D73 Digest

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.

As a reminder, report cards will be posted to your parent portal tomorrow, June 2.

The Nest will remain open throughout the summer to support D73 families with food, resources, and community support. Families are welcome to stop by on June 3, July 8, and August 12 from 3:30–5:30 PM at Middle School North, Door 20. Parking is available in the Dual Language lot. Because community doesn’t take the summer off.

Hawthorn District 73 is excited to offer a FREE Summer Breakfast Program through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) during summer school. All children in the community are welcome to participate!

• Serving Dates: June 8 – June 26 (No meals served on Friday, June 19)
• Time: 7:45–8:15 AM
• Location: Dual Language School | 810 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills

Families can enjoy healthy, convenient grab-and-go breakfasts that meet USDA nutrition guidelines. Meals are free for all children 18 and under, and no registration is required—just stop by and start your morning strong!

The Key to 73 Golf Outing is FRIDAY, and there’s still time to join the fun! Every registration directly supports programs and opportunities that help D73 students and families thrive through the district’s whole child approach. Gather some friends and help make this event a success for our students.

Not a golfer? You can still support D73 students through the Key to 73 Silent Auction, happening now! Bid on exciting items and experiences while helping fund programs that support students and families across Hawthorn District 73. Every bid directly supports our school community.

• 🐔 Raising Cane’s $100 Gift Basket

• 🍽️ Perry’s Gift Card

• 🏊 Vernon Hills Park District Gift Basket featuring Family Pool Passes

• 🎁 And so much more!

• June 18, 2026

Thank you to everyone in the Hawthorn community who participated in the Key to 73 logo vote! After reviewing community feedback, the Hawthorn District 73 Education Foundation officially selected a new logo that reflects the Foundation’s mission of supporting students, families, and opportunities across the district. The refreshed design will begin appearing on Foundation communications, events, and fundraising materials moving forward. Thank you for helping shape the future look of Key to 73!

Thank you to everyone who submitted thoughtful and creative name ideas for Hawthorn’s community resource hub. We are excited to officially announce that the Hawthorn food pantry will now be known as The Nest!

More than just a food pantry, The Nest represents a place of care, comfort, and support for Hawthorn families, providing food, household essentials, seasonal clothing, activity support, and other resources when needed. Congratulations and thank you to Isabel Montoya, Middle South Secretary, for submitting the winning name!

Do you have a child who will be between the ages of 3–5 during the 2026–2027 school year? Hawthorn District 73’s Lincoln Early Learning Center offers a variety of preschool programs designed to support early learning through play-based instruction aligned to the Illinois Early Learning Development Standards. Upcoming preschool screening dates for the 2026–2027 school year are:

• June 5, 2026
• September 18, 2026
• November 11, 2026
• December 2, 2026
• January 15, 2027
• April 7, 2027

Programs at Lincoln include blended preschool, bilingual preschool, and specialized early childhood programs for students with developmental needs. All preschool programs are held at Lincoln Early Learning Center, 200 W. Maple Ave., Mundelein. If you are interested in setting up an appointment for your child for screening, please contact Principal Secretary America Lanuza at 847-949-2720.

Hawthorn schools use Share Tables in the cafeteria to help reduce food waste and support students. A Share Table is a place where students can leave unopened or unused school-provided food items they do not want, and other students can take them if they are still hungry or would like a snack for later.

This simple system helps ensure good food doesn’t go to waste, supports students who may need a little extra during the day, and promotes a caring school community. For safety, only items like unopened packages, whole fruit (with a peel), and juice boxes may be shared—items from home or opened food are not permitted.

School meals are designed to be well-balanced—for example, lunches include fruits/vegetables and multiple food groups to support student nutrition.

Hawthorn District 73 follows a Local Wellness Policy to support students’ health, well-being, and success in school. This policy outlines how the district provides nutritious meals, promotes physical activity, and supports social-emotional wellness for all students. It also ensures our schools meet state and federal guidelines for school nutrition programs and wellness practices.

Families can review the full Wellness Policy to learn more about how Hawthorn supports healthy habits both in and out of the classroom.

The Vernon Hills Park District is launching Power Prep: Teen Strength Training, a new fitness program inspired by feedback from Hawthorn middle school students! Designed for ages 13–15, the program helps students build confidence in the weight room while learning proper lifting technique, safe movement patterns, and healthy fitness habits. Sessions will run throughout June and July with both morning and evening options available. This program is a great opportunity for students who are new to strength training or want to feel more prepared before entering high school athletics and fitness programs.

The Kirk Players are offering free summer theater workshops for children ages 7–12 this summer. Workshops will give students the opportunity to explore acting, theater games, creativity, and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment. Families can view the attached flyer for workshop schedules, locations, and registration details.

Vernon Hills High School is offering several hands-on Summer STEM Camps for students entering grades 1–8. Camps will run Monday–Thursday from 1:30–3:30 PM and give students the opportunity to explore robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, coding, and problem-solving through fun, interactive activities.

Camp offerings include:

• LEGO Robotics Camp (June 15–18)
• Create with AI (June 22–25)
• STEM Olympics Camp (June 29–July 2)

The cost is $36 per camp with staff discount ($72 regular price). Families can view the attached flyer or register online for more information.

In partnership with the Village of Vernon Hills, families can meet with a social services clinician to get connected to resources like housing, food assistance, and mental health support.

📍 Aspen Drive Library (Study Room E)
🕑 Fridays, May 1 & June 5 | 2–5 PM
🚶‍♀️ Drop-in, first come–first served

Starting kindergarten or 1st grade this fall? Kick off the journey with Get Ready with Girl Scouts™—a fun summer program designed for girls new to Girl Scouts! From activity books delivered to your home to summer activities and community events, it’s the perfect way to make friends and start your adventure.

🗓️ Sign up between April 1 – July 31

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!