D73 Digest
WE ARE SO THANKFUL!
We start this holiday season with gratitude.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, we were able to support 90 families this Thanksgiving. Because of your food and monetary donations, each family received a turkey, a full food package, and additional support through our pantry—ensuring that their holiday table was full.
To every community member who donated: thank you for showing what compassion looks like in action. And to our incredible volunteers, your time, energy, and heart made this effort possible. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to serving others.
Winter Assessments: What Families Need to Know
Students participate in a variety of academic assessments that help us understand their strengths, areas for growth, and progress over time. Two of our winter assessments are summarized in our Winter Assessment Letter for Families. Specific assessment dates will be communicated directly by your child’s school principal.
Translations of this document were created using Google Translate & A.I. While we strive for accuracy, some wording may not be perfect. Please contact us if you need clarification or an official translation.
Attention 8th Grade Families - High School Foreign Language Placement Exam Information
Future Stevenson High School Students - Language Placement Details
Incoming freshmen with previous language experience or who are heritage learners planning to attend Stevenson High School next school year and are interested in taking a language course must complete the online Language Placement Exam on Saturday, December 13.
The registration deadline is Friday, December 5. For details, please visit the Benchmark FAQ or register using the Registration Link.
Future Vernon Hills High School Russian Language Arts Course Placement information
There will be a placement test for students interested in Russian Language Arts, more details can be found on this flier.
Future Vernon Hills High School students in Spanish Language Arts (Dual) or Spanish World Language at Hawthorn will receive the AAPPL writing assessment to support placement during the week of December 1-5 at their respective middle school.
Substitute Pay Increase Approved for 2025–26!
Did you know? Hawthorn District 73 is continuing its commitment to supporting our incredible substitute team by increasing substitute pay for the 2025–26 school year.
We’re proud to invest in the dedicated individuals who make a daily difference in our schools—ensuring consistency, care, and quality learning for all students. Thank you, substitutes! 🦅
Multilingual Parent Advisory Council (MPAC) Update
The MPAC met on Tuesday, November 18 at Elementary South to provide input on parent engagement events, supporting students with at-home learning tools, and Q&A about Parent Teacher Conferences.
The next meeting will be on January 13 at the School of Dual Language from 6-8 p.m., and will be a workshop led by Dr. Ferney Ramirez on the topic “Successful Parents: Practical Teachings to Raise Your Children to Be the Best.” This is a highly engaging workshop that will provide tools to support your children both at home and at school. All families are welcome to attend! Be on the lookout for more information.
District Text Alert Reminder
On Monday, November 24, the Hawthorn District Office sent a text alert to families reminding everyone about the early release schedule. If you did not receive this text, please check that your contact information in the PowerSchool Parent Portal is accurate and up to date to ensure you receive future district notifications.
Race to Restock Winners: Aspen Elementary! 🎉
Thank you, Hawthorn community! With need at an all-time high, your incredible generosity during the Race to Restock made a powerful impact. We tracked both monetary donations and food bin contributions, with several schools filling their bins to 100% and beyond. After combining totals, and using monetary donations as the tie-breaker, Aspen Elementary earned first place in this friendly districtwide competition.
Your donations not only helped restock the Hawthorn Food Pantry, but also supported the Key to 73 Foundation Holiday Drive, which is serving an unprecedented 260+ Hawthorn students and their families this season.
Thank you for making a meaningful difference!
Hawthorn Food Pantry
Hawthorn Food Pantry - As a reminder, our food pantry is always open to the Hawthorn community. If your family could use some support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Sol Cabachuela to arrange a pick-up time at cabachuelas@hawthorn73.org or by text at 224-370-2090.
12/02/25 - Giving Tuesday
Celebrating Our Amazing Hawthorn Substitutes! 🎉
On 11/21/25, we proudly celebrated Substitute Appreciation Day and recognized the incredible individuals who step in to support our classrooms with flexibility, care, and professionalism. Our substitutes play a vital role in ensuring learning continues smoothly when staff are away.
Thank you to all of our dedicated subs for your commitment to Hawthorn’s students and staff—we appreciate you! 🦅
Hawthorn District 73 Connection Corner
The Connection Corner is your go-to space for insights and resources that strengthen the home–school connection while supporting your child’s social, emotional, and behavioral growth.
Breakfast: The Best Way to Start the Day!
At Hawthorn, we know that a healthy breakfast fuels success! Students who start their morning with a nutritious meal are more alert, focused, and ready to learn. Breakfast is available every day at all Hawthorn schools for all students.
Start the day strong and have your child join us for a morning meal that powers learning!
Spanish
Russian
Ukrainian
☀️ Summer Sneak Peek!
We know winter hasn’t even arrived yet, but we’re already dreaming about sunshine and summer fun! 🌻 Mark your calendars — Hawthorn’s summer programs are set for June 8–26, Monday through Friday (no school on June 19).
Our summer lineup includes Extended School Year (ESY), Early Start Kindergarten (ESK), Hawthorn Enrichment Institute (HEI), Hawthorn Music Camp, Summer Scholars, and Volleyball Camp.
More information about each program and registration details will be shared after winter break.
Lincoln (PreK) ESY Dates: TBD
Hearing and Vision Screening
During October and November, vision and hearing screenings will be conducted during school hours:
Vision Screening: State-required screenings are for preschool, kindergarten, 2nd, and 8th graders, students with Individualized Education Plans, and new students to the District. School vision screenings aren't a replacement for full eye exams by a professional. If your child has had an eye exam within the past year and we have the report on file, they can skip the screening. Otherwise, it's required for students in the mandated groups. If your child wears prescription glasses, please make sure they are wearing them to school.
Hearing Screening: All students in preschool, kindergarten, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, students with Individualized Education Plans, and new students to the District will be screened annually for hearing.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your school nurse.
Become a Hawthorn Helper!
Join D73’s volunteer program, Hawthorn Helpers, and be part of a caring and dedicated team of parents and community members who support our schools!
📌 Learn more here: Hawthorn Helper Information
📧 Questions? Contact Family Liaison Sol Cabachuela at cabachuleas@hawthorn73.org
Attention Families of 8th Graders in the Vernon Hills High School District
If your student is new to Hawthorn and you live in the Vernon Hills High School attendance area, please reach out to begin the high school registration process:
📧 v.registration@d128.org
📞 847-932-2088
Additionally, if you are a current Hawthorn family and move into the Vernon Hills High School district during the school year, you’ll also need to contact the high school to register your student.
Starting this process early helps ensure a smooth transition to high school!
Supporting the Transition to High School – Wanderlight Pathways
Parents/Guardians of 8th Graders: It’s never too early to start preparing for the transition to high school!
Wanderlight Pathways, founded by Golden Apple Award–winning educator Todd Katz, offers one-on-one and small group coaching for students in grades 9–11. This program focuses on executive functioning, leadership, and building confidence to help students thrive in high school.
Wanderlight complements the strong foundation built in middle school by empowering students with the tools they need to navigate increased independence.
🌐 Learn more at wanderlightpathways.com
📞 Contact: 224-255-3087
Join Cub Scout Pack 273
Looking for a fun and meaningful way for your K–5th child to learn, grow, and make friends?
Join Cub Scout Pack 273 — where adventure, character-building, and lifelong memories begin!
This fall’s lineup of hands-on activities include:
McHenry Farm Stroll
Boo Camp
Halloween Party
Zoo Field Trip
Snacks Thanksgiving
Community Service at Feed My Starving Children
… and so much more!
Give your child the chance to explore, lead, and thrive — all while having a blast. Come be part of the Pack 273 family! Scan the QR code on the flyer or click this link to find out how your child can join the fun with Pack 273!
Get Kicks This Winter with Ela Soccer Club! ⚽
Ela Soccer Club is now registering for its Winter 2025–2026 youth soccer programs at the SoccerPlex & Sports Center in Lake Zurich! Programs are available for ages 3 through 14, with opportunities for beginners and competitive players alike.
🔹 Recreational Leagues (U4–U14)
🔹 Total Skills Academy (K–8th grade)
🔹 Junior Academy (ages 3–5)
🔹 3v3 League & Futsal for travel players
🔹 Half Day & Full Day Camps
🔹 Special Winter Break Camps
💻 Learn more & register: www.elasoccer.com
📅 Sessions begin as early as October 22!
Programs fill quickly—space is limited! Don't miss your chance to kick off the winter season with fun and skill-building on the field
