss more than 9 school days each year. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Students who miss 10 or more days are categorized by the Illinois State Board of Education as Chronic Absentees. As a school we want all of our students to have 95% or better attendance. Please that the State Board of Education has set the goal at 95% and judges us based on that number.
As you can see only 66% of our students attend school 95% or more of the time. As a school we have interventions and support to help students get to school, such as home visits, however, we really need your help!
What can you do? Consider simple things such as checking on your high schooler’s attendance daily. Encourage your student to exercise daily. Of course, seeing that they go to bed at a decent time and waking up in enough time to make it to school on time will help set them up for success. Attendance Works has other strategies (Keep Your Child On Track in High School) as well.
Finally, we ask you to ensure that students arrive at school on time each morning. On average twenty students arrive late to school on a daily basis. With the weather changing please consider the additional time it may take to get to school due to inclement weather.
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Counseling Update
Families of seniors: if your student is planning to apply to a 4-year college or university, now is the time. November 1st is a very common early action deadline (Examples: University of Illinois and Illinois State University). The percentage of 12th-grade students who have already submitted an application is displayed below this message and should be much higher by November 1st. Please encourage your students to visit their school counselors for assistance in pursuing their ideal future. Let’s get it done Hornets!
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Social Work Update
Semester 1 intervention groups have begun. Current groups include Bee Fly, Bounce Back Art Girls (CBITS), Attendance Group (DBT), Girls Group, Grief & Loss, Processing Group, Rhyme and Reason, Ritmo y Razon. If you think your student may benefit from a group in the future, please reach out to their Social Worker or School Counselor.
Operations Update
District 86 is partnering with Panorama Education again this year to administer feedback surveys to our students, faculty, staff and families that will help advance the work of our strategic plan. The survey we will be asking parents/guardians to complete starting on Oct. 20 is the District 86 Family-School Relationship Survey.
This survey, which features 59 questions and is estimated to take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, will cover several topics about your family’s needs and preferences, including:
- Barriers to engagement
- Communication
- Family efficacy
- Family support
- Learning behaviors
- Readiness for learning
- School safety
Participation in this process is completely confidential. Panorama will not share your individual responses with your child’s school or the district.
Each parent/guardian received an email on Oct. 20 that will include additional information about the survey and a link that can be used to access it. The deadline for completing the survey is Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. Thank you for your participation!
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Athletics Update
We are happy to report that 386 phenomenal student-athletes participated in Fall Sports this year. Thank you for allowing your students to participate in a sport and we extend a huge thank you to all of our Hornets who chose to represent The Hive with dignity, honor, and grace, and a competitive spirit. If you're interested, please check out the 5-year trend data below. We are down a little, but not by much.
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We encourage all students to try out for a sport this year. Winter sports have started. The following are the start dates for all winter sports:
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Boys Bowling – Monday, October 24th
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Competitive Cheerleading – Monday, October 24th
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Competitive Dance – Monday, October 24th
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Girls Basketball – Monday, November 1st
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Boys Basketball – Monday, November 7th
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Girls Gymnastics – Monday, November 7th
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Wrestling – Monday, November 7th
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Girls Bowling – Monday, November 14th
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Boys Swimming & Diving – Monday, November 21st
Don't forget to check out the links below for "Good News"
Activities, Academics and Athletics
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Active Shooter Drill Notification
Per the School Safety Drill Act covered under Illinois Statute (105 ILCS 12/20), this notification is being provided to parents and guardians of students attending Hinsdale South High School. On Thursday, November 10th during 10th period we will conduct an active shooter drill that will include school staff, students, and Darien law enforcement agency representatives. The purpose of the drill along with the procedures will be fully explained to students in advance and time will be provided for students to ask questions to their teacher if they need any reassurance about any part of the process.
As the parent/guardian, you have the right to exempt your student from this type of drill. If you choose to exempt your student from this drill, please notify:
Director of Deans, Dr. Robin Vannoy
630-468-4219
Thank you for your continued support in making Hinsdale South the safest possible school environment.
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Time Change
Sunday, Nov. 6th
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Don't forget to change your clocks
Fall Back
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Congratulations October World Language Students of the Month!
Each month, World Language teachers nominate up to five students to be recognized as World Language Students of the Month. These students have a strong interest in a world or classical language and demonstrate the traits of being accountable, respectful, and engaged. Their actions and daily attitude exemplify what it means to have South Pride.
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Ella DeGuzman
Edward Thomas
Sophia Yen
Zahra Karimi
Chloe Goins
Alexander Damis
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Elisa Gonzalez
Natalia Vujovic
Wojtek Gilarski
Jenna Alkhudari
Adrian Drynan
Reece Berg
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College Rep Visits
The following colleges/universities will be visiting Hinsdale South High School. If you are a junior/senior interested in meeting with the representative from the school, see
Mrs. Kozlick in the counseling office to sign up for the visit.
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ - 11/3/2022 9:00 a.m.
Indiana State, Terre Haute, IN - 11/3/2022 10:00 a.m.
National Louis University, Chicago, IL - 11/4/2022 - 8:30 a.m.
Drake University, Des Moines, OH - 11/8/2022 8:30 a.m.
Illinois National Guard/ROTC, Downers Grove, IL - 11/15/2022 10:00 a.m.
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Early Release
Early Release Wednesdays - November 2nd and 16th
Early Bird - 7:35-7:55 a.m.-20 minutes
Period 1 - 8-8:35 a.m.-35 minutes
Period 2 - 8:40-9:15 a.m.-35 minutes
Period 3 - 9:20-9:55 a.m.-35 minutes
Period 4/5/6 - 10-00-10:35 a.m.-35 minutes
Period 6/7/8 - 10:40-11:15 a.m.-35 minutes
Period 9 - 11:20-11:55 a.m.-35 minutes
Period 10 - 12:00-12:35 p.m.- 35 minutes
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Mark Your Calendar for Events Below |
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RESERVE YOUR SEAT
AN EVENING WITH
MAULIK PANCHOLY
THURSDAY, NOV. 3, 6:30 P.M.
REGISTER AT CALENDAR.IPPL.INFO
SPONSORED BY THE GIFT OF CARL FOUNDATION
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Saturday, November 5
9:00 a.m. to Noon
Hinsdale South Stadium Parking Lot
We will gladly take your pumpkin off your hands and use our
sledgehammer to get it ready for composting.
The students from the Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO) and the AP Environmental Science class will be taking part in a county-wide event called the Pumpkin Smash. They would like to invite all staff and families of Hinsdale South to bring their pumpkins and attend the event on Saturday, November 5th.
The Pumpkin Smash is an annual effort by communities to divert pumpkins from landfills by providing locations for residents to drop-off jack-o-lanterns to be composted.
Why Keep Pumpkins Out of the Landfill?
· Avoids landfill greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing organics (currently, landfills are the 3rd largest producers of methane in the U.S.!)
· Produces a useful, nutrient-dense soil amendment
Thank you for your time and willingness to help our students work towards
making South a greener place.
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Deadline for AP Examination
Registration for AP Exams will end on November 6th. Please ensure that both steps of the registration process have been completed - registering on the Total Registration website ( https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/141428) and joining the student's class on the College Board website ( www.collegeboard.org). Please send any questions to |
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CARRIE the Musical
November 10, 11 & 12 at 7:00 PM
November 13 at 2:00 PM
IN THE AUDITORIUM
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Fall Craft & Vendor Show
Saturday, November 12, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hinsdale South High School Cafeteria
Join us on November 12 at Hinsdale South for the Fall Craft & Vendor Show.
This is a fantastic time to shop for the holidays and support small local businesses and vendors at the same time. We also still have a few vendor spots open, so let us know if you know anyone who might want to participate.
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News from the D86 Parent Network
Have you heard of the D86 Parent Network? Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, and D86 partner to provide four meetings each year to enrich, enhance, and supplement the knowledge parents are given regarding their high school students and their IEP or 504 plans. Through presentations and knowledge sharing, the D86 Parent Network aims to foster a cooperative and closer relationship between school and family.
“Executive Functioning in the Academic Environment”
November 30th at 7pm; meeting is virtual
Dr Georgia Bozeday of RUSH University presents: “Executive Functioning in the Academic Environment.” Hear how Executive Function affects learning and academic performance. Gain insight to tools students and teacher can use to support learning. Perfect for parents + students who could benefit from improving their academic executive functioning.
Call For Volunteers!
The D86 Parent Network needs YOU! This committee serves all D86 families with students who have IEP and/or 504 plans. We are looking for a few South parents to spread awareness of our events through social medial and feeder school networking. We’re also seeking individuals who enjoy creating community with this group of families. We need volunteers to identify and secure future speakers. If you have any of these skills and want to have a positive impact, contact us today!
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Hinsdale South Booster Club
Our Next Meeting
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
7:00pm
BLACK & GOLD ROOM
HINSDALE SOUTH
Come Join Us!
Thank you to the families who have joined the Booster Club. Your membership dollars support our many grants and scholarships, and we can’t do it without you, so if you have not yet joined, please do so today. Booster Club membership gets you access to the Hinsdale South directory, 10% off spirit wear, free entry to two games, and more.
Already joined? Please share this email and encourage your friends to join the Boosters today - there’s still time!
Click HERE to be directed to website.
Hinsdale South Foundation
The mission of the Hinsdale South High School Foundation is to provide for the enrichment and enhancement of educational programs and opportunities through the establishment of partnerships with individuals, alumni, community organizations and corporate sponsors dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education.
Hinsdale South Athletic Club
The Hinsdale South Athletic Club is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization made up of a wonderful group of volunteer parents, staff, and alumni trying to make a difference for our school, our athletes and our community.
Our Goal
For Hinsdale South to continue to be a place that all students and all community members are proud to call home. By improving our facilities, we are improving our community. The Athletic Club is working with all coaches and the athletic department to fulfill all requests for improvements of our athletic facilities. We cannot do it without you. Please join the Athletic Club today as our membership drive is the most important fundraiser that we have. Support our athletes, become a volunteer and help us make a difference.
Click HERE to be directed to their website.
Hinsdale South Music Booster Club
The Music Boosters is a volunteer organization that supports all of the Hinsdale South High School music department classes and extracurricular activities, and also supplements the department and its students with financial support. Membership is encouraged to all parents of band, choral and orchestra students but is open to any who want to support the Hinsdale South Music Department.
Click HERE to be directed to their website.
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Click any of the links below to see Hinsdale South Good News. |
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