Special Edition 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.

The safety of our students is our highest priority. Recently, we have seen an increase in bus behavior incidents that can impact student safety and a driver’s ability to focus on the road.

School buses are an extension of the school day, and all students are expected to follow our SOAR expectations while riding the bus:

Remain seated, keep hands and objects to yourself, and follow driver directions.

Sit appropriately and be ready for your stop.

Use an appropriate voice, keep aisles clear, and care for bus property.

Use respectful language and actions toward peers and adults.

Throughout January, bus expectations will be reinforced at all schools. When concerns arise, administrators will respond using the actions and consequences outlined in the Student Handbook.

Families play an important role in supporting safe bus behavior. We encourage you to review these expectations with your child and remind them that following these rules helps keep everyone safe.

We appreciate your partnership as we work together to ensure safe transportation for all students. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school administrator.

Each fall, winter, and spring, students participate in a variety of academic assessments that help us understand their strengths, areas for growth, and progress over time. Your child’s winter MAP Growth (Grades 2-8) and FastBridge (Grades K-1) assessment reports are now available in your secure PowerSchool Parent Portal account. Additional information and instructions for accessing the reports are summarized in our Letter for Families. [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.]

At Hawthorn District 73, we are committed to supporting the growth of the whole child, including their social and emotional well-being. One way we do this is through benchmark screenings using the SAEBRS/MySAEBRS tool, administered three times per year to help identify and support student needs.

🔹 Kindergarten – Grade 5: Click here for more information
🔹 Grades 6 – 8: Click here for more information

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s development!

🌟 To learn more about the social-emotional screening tools and programs at Hawthorn, click here!

Parents are invited to attend a Kindergarten Information Meeting on February 4 at 6 p.m. at Middle School North (201 Hawthorn Parkway). Presentations will be offered in English and Spanish and will cover registration, dual language options, a typical kindergarten day, and an opportunity to meet our principals.

This meeting is for parents only.

We’re proud to share that Hawthorn District 73 was highlighted in the December 2025 “In the Schools” edition of the Lake County Regional Office of Education newsletter for the impactful work of the Key to 73 Hawthorn Education Foundation. The feature celebrates our community’s dedication—like the Race to Restock campaign and the Holiday Toy Drive serving hundreds of families—which reflects our mission of “Learning for all. Every one. Every day.”

Thank you to our families, staff, and partners for the work you do every day to make Hawthorn a place where all students are supported and thrive!

Two Elementary North students stepped into big leadership roles as Superintendents for the Day, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how our district is led.

This experience was made possible through the Key to 73 Foundation and PTO Golf Outing, where community support helps create meaningful opportunities for our students.

Over winter break, Lincolnshire Morningstar Rotary Club President Dale McClain generously delivered 100+ pairs of shoes and socks for D73 students, with additional support from the Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield.

These items will be available to families when they visit the pantry and whenever a need is identified in one of our school buildings.

This is what community looks like. Thank you for showing up and supporting Hawthorn families!

Thank you Mylisha Harvey from the Lake County Clerk's Office for spearheading a food drive at the Waukegan County Courthouse!

We’re so grateful they chose Hawthorn District 73 Food Pantry as the recipient of these generous donations. This is exactly what community partnership looks like. Thank you, Mylisha!

It is time to Light up the Night at the 6th grade dance and social!

On Friday January 23rd come and party at the Neon Glow Dance and Social.

Located at the Sullivan Center in the Walnut Room from 7 to 8:30 pm. Cost is $5.00 per 6th grader.

Register using this link: bit.ly/D73dance

Parents you can participate too! We are looking for volunteers to help! To Volunteer please visit this link: bit.ly/6th-grade-social-2026

Come Light Up the Night!

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.

We’re launching a new Hawthorn Shoutouts campaign to celebrate our incredible educators — and we want your help! Families are invited to submit a short video of their child thanking their teacher or staff member and sharing something special about them.

Selected videos may be featured on our district social media channels and in future newsletters.

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

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

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!

Do you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who is currently serving or has served in the U.S. Armed Forces? The Village of Vernon Hills, in partnership with American Legion Vernon Post 1247, is seeking honorees for their Military Banner Program.

Each honoree will be celebrated with a light pole banner displayed proudly throughout the community. The program is free and the application process is simple—it can be submitted by anyone, including a family member, friend, or neighbor.

This is a wonderful way to recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans and active-duty members, especially from the next generation of local heroes.

Learn more and apply here:
Call for Honorees
Military Banners Info

Thank you for helping us honor those who serve.

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 spring's lineup of fun, hands-on activities include:

• Quiver Fest (archery)

• Yeti Quest

• Police Dept Field Trip

• Winter Cabin Camping

• Pinewood Derby Races

• Community Service

… 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!

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

Congressman Schneider’s Brad’s Bookworms program is now open for the 2025–2026 school year. Students are invited to read 10 books with the help of a parent or guardian and submit their progress online at https://schneider.house.gov/students/brads-bookworms. All participants will be invited to a special celebration with Congressman Schneider in early 2026 and will receive a certificate. Students may also enter the annual Bookmark Design Contest. Forms can be completed online.

Christ Lutheran Preschool is now accepting enrollments for the 2025–2026 school year! Welcoming children ages 2.5 to 5, the program offers a warm, inclusive environment where every child can learn and grow. Come see what makes this preschool special—all are welcome!

📞 (847-367-5791) For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Christ Lutheran Preschool today.

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