

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
Día de los Muertos Celebration!
Thank you to everyone who came out on Nov. 4 to celebrate Día de los Muertos with us! We had over 200 families attend this beautiful event, and it was truly a memorable evening.
If you’d like to get involved with BPAC or learn more about upcoming events, please reach out to Gabriela Cervantes at cervantesg@hawthorn73.org.
A special thank you to Hawthorn PTO, Cook Memorial Public Library District, Mundelein High School and Supermercado Giselle for their support and contributions to the celebration.
Erin’s Law - Student Program and Parent/Guardian Information Night
In response to Erin’s Law (House Bill 6193), which requires all public schools to implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program, Hawthorn District 73 is hosting the Be Seen and Heard© assembly program for all preschool and elementary students during the week of December 2, 2024. This program is designed to create an age-appropriate, safe, and engaging environment in which students learn the difference between safe and unsafe touch, and the importance of having trusted heroes.
Summer Programs 🌻
Please mark your calendar for next summer’s program dates!
Hawthorn Summer Program offerings include Hawthorn Enrichment Institute (HEI), Hawthorn Music Camp, Extended School Year (ESY), Summer Scholars, and Early Start Kindergarten. More information about program offerings and registration will be shared after winter break.
Summer Program Dates: Monday, June 9 - Tuesday, July 2.
Session 1: June 9 - June 18 (HEI, ESY, Summer Scholars, and Early Start Kindergarten)
Session 2: June 23-July 2 (HEI, Music Camp, ESY, Summer Scholars, and Early Start Kindergarten)
No School: Thursday 6/19, Thursday 7/3, all Fridays
Lincoln Early Learning Center ESY Dates: Wed, June 4th - Tues, July 1st
No School: Thursday, June 19, all Fridays
*If all of Hawthorn’s Emergency Days are used dates will shift to June 5th - July 2nd*
From Our Family Liaison
The new November 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.
Making Up Missed Assignments & Assessments
Students who miss school due to a valid absence, such as a religious observance, have the opportunity to make up any assessments, homework, or classwork. If your child needs time to complete assignments due to a religious holiday, please connect with their teacher to develop a plan. For any questions, please contact your school principal.
D73 DRIVE
Newest Podcast Episode: EVERY ONE - How can we foster practices that are equitable and inclusive?
Reminders
Hawthorn Food Pantry Distribution
Our next food distribution will take place on November 20, from 4 - 6 p.m. at Middle North - 201 Hawthorn Parkway Vernon Hills. If you are in need of food, or have any questions please reach out to Gabriela Cervantes at 847-990-4245 or cervantesg@hawthorn73.org
If you are interested in donating to the food pantry, items can be dropped off at the District Office (841 W. End Ct.) or at Middle North. Thank you for your support!
Hawthorn D73 Annual Holiday Toy Drive
We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for our annual Hawthorn School District 73 Holiday Drive now through December 6! Drop off donations at the Hawthorn District Office (841 West End Ct, Vernon Hills) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Gabriela Cervantes at cervantesg@hawthorn73.org.
We’ve partnered with Snickelfritz Toys in Vernon Hills, you can shop local or online and support our drive!
We also have an Amazon Wish List, and items can be shipped directly to the District Office.
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!
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 Family 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).
Educate and Empower Events
Parent/Guardian events are BACK! Check out the incredible lineup of events for this fall!
UPCOMING!
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
Hawthorn Board of Education
Hawthorn Board Highlights
Missed the October 17 board meeting? Check out the highlights!
📆 Next Meeting: November 14
Hawthorn PTO
Hawthorn Hustle! 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♂️
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Annual Hawthorn Hustle 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk/Stroll! It was fantastic to see our community come together, whether you were lacing up your sneakers or cheering on our amazing D73 teachers, staff members, and friends. We appreciate your support and enthusiasm in making this event a memorable day of fun, fitness, and community spirit. Looking forward to seeing you all again next year!
November PTO Meeting: ALL ARE WELCOME!
Please join us at our next monthly PTO meeting on Tuesday, November 12 from 7 - 8 p.m. The meeting will be held at Townline Elementary (810 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).
Upcoming Event!
Dueling North Campus VS South Campus McTeacher Fundraisers 🍟
- NORTH CAMPUS, Thursday, November 14, 2024 4-7 p.m.
- SOUTH CAMPUS, Thursday, November 21, 2024 4-7 p.m.
Want to see your favorite teacher in a pie costume? Do you want to meet Hamburglar? Then come support your campus at the first ever North versus South McTeacher's Night!
North Campus Fundraiser Date Information:
- Thursday, November 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM
- McDonald's at 700 N. Milwaukee Ave in Vernon Hills
South Campus Fundraiser Date Information:
- Thursday, November 21 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM
- McDonald's at 700 N. Milwaukee Ave in Vernon Hills
Make sure to bring cash for pies and tips! 20% of food purchases and 100% of pie sales will be donated to the PTO.
South Campus Flyer
North Campus Flyer
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!
The Connection Corner – October Edition 🎃
The Connection Corner is back with a special October edition! Gain insights to support your child socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Strengthen the connection between home and school!
From Our Friends
Community Partners
D128: Community Input Needed in Superintendent Search Survey
The Community High School District 128 Board of Education is conducting a search for the next superintendent to lead the district. The next step in the search process is to engage the D128 community via a survey. Please complete the survey by clicking here. The survey will be open through Nov. 18, 2024. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Mundelein High School District 120 residents
Following the passage of the MHS capital improvements referendum, we want to extend our gratitude for the many people who took the time to learn about the referendum, participate in the process and vote in the election.
The community showed it is willing to make a significant investment in the future of our children by expanding and enhancing the Mundelein High School facilities. We are grateful for your support.
This month we will solicit bids for the projects ahead. The bids are expected to be approved in the first quarter of 2025 with facilities work to begin in the spring.
We will keep you updated as the district moves forward with the improvement projects. Again, we value the trust that has been placed with us and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.
VHHS Incoming English Learner Open House
District 128 is excited to invite all incoming 8th-grade English Learner (EL) students and their families to an Open House at Vernon Hills High School! Come out on December 5 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. to meet members of the EL team, enjoy a presentation, and learn more about the resources available to support your student’s transition to high school. Light snacks will be provided, and the evening will conclude in time for families to attend the Hawthorn/VHHS orchestra concert at 7:30 p.m.
Lions Club Holiday Pancake Breakfast
Lions Club Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast at Hawthorn School for Young Learners!
Date: December 8, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Hawthorn School for Young Learners- 637 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
You don’t want to miss the fun! We’ll have:
Crafts for the kids and the whole family
Time to make your holiday wishlist
Special activities and surprises
A visit from the North Pole
Delicious pancakes for all!
Bonus: The first 50 kids to register will receive a special goodie bag!
Buy your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3BMVD6V
8th annual Brad’s Bookworms
Congressman Brad Schneider's initiative to inspire young readers! From now until February 1st, students in grades K-5 are encouraged to read 10 books, with the help of family members, and log their progress. Once completed, simply fill out the online form on the Congressman’s website.
Students who complete the program will be invited to a special ceremony with Congressman Schneider to celebrate their achievement! They’ll also have the chance to participate in a bookmark design contest, with the winning design shared with other readers. Let’s get reading!
🌟 **8th Graders: Free Master Dance Class!** 🌟
Hey Future Freshmen of Stevenson High School!
Are you passionate about dance or simply curious to dip your toes into the world of movement and expression? Well, we've got an exciting opportunity just for you!
**What:** Free Master Dance Class
**When:** Saturday, November 23, 2024
**Time:** 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
**Where:** Room 2112 at Stevenson High School
This is the perfect chance for all incoming freshmen interested in Dance 1 to get a sneak peek into Stevenson Dance. Led by our talented Dance Leaders and faculty, this fun-filled class is designed to preview our Dance 1 classes.
No dance experience? No problem! This class welcomes everyone, regardless of their dance background. All you need is your enthusiasm and a willingness to move.
**Attire:** Come ready to dance in leggings, yoga pants, or sweatpants, paired with a tank top or T-shirt. No need for shoes, but don't forget to bring a water bottle to stay refreshed!
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now for a taste of what Dance 1 has in store for you as a Stevenson High School freshman.
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!
Week of November 11: School Psychologist Appreciation Week
November 15: Illinois School Board Day
November 22: Substitute Appreciation Day
We Value Your Feedback!
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