HMS Lunch Tables Fundraiser Update and FAQ

Community Update #2 •  As of October 2, 2026

Dear Current and Future HMS Families and Community Members,

We have received pledges from 95 families. Thank you to everyone who has pledged and to those who have already submitted their donations.

As we shared in our last update:

• D181 will cover 50% of the table cost.
• The original $100,000 estimate was based on the highest proposal received. After reviewing bids and confirming the district contribution, the collaborative project goal is now $60,000, with the HMS PTO responsible for $30,000.
• The target is to install the new lunch tables in January 2027, following winter break.

Fundraising Update

71.25% of the PTO goal pledged

Recent Updates

• HMS Administration, Teachers, and Parents met for the first of four scheduled Lunchroom Task Force meetings to discuss lunchroom table layouts. Future meetings will also focus on lunchroom seating protocols and culture.
• Students were surveyed about preferred seating arrangements and table types. 582 students out of 740 total completed the survey. Responses were distributed approximately evenly across the three grade levels. Full survey results are shared on the next page.
• The majority of students who completed the survey prefer the current round tables. Because of this, the Lunchroom Task Force is analyzing the best options for seating that include a combination of 8-person round tables and 12–16-person rectangle tables. The Lunchroom Task Force will discuss and choose the number of tables to purchase at our next meeting on October 8th.
• “Quiet Lunch” is now available to 6th and 8th graders 5 days a week and available to 7th graders 4 days a week. More information on Quiet Lunch in our FAQ section.

Student Survey Results

The charts below summarize students’ responses to three seating questions. Depending on the question, 580 to 582 students responded.

• 53.6% prefer finding an open table with friends each day.
• 72.7% prefer the current round tables when choosing between round tables and long rectangular bench tables.
• 66.5% want to sit with 1 to 8 friends; another 33.5% prefer groups of 9 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will donors be recognized?

All donors will be recognized on a commemorative plaque in the lunchroom.

If the HMS PTO raises more funds than needed, how will those additional funds be handled?

In the event that the HMS PTO raises more funds than are needed to purchase the selected number of tables, those additional funds will be kept in a separate lunchroom line item in our budget. We will use these funds to enhance the lunchroom experience with items such as speakers and incentives for positive behavior.

Will students be able to provide feedback?

Yes, all students were provided the opportunity to complete the survey shown above. Students have also been invited to join the Lunchroom Task Force.

Has the school/district agreed to the change?

Yes, D181 Administration and HMS Administration have worked collaboratively with the HMS PTO on this initiative.

Can a space be created for Quiet Lunch?

“Quiet Lunch” is now available to 6th and 8th graders 5 days a week and available to 7th graders 4 days a week. Quiet Lunch takes place in various teachers’ classrooms and is dependent on classroom availability and teacher availability to supervise. HMS is currently working to find a solution to offer Quiet Lunch to all grade levels 5 days a week. The capacity for Quiet Lunch is dependent on what the available room can hold, anywhere from 27-30. Typically around 10-15 kids will choose to attend Quiet Lunch, but this number fluctuates depending on how much homework students have.

Whose feedback will inform the final table selection?

A Lunchroom Task Force has been created to make the final table selection. This group includes parents, staff, administration, and students. The HMS PTO and Mrs. Burke invited all parents to join the task force in our email communications.

Can I send my donation from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

Yes, these are the details you will need for this:

Hinsdale Middle School Parent Teacher Organization

EIN: 36-4427463

100 S. Garfield Avenue

Hinsdale, IL 60521

I submitted a pledge. What happens next?

The HMS PTO Vice Presidents of Fundraising will contact families who pledged with instructions for completing their donations.

I made a pledge, but have questions regarding these updates. What can I do?

We have been open to and researched a variety of table layouts throughout this process. Students’ preference, HMS staff observations, and parent feedback have been taken into account as we proceed. If you submitted a pledge and have questions or concerns, please reach out to vpfundraising@hmspto.org.