Every student at Hinsdale South High School and Hinsdale Central High School will be required to keep their cell phone out of sight during all instructional periods when classes begin Wednesday, August 12. The new district-wide "Bell-to-Bell, No Cell" policy, adopted by District 86 for the 2026-27 school year, was announced in Hinsdale South's July 24 newsletter.

The policy applies to both students and staff. Phones must stay hidden from the first bell to the last in every class period. Students can still use their phones during lunch and passing periods, and parents can reach their children by calling the school office.

Hinsdale Central Principal Bill Walsh, describing the approach in an April 2026 interview with ABC7 Chicago when the practice was already in effect at his school, said the district is not confiscating devices at the door: "We have a 'bell to bell, no cell' practice at our school and it's worked wonderful. Students are engaged — actively engaged — they're listening to the perspective of other students; they're learning."

The formal adoption makes the expectation uniform across both District 86 high schools, including Hinsdale South's approximately 1,370 students. The newsletter did not specify when the District 86 board voted to adopt the policy. Families with questions are directed to contact their school's principal or dean of students.

The policy arrives as Illinois lawmakers consider Senate Bill 2427, which would mandate bell-to-bell phone restrictions statewide. Illinois is one of only eight states without a statewide cell phone ban, and nearly 75% of high school teachers nationally said phone distraction is a major problem in their classrooms, according to ABC7 Chicago's April 2026 reporting.

What families need to know for August

Student schedules go live at noon on Saturday, August 1, through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. The registration fee is $485, payable through the same portal. Senior students entering 12th grade must provide proof of two doses of the MCV4 meningitis vaccine before school starts; only one dose is required if the first was received on or after age 16.

Incoming freshmen and new students can pick up their District 86 Chromebook and student ID at Hinsdale South's library Monday, August 3, through Wednesday, August 5. No appointment is needed. Students should park in the stadium lot across Clarendon Hills Road and enter through Door 1. Only families who have completed online registration and submitted required medical forms can pick up a Chromebook. Students who miss the window should go directly to the Bookstore on the first day of school.

Chromebooks are required on day one.

On the first day, freshmen report to the auditorium at 8 a.m. for a welcome assembly and five-minute class visits. Grades 10 through 12 arrive at noon; early bird students report at 11:35 a.m. Families with registration or logistics questions can contact Assistant Principal Dr. Kyle Burritt's office at Hinsdale South.

Student parking tags cost $150, cash or check only, available first-come, first-served in the Dean's Office after completing an online application.

Hinsdale Education Week Ahead

• Saturday, August 1 — Student schedules available at noon via Infinite Campus Parent Portal (District 86)
• Sunday, August 2 — Back to School Bash, Hinsdale South High School
• Monday, August 3 – Wednesday, August 5 — Chromebook and ID pickup for freshmen and new students, Hinsdale South library, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (Mon), 8 a.m.–2 p.m. (Tue), 8 a.m.–noon (Wed)
• Monday, August 10 – Tuesday, August 11 — Institute Days, no school for students (District 86)
• Wednesday, August 12 — First day of school, Hinsdale South. Freshmen at 8 a.m., grades 10-12 at noon.
• Thursday, August 27 — Curriculum Night, Hinsdale South High School

The next District 86 board meeting date has not been confirmed in available sources. Check hinsdale86.org for the full board meeting schedule and public comment sign-up information.