Did You Know? A CHMS PTO 6-Week Series, Article #4: When Two Schools Became One - CHMS and HMS Unite

In the winter of the 2016–2017 school year, a burst pipe and urgent facility issues forced Hinsdale Middle School (HMS) to temporarily close its doors.

What followed was an extraordinary show of unity and adaptability, as HMS students and staff relocated to Clarendon Hills Middle School (CHMS), turning two longtime rival schools into one shared learning community.

To accommodate both student bodies, CHMS shifted to a split-day schedule. CHMS students began their days early—around 7:00 a.m.—and wrapped up by 11:15 a.m., while HMS students attended school in the afternoons. Despite the changes, students from both schools continued their full academic schedules, thanks to careful planning and a shared sense of purpose.

For HMS students and staff, the adjustment was more dramatic. They learned in unfamiliar classrooms, navigated new hallways, and relied on coat racks in lobby and cafeteria instead of lockers during the winter chill. Still, CHMS welcomed them with open arms—sharing space, supplies, and even classrooms. One memorable moment came from CHMS teacher Ms. Scheuerman, who recalls greeting HMS teacher Theresa Wilkie with a high-five each day as they swapped spaces. That small gesture spoke volumes about the camaraderie that formed under challenging circumstances.

This temporary partnership lasted only a few weeks but left a lasting impression. It showed what’s possible when two communities set aside rivalry and come together with a common goal: to support students. In a time of disruption, CHMS and HMS proved that resilience, flexibility, and kindness can make even the toughest transitions meaningful.

Fundraise with Minted.com!

Get you graduation cards & gifts through Minted.com!

Use code: FUNDRAISECHMS, to earn an extra $10 donation - on top of your usual 20% discount and 10% give-back offer.

Expires: Sunday, 5/4

Get your graduation cards and invites AND help the CHMS PTO!

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 HERE by May 8th!

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 CHMS school supply list here. 

CLICK HERE to order!

See flyer for more details!

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

Best of the Nest!

Dear wonderful CHMS Families, 

As you may recall, our amazing PTO sponsors our staff appreciation award, the “Best of the Nest” with a premium parking spot for the winner!

Staff members nominate each other based on: Who has inspired you?, Who is making you a better staff member?, Who is making your day more enjoyable?, Who is doing great things for kids?, Who is consistently in your corner?, Who is implementing innovative strategies in the building

This award continues to demonstrate the inspiring, kind, and giving staff we have here at CHMS. The incredible words that are written toward each other in response to the thoughtful actions taken are inspirational. 

This month, Ms. Kathy Thomas (Building IA) was our lucky winner! A few comments shared about her were:

"Kathy is always on top of the testing center. When we forget to put a test in the folder, she proactively reaches out by text or takes the initiative to hunt down the teacher."

"Kathy is selflessly willing to help out with projects whenever she is free. I really appreciate her help!"

Congratulations again to Ms. Thomas and all of our nominated staff members!
Dr. Levi Brown
Principal, Clarendon Hills Middle School

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 HERE! 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.

Parents: 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. Please sign up to volunteer 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.

Click HERE to get your tickets today!

Register for Walk the Walk - 5/18

The Walk the Walk for Mental Health is not your average walk, it is a one-mile Color Walk that celebrates mental and physical wellness, access to mental health services, and ending the stigma associated with discussing mental health with friends, family and community!

CLICK HERE to register and to join the CHMS walk team today!

Community Speaker Series Presents Harlan Cohen

Last call! Join us THIS WEEK for the final events of the Community Speaker Series season. Come out to the Hinsdale Central Auditorium on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00pm or to The Community House on Wednesday, April 30 at 9:00am to hear from New York Times bestselling author and college success expert, Harlan Cohen. Harlan equips parents and students with the knowledge and tools to achieve success by getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. We look forward to learning together and connecting with our parent (and student) community!

Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00pm (STUDENTS WELCOME!)
Hinsdale Central Auditorium
REGISTER HERE.

Wednesday, April 30 at 9:00am
The Community House
REGISTER HERE.

Please see flyer for more details.

Hinsdale Central Girls Basketball Summer Camp

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.