D73 Digest

The D73 Digest is your go-to source for Hawthorn District news, updates, and events. Whether you're looking for important reminders, celebrations, or ways to stay involved, you’ll find everything you need right here.

🥫 Help your school zoom ahead while supporting families in need this season! We’re collecting nonperishable food items and donations to help provide full Thanksgiving meals for Hawthorn families. Please bring your donations to school and help cross the finish line!

📍The district office is also accepting donations from the community!

🛒 No time to shop? No problem! Click the link below to make a quick online donation. Every little bit helps us cross the finish line together!

💛 Let’s show what makes Hawthorn special — a caring community that always comes through for one another.

📧 Questions? Contact Family Liaison Sol Cabachuela at cabachuelas@hawthorn73.org

Join us for the Hawthorn Hustle 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, a fun and family-friendly event supporting Hawthorn PTO programs and activities! Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, it's a great way to support our schools and promote wellness in the community. Register or learn more here: hawthornpto.org/fundraising/hawthorn-hustle-5k Lace up and join the fun!

📅 Date: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
📍 Location: Century Park, Vernon Hills
🎉 Open to all ages and fitness levels!

We've noticed some families are not receiving emails or text alerts due to full inboxes or not being opted in. To ensure you stay informed, please follow the steps below to update your contact preferences for Hawthorn District 73’s mass communication system:

• Emails: Add no-reply@hawthorn73.org to your contacts or safe senders list to prevent messages from going to spam.
• Phone Calls: Save 847-973-5958 in your contacts as "Hawthorn District 73" so you recognize important calls and they don’t show up as spam.
• Text Messages: To receive text alerts, text “Yes” to 87569 from your cell phone (must be listed in PowerSchool).

These simple steps help ensure you receive timely updates, emergency alerts, and key information throughout the school year. Thank you for staying connected!

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.

Middle School North and Middle School South will be participating in Elyssa’s Mission’s Signs of Suicide (SOS) on November 3, 2025. 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 read the Elyssa's Mission Parent Letter.

Today’s students learn, connect, and explore online more than ever before, making it essential for parents and caregivers to stay informed about their digital world.

With the Securly Home App, you can monitor your child’s online activity at home on their school-issued devices. You can also sign up to receive weekly email reports with a snapshot of their internet use. This information can help you understand your child’s digital habits, support their learning, and spark meaningful conversations about safe and responsible online behavior.

See the Securly Letter for information on how to download the Securly Home App.

Please email help@securly.com if you have any additional questions about your account.

It’s that time again — Parent Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! Don’t forget to sign up through your student’s school to meet with teachers and discuss progress, goals, and ways to keep your child shining bright. ✨

🗓 Conference Dates:

• Monday, November 24 – After school

• Tuesday, November 25 – Morning only

  
  

Please remember there is no school November 25–28.

📣 New this year! Monday, November 24 will follow an Early Release Schedule to allow time for conferences. Be sure to mark your calendar and make any necessary arrangements.

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 (PK) ESY Dates: TBD

We’re excited to welcome families to our Educate & Empower series—designed to equip parents and guardians with valuable tools and strategies to support the whole child socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. When schools and families partner, students SOAR!

Hawthorn is proud to partner with the Stevenson High School consortium of feeder schools to host a special community event featuring Dr. Doug Bolton, author of Untethered: Creating Communities to Help Our Kids Feel More Connected, Less Anxious, and More Grounded.

📅 Date: Thursday, November 6
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: West Auditorium, Stevenson High School

This evening will focus on how a teen’s community impacts wellness and academic success. All parents, guardians, and caregivers are welcome!

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 elementary students during the week of December 1, 2025. This assembly 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. Please review this letter for additional details about the Be Seen and Heard© program.

Are you interested in learning more about the Be Seen and Heard© program? Hawthorn District 73 and the Hawthorn PTO invite parents from all District 73 elementary schools to attend an informational meeting prior to our student assembly programs. Please join us via Google Meet on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. to meet with our Be Seen and Heard© program presenter, ask questions, or inquire about additional resources. Many thanks are extended to the Hawthorn PTO for their partnership in hosting this special parent event!

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.

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! We’re welcoming new volunteers for the 2025–2026 school year.

📌 Learn more here: Hawthorn Helper Information
📧 Questions? Contact Family Liaison Sol Cabachuela at cabachuleas@hawthorn73.org

Get ready for a whimsical adventure as Vernon Hills High School proudly presents Seussical the Musical! Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss, where imagination runs wild and beloved characters like Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and the Whos come to life on stage. Join us for a heartwarming tale full of fun, friendship, and unforgettable music that the whole family will love. Don’t miss this magical celebration of creativity!

Tickets are on sale now exclusively at vhfatickets.com

Showtimes:

Saturday, Nov 1 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov 2 @ 2:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

Adults $5

Children (under 12) $4

VHHS Students $4

vhfatickets.com

We’re excited to share a new tutoring opportunity for D73 middle school students, organized by Vernon Hills High School’s National Honor Society! This program is open to all students, including English learners, and will take place at the Aspen Drive Library. Students can drop in as needed, but are encouraged to fill out the interest form ahead of time.

📍 Location: Aspen Drive Library
🗓️ Drop-in format – flexible and welcoming

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

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!

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