Did You Know? A CHMS PTO 6-Week Series, Article #3: Remembering Mr. K - The Heart Behind CHMS

As Clarendon Hills Middle School celebrates 25 years of academic excellence, community, and character, it’s only fitting to honor the man who helped shape its foundation: Mr. Walter A. Kistenfeger, Jr.—affectionately known as “Mr. K” or “Wally."

Mr. Kistenfeger was the very first principal of CHMS and a beloved figure to both staff and students. Tragically, he passed away in 2003, and for those who were here at the time, his death was more than the loss of a leader—it was the loss of a mentor, a champion, and a friend. The days that followed were filled with emotion and remembrance. Students filled the halls with artwork, messages, and tributes—covering lockers and walls in honor of the man who meant so much to them. One yearbook photo from that time captures the outpouring of love and grief that flooded the building.

Known for his personal connection with everyone in the building, Mr. K’s presence was constant and comforting. He knew every student by name, made every teacher feel seen, and fostered the core values that still define CHMS today—hard work, kindness, perseverance, and compassion. Each morning, he ended the announcements with the same encouraging words: “Work hard and have a great day.” That message still rings through the halls of CHMS each day during morning announcements and is permanently painted on the wall of the academic wing.

In his honor, CHMS presents the Walter A. Kistenfeger, Jr. Humanitarian Award—known lovingly as the “Wally Award”—each year at 8th grade graduation. The award is given to students who embody the values Mr. Kistenfeger stood for: integrity, resilience, kindness, and compassion. For those who knew him, the announcement of this award is always a moving moment. As one staff member shared, “We know that the students who receive that award would have been kids that Wally would have adored."

A handmade quilt created by his mother hangs above the door of the MRC as a lasting tribute. Mr. Kistenfeger may no longer walk the halls of CHMS, but his presence is felt in every handshake, every smile, and every moment a student is encouraged to simply work hard and have a great day.

 

Skip the August Madness – Order Your CHMS School Supply Kits Now!

Avoid the back-to-school rush and pre-order your CHMS school supplies for the 2025/2026 school year!

• Kits can be ordered through Educational Products, Inc. using the CHMS school code: CLA217
• Supplies will be shipped directly to your home (note: shipping fees apply)
• Bulk items such as tissues, wipes and paper towels will be delivered to school
• *Please note, purchasing closes on June 22nd with a $5 price increase after June 1st.

See FLYER for more details!

Questions? Please email us at president@chmspto.org.

Last General PTO Meeting: Difficult Topics - How to talk to your CHMS student

Come join us for the last PTO General Meeting of the year on Thursday, May 15th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and hear a local expert's advice on how to speak to your middle schooler about difficult topics. Has your 6th, 7th or 8th grader come to you with topics you didn't quite know how to handle or do you ever wonder if you said the right thing? Come hear from a local parent and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for a casual Q and A to get all of your questions answered. 

Please RSVP below! Location details coming soon. 

RSVP HERE

Stock the Lounge - Calling all 6th Grade Parents

Dear 6th Grade Parents - Please help stock the three CHMS Staff Lounges with drinks and snacks. Our wish list is below. We greatly appreciate your help!

The PTO coordinates this effort with donations from each grade level throughout the school year. Please make sure your donated items do NOT contain nuts.

Please drop off items on MONDAY, APRIL 28 between 8am-8:30am to the tables OUTSIDE of the school office. 

SIGN UP HERE

NOTE: Please do NOT ship items to school or drop off items late. We cannot accept late donations as the team assembles the items and stocks the lounges immediately after drop off at 8:30am that morning. If you cannot drop off during this time, please email staffappreciation@chmspto.org and we can coordinate an alternate drop off before the event. 

6th Grade Glow Social - Get your ticket today!

It’s time to purchase your 6th Grade Social tickets! The 6th graders will have the entire Sky Zone in Westmont to themselves. It will be an evening to celebrate their first year at CHMS and to leap into 7th grade! There will be lots of jumping, bouncing and fun with friends. Pizza and soft drinks will be provided, along with the glow in the dark t-shirt.The event takes place on Thursday, May 29th, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Get your ticket today! Don’t miss out on this memorable end-of-year celebration!

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by clicking the link below or through the Store page in your MTK account. Thanks to generous support from the CHMS PTO, the cost has been subsidized to help make this celebration more accessible for everyone.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

Please sign up to volunteer: If you haven't done it yet, please sign up to volunteer at the party. There are a few spots left. We need parent support to make the 6th grade social a success.

SIGN UP HERE!

 

 

8th Grade Graduation Volunteers Needed!

The end of the school year is fast approaching and we are looking for volunteers to help with 8th grade graduation activities. Please review the sign up and help if you're able! SIGN UP HERE

🎉 Step Into Style - 7th Grade Sneaker Social 🎶👟

Want some new kicks for the 7th Grade social?! **THE FIRST 50 TICKETS PURCHASED WILL BE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE TO WIN A $200 NIKE GIFT CARD!**

Saturday, May 17th 5:00 pm -7:00 pm at the Community House Gym in Hinsdale. Live DJ, Hoops + Games, Pizza, and Fun! 

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by clicking the link below or through the Store page in your Membership Toolkit account. Please note, a waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian prior to the event. Waivers will be emailed to families who purchase tickets.

GET TICKETS HERE 

Come See Mary Poppins at Hinsdale Central - April 24th - 27th, 2025

The wind’s in the east and magic’s in the air… Mary Poppins arrives next weekend on Hinsdale Central’s stage! Come see everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny in a musical adventure that’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! And don’t dash off after Sunday’s show— your Sunday ticket gets you into the Jolly Holiday party complete with stage tours, cast meet and greets and sweet treats! 

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.

🤟 Learn to Speak with Your Hands This Summer! American Sign Language is now part of D181 Summer School!

American Sign Language (ASL) has officially been added to the D181 Summer School curriculum—and it’s a great way for students to kick off summer with a unique and engaging experience. Whether your child is brand new to ASL or looking to refresh their skills, this light, fun course in June offers a meaningful way to learn something new without a big time commitment. You can find the ASL course listed on page 7 of the catalog, and registration opens today!

Even more exciting, this summer opportunity could help spark student interest and momentum for launching an ASL Club at school next year. If your child has heard about ASL from friends or is simply curious, this is a perfect way to get involved. Please consider encouraging your student to sign up and share with others who might be interested.

Please see the 2025 Summer Learning Catalog.

Please REGISTER through Skyward:

• How to Register - PDF
• How to Register - Video
• More Details here

Hinsdale Central Girls Basketball Summer Camp

Announcing that Hinsdale Central High School will be hosting a Girls Basketball Camp June 2nd through June 6th (Monday through Friday), from 2:00pm-4:00pm. This camp is open to incoming 1st- incoming 8th graders who are interested in developing their basketball skills and learning from the experienced HCHS coaching staff and players.

The camp will be led by HCHS Girls Head Basketball Coach, Brett Moore, his staff, and current players (most of them are CHMS Alums!). 

See FLYER for more details. 

Register HERE today! This camp sold out last year and will sell out again this year.