D73 Digest
Your Bi-Weekly Scoop on Hawthorn Happenings
November 7, 2024
Good morning, Hawthorn families! D73 Digest brings the latest Hawthorn District news straight to your inbox. From system updates to upcoming community events, this bi-weekly newsletter is your go-to source to stay informed and engaged with our school community. Don’t miss out on important reminders and district happenings—take a quick glance to keep up with our active school community!
News
Middle School Only
Middle School North and Middle School South will be participating in the annual Elyssa’s Mission’s Signs of Suicide (SOS) program on Monday, October 21. This program helps students understand the signs of depression and suicide, and encourages them to seek help for themselves or others. As part of the program, students will watch a video, engage in discussions, and complete a brief depression screening.
For more details, please click below:
Snowflake Night 2024 – Join Us for a Special Event! (Middle School Only)
Middle School South and North are excited to welcome 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students and their parents/guardians to Snowflake Night on Friday, November 8 at Middle School North! This event builds on the Snowflake program from earlier this year and promotes self-awareness, social awareness, and responsible decision-making.
- Parent/Guardian Portion: 6:15 - 8 p.m.
- Student Activities: 2:35 - 8 p.m. (Pizza dinner included!)
There’s no cost to attend, but space is limited! Please register by Friday, October 25 to reserve your spot. For full details, please select Middle South or Middle North.
A Successful Start to BPAC! 🌟
There was an amazing turnout at the first BPAC meeting! It was wonderful to see so many families representing different cultures and languages, with many attending for the first time. If you missed it, there’s still time to join the committee!
The next meeting is on October 28 from 6 - 7 p.m. (virtual), and everyone is welcome. Be sure to check out the BPAC newsletter for exciting updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved!
From Our Family Liaison
The new October Family Liaison newsletter is here! It’s packed with fun updates, including the latest adventures of Sam the Eagle in our community. It's a great way to stay informed and connected with all the amazing work happening around us.
D73 DRIVE
Newest Podcast Episode: DESIGN
How can we integrate technology into the classroom or design innovative student experiences?
This episode, we discuss the updates coming soon to iPads that will incorporate Apple Intelligence and provide staff and students with some advanced productivity features. This time there’s a twist… we actually used AI to talk about AI. If the voices don’t sound familiar, that’s because they’re robots. But don’t worry, Karen and John will be back next week!
Reminders
Hawthorn Coat Drive
In partnership with the Knights of Columbus (St. Mary of Vernon), we are hosting a coat drive to provide new winter coats for students in need. Your support can make a real difference: sponsor a coat for just $25 or a case of 12 coats for $305. To contribute, make a monetary donation and note "Coat(s)" in the comments. Thank you for helping keep our students warm this winter!
Hawthorn Food Pantry
The Hawthorn Food Pantry will be open to all our families on October 23 from 4-6 p.m. at Middle North School (201 Hawthorn Parkway).
If you are interested in donating to the food pantry, items can be dropped off at the District Office (841 W. End Ct.) or Middle North School. Thank you for your support!
Join Hawthorn and Sam at these upcoming fall events!
October 19: Truck, Trunks, & Treats at Turtle Creek Water Park
October 25: Fall Fest - Sullivan Center from 6 - 9 p.m.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar for BPAC’s Día de Los Muertos Celebration on November 4 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Hawthorn School of Dual Language! Bring the family for a fun evening of music, crafts, and delicious food as we come together to celebrate this special tradition. More information to follow—stay tuned!
D73 Spiritwear!
Hawthorn Helpers
Join D73’s volunteer program, Hawthorn Helpers, and be a part of a dedicated team of caring parents and vibrant community members! We are welcoming new volunteers for our new school year! To learn more click on the following link: Hawthorn Helper Information. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Parent Liaison Gabriela Cervantes at cervantesg@hawthorn73.org.
Explore LINQ Connect: Your Hub for Managing School Meals
Visit our LINQ Connect page to discover all the features, how-to guides, and essential eligibility information you need to manage your child's school meal experience seamlessly. LINQ Connect provides a comprehensive suite of tools that allows you to access your account safely, whether through our app or online. Enjoy features such as automatic payments, low balance notifications, and detailed real-time transaction reports. With a unified dashboard, you can effortlessly manage funds and monitor meal activities for all the district students in your household. Experience convenience at your fingertips with LINQ Connect!
Looking for Mental Health Support?
We are excited to announce that our district has access to ReferralGPS, a valuable resource designed to connect families with a Care Navigator. Whether you have insurance or not, ReferralGPS will help you find the right therapist or provider for your needs. This program is funded by a grant through the Regional Office of Education (ROE).
Brain Break! 🧠
Let's settle this once and for all: BEST Halloween Treat 🍬
Educate and Empower Events
Parent/Guardian events are BACK! Check out the incredible lineup of events for this fall!
Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) Virtual Lunch and Learn with Touchstone Therapy
Join Hilary Davis from Touchstone Therapy in Vernon Hills as she presents information about the SPACE Program for interested participants. This evidence-based program focuses on empowering parents and guardians with effective strategies to help children manage anxiety. Participants will learn practical tools for reducing anxiety-related behaviors and fostering resilience. Whether your child struggles with separation anxiety, social anxiety, or other emotional challenges, you'll leave with actionable steps to support their emotional well-being.
📅 Date: October 22, 2024
🕖 Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
⚫ Format: Virtual Lunch and Learn
👥 Audience: All parents/guardians
Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age – Elementary Edition
We are thrilled to bring the Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age – Elementary Edition documentary to Hawthorn District 73! This special edition is designed specifically for elementary-aged children and their families, exploring the impact of screens on young minds. The film addresses important topics like managing screen time, balancing technology use, and fostering healthy digital habits in children. Join us for this informative and thought-provoking event, followed by a discussion on practical strategies for navigating the digital world. Together, we can help our children thrive in a tech-driven environment!
📅 Date: October 29
🕖 Time: 7 - 8 p.m.
⚫ Format: In-person
📍Location: Elementary South School
👥 Audience: Elementary school parents/guardians
Supporting our Children in their Hardest Moments: A Deep Dive into Emotional Regulation with Dr. Doug Bolton
Our children are facing emotional challenges like never before, and it can be hard to know how to respond in their toughest moments. In this presentation, Dr. Doug Bolton, psychologist, author, and educator, will guide us through the latest brain science on emotional regulation, offering new ways to understand these challenging moments. You'll gain practical strategies to support your children when they're struggling, helping you connect with them and guide them through their hardest times with greater resilience.
📅 Date: November 19
🕖 Time: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
⚫ Format: In-person
📍 Location: Townline Elementary
👥 Audience: All parents/guardians
Which Educate & Empower Event Excites You Most?
Hawthorn Board of Education
Hawthorn Board Highlights
Missed the September 19 board meeting? Check out the highlights!
📆 Next Meeting: October 17
Hawthorn PTO
TOMORROW!! Meet Stella the Sloth!
The PTO is excited to host Animal Quest and Stella the Sloth on Friday, October 11 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Middle School North Main Gym. This event is FREE for all family members, but we are asking interested families to donate an item for our personal care pantry to benefit our MSN and MSS students. Seating is first come, first served.
Items needed:
- Deodorant
- pads/tampons
- individually wrapped mints
- body wipes
- chapstick
- toothpaste/toothbrushes
- shampoo/conditioner
- liquid body wash
- small bottles of laundry detergent
Hawthorn Hustle! 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♂️
Mark your calendars for November 2 at 10 a.m. and head to Century Park in Vernon Hills for our Annual Hawthorn Hustle 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk/Stroll. Whether you’re ready to lace up your sneakers or just want to cheer on your favorite D73 teachers, staff members, and friends, this is an event you won’t want to miss! We hope to see you there for a day of fun and community spirit.
Halloween Room Parties: Support Needed!
Sign Up for Room Parties!
Find your specific school sign up link here: https://hawthornpto.org/programs-events/room-parent-program/
The Connection Corner
Are you connected?
Discover tips, resources, and a glimpse of SEL activities happening around our district. Strengthen the home-school connection and nurture well-rounded, resilient kids!
From Our Friends
Village of Vernon Hills
🏀 Boys and Girls Winter Basketball Leagues
The deadline to register for most grades is October 21. Check out the link for more details: Grades 3-8 BasketballRegistration.
PALS and Enrichment Program Newsletter
Check out the Vernon Hills Park District's October newsletter for D73 families, featuring details about the PALS Before and After School Program and various enrichment programs held at our elementary schools.
Community Partners
TONIGHT!! Mundelein High School Referendum Building Tour
Families residing in Mundelein are invited to a building tour at Mundelein High School on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. The tour will provide an overview of the $149.5 million referendum, which aims to improve infrastructure, address overcrowding, and enhance safety at the high school. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more and ask questions before the vote on Nov. 5.
Lake County STEM for Girls Conference - November 2, 2024!
The Lake County STEM for Girls Conference is back this year! Hosted by the Northern Lake County Conference of high schools and Kildeer School District, this event provides young girls with the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM activities led by women professionals in various STEM fields.
The conference also features a STEM fair, and parents/guardians are encouraged to join adult sessions on topics like saving for college, supporting high school students, and mindfulness.
📅 Date: November 2
📍 Location: Grayslake Central High School
⏰ Registration Deadline: October 25
For more information or to register, please see the attached flyer or contact lcstemforgirls@gmail.com.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Special Concert for Kids!
Are you looking to inspire a passion for classical music in your child? The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is hosting a special family concert, Philharmonia Fantastique, on October 19th! This animated, 45-minute program will take audiences inside musical instruments and show how they work together as an orchestra. The event will also include engaging activities like a musical instruments zoo and scavenger hunts.
Special Offer: Buy one adult ticket, get one kids ticket FREE with promo code CSOKID (valid through October 11).
For more details, visit the CSO for Kids webpage or refer to the attached flyer.
Don’t miss this opportunity for a fun and educational musical experience!
CUB SCOUT PACK 273
Looking for an extracurricular activity for your child that fosters character, outdoor skills and teamwork and does not involve electronic devices? Fill out this form so you can learn more about why your family belongs in scouts. Every child that registers with Pack 273 by 10/31/24 will receive a free t-shirt. It is not too late to join in the adventure! More Info - Cub Scout Pack 273
Mundelein Fire Department Announcement
Hawthorn and the Mundelein Fire Department have joined forces to support families affected by disasters like tornadoes, hailstorms, and house fires. On October 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the MFD will host a Resource Fair (1000 N. Midlothian Rd) to help families learn about the benefits of rental insurance. Attendees can ask questions, get quotes, and explore options. There’s no obligation to purchase rental insurance. Please RSVP by October 16 at 847-990-4245 or 847-949-3260.
Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Mundelein Lion’s Club
The Vernon Hills Lions Club invites you to join us for a Blood Drive on Saturday, October 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sullivan Center (635 Aspen Drive). Come donate blood and learn more about our mission to support vision and hearing through local service projects. Whether you're interested in volunteering, exploring leadership opportunities, or simply learning about our work, we welcome your involvement. For more information, contact cervantesg@hawthorn73.org or 224-370-2090.
2024 Girls Who Code Camp
Calling all future coders! Join the Girls Who Code chapter at Vernon Hills High School for the 2024 Girls Who Code Camp, running on November 7, 14, and 21 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Vernon Hills High School (Room 0200). This camp is completely FREE, but space is limited to 25 students, so be sure to sign up soon before it fills up!
Parent Support Group: Empower Yourself Through Connection
Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting? You’re not alone. Join a virtual parent support group, meeting Mondays at 7 PM, where you can connect with others who understand. Sessions are $35 for 12 weeks. Drop in when available. Sign up at: info@touchstonetherapycenter.com.
Parent Support Group: Empower Yourself Through Connection
Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting? You’re not alone. Join a virtual parent support group, meeting Mondays at 7 PM, where you can connect with others who understand. Sessions are $35 for 12 weeks. Drop in when available. Sign up at: info@touchstonetherapycenter.com.
Want to Become a Hawthorn Eagle?
We Need Super Subs Like You!
Are you passionate about education and looking for a flexible way to contribute to our community? Hawthorn District 73 is on the lookout for enthusiastic and dedicated substitute teachers to join our team! Whether you’re looking to inspire young minds occasionally or more frequently, we have opportunities that fit your schedule. Learn more about how you can make a difference and check out the perks of becoming a "Super Sub" by visiting our substitute teacher page at Hawthorn Substitute Careers. Join us in shaping futures—one class at a time!
Stay Connected
Stay up-to-date with Hawthorn District 73 events! Tap the calendar icon to access our District calendar webpage, where you can discover all the upcoming activities across our nine schools. Don’t miss out on any important dates – visit now to plan ahead!
Upcoming Appreciation Days!
October 25 - The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages all communities in Illinois to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week October 20-26, 2024, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, October 25, 2024.
We Value Your Feedback!
Did you read through to the end of this edition of the D73 Digest? Your response helps us gauge engagement and improve our communications.