Meet the HHS Counselors
Kelly Kenny— School Counselor
Email: mailto:kkenny@hillsboroschools.net
Phone: 217-532-2841

Katie Hilgert — Student Services Coordinator
Email: mailto:khilgert@hillsboroschools.net
Phone: 217-532-2841

Secretary
Jennifer Weiss mailto:jweiss@hillsboroschools.net
We encourage students and parents to reach out anytime. If you’re unsure who to contact, we’ll gladly point you in the right direction.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Students and parents may request an appointment by:
-
Completing our Counselor Appointment Request form
-
Emailing their counselor
-
Visiting the Counseling Office before or after school or during passing periods
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please visit the Counseling Office right away or notify a staff member.
Academic Planning & Support
Our counseling team provides tools and guidance to help students stay on track academically.
Here you will find:
• Graduation Requirements
Up-to-date Hillsboro High School and Illinois State Board of Education requirements.
• Course Selection & Registration
Information on course offerings, how to register, and tips for building a four-year plan.
• Academic Resources
Study tips, tutoring information, and time-management tools to help students succeed.
• Credit Recovery Options
Guidance on making up credits through approved programs if needed.
College & Career Readiness
Preparing for life after high school is an important part of the HHS experience. Our Counseling Department offers:
• College Planning Resources
College search tools, application timelines, and campus visitation guidelines.
• Financial Aid Information
FAFSA guidance, scholarship listings, and links to state and national aid programs.
• Dual Credit & Career Pathways
Information about dual credit courses, vocational programs, and opportunities through local colleges.
• SAT, PSAT, and ACT Information
Testing dates, preparation resources, and registration details.
• Military & Trade School Options
Support for students exploring alternative career paths.
Social-Emotional Support
HHS counselors are here to help students navigate life’s challenges with care and confidentiality.
We can assist with:
-
Stress and anxiety
-
Peer or family concerns
-
Grief and loss
-
Conflict resolution
-
Healthy decision-making
-
Community and crisis support resources
If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support outside of school hours, please contact a crisis hotline or local emergency services.
Important Forms & Documents
Frequently used documents are available for easy access:
-
Schedule Change Request (in office)
-
Dual Credit Registration Materials (in office)
Programs & Annual Events
Throughout the year, the Counseling Department coordinates programs designed to guide and support students at every grade level, including:
-
Freshman Orientation
-
College & Career Fairs
-
FAFSA Completion Nights
-
Scholarship Workshops
-
Senior Graduation Planning
-
Academic & Social-Emotional Presentations
Parent Resources
Parents and guardians play an important role in student success. Our team provides resources to help families support their students both academically and emotionally, including:
-
Tips for staying informed through Skyward
-
Skyward is a valuable tool that helps parents stay connected to their student’s academic progress and school information. Log in regularly to check grades, attendance, and missing assignments so there are no surprises. Be sure your contact information is up to date so you receive important emails and notifications from the school. Use Skyward to review report cards, schedules, and messages from teachers, and talk with your student about what you see to support their success. If you ever have questions or need help accessing Skyward, contact the school office—they’re happy to help!
-
-
College planning guides for families
-
Our Parent Resources for College Planning provide helpful guides and tools to support families as they prepare for life after high school. These resources include information on college exploration, admissions timelines, financial aid, scholarships, and career planning. Parents can use these guides to stay informed, ask the right questions, and confidently support their student throughout the college planning process.
-
-
Strategies for supporting teen mental health
-
Supporting teen mental health starts with open communication, consistent routines, and a strong support system. Encourage teens to talk openly about their feelings, listen without judgment, and watch for changes in behavior or mood. Helping teens balance school, activities, rest, and screen time—while knowing when and how to seek additional support—can make a positive difference in their overall well-being.
-
