D73 Digest
Your Bi-Weekly Scoop on Hawthorn Happenings
September 26th
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
Midterms (Elementary Only)
On October 4, you will receive your child’s midterm progress report. Each year, our teachers complete these reports mid-way through our first trimester to share information about key concepts in core content areas and provide you with information about your child's progress. Please know that midterm progress reports are only one communication tool used in Hawthorn District 73. If you have any questions about your child's report, please do not hesitate to connect with your child's teacher.
Hawthorn BPAC
Join us for the first Hawthorn BPAC (Bilingual Parent Advisory Council) meeting on October 8, from 6-7 p.m. at Hawthorn School for Young Learners (637 N. Aspen Drive).
The BPAC aims to connect multilingual families, provide educational opportunities and workshops, and support our multilingual students. Ranked among the top three most diverse districts, Hawthorn District 73 offers a great opportunity for families to engage, share, and support each other. Your voice in BPAC matters—let's work together to represent and strengthen our community!
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!
Join Hawthorn and Sam at these upcoming fall events!
October 19: Truck, Trunks, & Treats at Turtle Creek Water Park
Fall Fest: Sullivan Center from 6 - 9 p.m. on October 25
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!
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!
From Our Family Liaison
The September 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.
Reminders
5th Grade Parents/Guardians Only: Simply Bee Student SEL Workshop
We’re thrilled to announce that Simply Bee Counseling is returning this fall to provide a social-emotional learning workshop for all 5th grade students in the district. Students will explore the Growth and Resiliency Model through sessions focusing on awareness, mindfulness, and how to respond instead of react. They'll also participate in yoga, mindfulness, and team-building activities to help them become more aware of their emotions.
D73 DRIVE Podcast
The latest episode of D73 DRIVE is available here.
INNOVATE - How can we try something new – either new apps, tools, or resources… or featuring the stories of other innovators? This episode focuses on how we can ensure a technological balance by using devices when appropriate in class and having conversations about the boundaries, routines, and practices that will encourage authentic engagement.
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).
Hawthorn Board of Education
Hawthorn Board Highlights
Missed the September 19 board meeting? Check out the highlights!
Brain Break! 🧠
Fall Edition of This or That? 🍂🍁🌻
Hawthorn PTO
The PTO Book Fair
Students will shop the fair during school in groups between Monday 9/30- 10/4. Let's make this a great event! If you have money left over from a previous eWallet transfer the funds to make a fall 2024 fair eWallet. Click here to view the parent information sheet.
Please consider volunteering! Every volunteer makes a difference and we need your help to host this event. Click here to volunteer.
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
Volunteer for D73's First-Ever Halloween Trunk-or-Treat! 🎃👻🍬
Join us on October 25 for a spooktacular time at the Hawthorn PTO's Halloween Trunk-or-Treat! We’re looking for creative volunteers to decorate their trunks and hand out goodies, as well as general volunteers to help run the event.
If you’re interested in making this event a success, Please sign up to volunteer.
Volunteers should plan to arrive between 4 - 5 p.m. at Aspen Elementary for trunk setup. Stay tuned for more event details and registration information!
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.
October PTO Meeting: ALL ARE WELCOME!
Please join us at our next monthly PTO meeting on Tuesday, October 8 from 7 - 8 p.m. The meeting will be held at Hawthorn School for Young Learners (637 N Aspen Dr.) in Vernon Hills.
⭐On-site, FREE childcare will be provided, so feel free to bring your children.🌟A virtual link to the meeting is available upon request (please email secretary@hawthornpto.org).
Sign Up for Room Parties!
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!
Latest Edition
From Our Friends
Village of Vernon Hills
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
Mundelein High School Announcement
Starting with Mundelein High School’s Homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 27, all middle-school-aged children and younger must be accompanied by a supervising adult to attend. Each adult may supervise up to five children.
For more information, please visit the updated policy on the MHS Athletics webpage.
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!
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