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.

All Hawthorn families are invited to join us for a special Día de los Muertos celebration on Thursday, October 23, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Hawthorn Dual Language building.

This district-wide event will be filled with culture, tradition, and community as we come together to honor and remember our loved ones.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant cultural tradition celebrated in Mexico and many parts of Latin America from October 31 to November 2. It is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away through joyful gatherings, music, food, and colorful altars called ofrendas.

Rather than mourning, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life—filled with love, memories, and a deep connection between families and their ancestors. Symbols like marigolds, sugar skulls, and candles are commonly used to guide spirits back for a short visit with those who remember them.

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 79041 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.

Effective Nov 1, 2025, Quest will be introducing a new hamburger product that contains soy. Informational signage (see image) will be displayed at the point of service throughout the month of November. To view menus visit menus, visit myschoolquest.com.

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!

It takes a village—and we’re so grateful for ours! Thank you to everyone who supports our students, staff, and schools each and every day.

October - National Principal Month

10/24 - IPA (Illinois) Principal Day

10/27 - Occupational Therapist Day

Everyone had so much fun at last Tuesday's McTeacher's Night for Elementary North! Let's give our teachers & staff a HUGE shoutout and congratulations for raising $1179.11!

All Upcoming McTeacher Nights are on Tuesdays 4-7 PM

• Oct 21 - Aspen and Elementary South
• Oct 28 - Middle School South / Middle School North

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: Wednesday, 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!

Building Resilience in Middle School

Middle school can be a time of big emotions and growing independence. In this session, Hillary Davis will share strategies from the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) framework to help parents and caregivers understand and respond to anxiety in supportive ways. Learn how to help your child tolerate discomfort, build confidence, and develop the resilience needed to thrive during these formative years.

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.

Stay connected with all the exciting happenings, events, and opportunities from our amazing Hawthorn PTO! The latest edition of their newsletter is now live—don’t miss out on important updates and ways to get involved.

📬 Read it here: Hawthorn PTO Newsletter

Thank you to our PTO for their continued support of our students, staff, and school community!

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:

Thursday, Oct 23 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, Oct 25 @ 7:00 PM

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

Calling all 4th–8th grade girls! Come try out for the Vernon Hills Cougar Girls Feeder Basketball program and take your skills to the next level! This season, the program is planning for smaller team sizes to maximize playing time and development opportunities.

📅 Tryout Dates:

• Monday, October 20

• Wednesday, October 22
  ⏰ Check-in: 6:00 PM (please do not arrive before 6:00 PM)
  ⏰ Tryouts: 6:30–8:00 PM
  📍 Location: Vernon Hills High School – Main Gym & Field House

👕 All players will receive a numbered tryout t-shirt.
🚫 Parents and siblings are not allowed in the gym during tryouts.

📣 Teams will be announced Friday, October 24 at vhcougars.org

💰 Tryout Fee: $25 per player

For questions, contact Commissioner Mike Wagrowski at mgwagrowski@yahoo.com. Let’s grow the program together! 🏀

The Vernon Hills Park District is now registering for its Youth Winter Basketball League for students in grades 1–8! This recreational program focuses on skill development, teamwork, and having fun on the court.

📅 Registration Deadline: October 26

Bring the whole family to the Stevenson Math Carnival, a fun, free event hosted by the Stevenson High School Math Team! Designed for students in grades 3–5, this event features engaging math games and activities that make learning fun for all.

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Stevenson High School – West Building
🚗 Parking: Lot B (off Half-Day Rd) or Lot E (off Port Clinton Rd)
💲 Cost: Free!

Don't miss this opportunity to explore math in a creative and exciting way!

Get ready for some spooky science fun at Mundelein High School’s HallowSTEAM Night on Tuesday, October 29, from 6–8 p.m.! Try your hand at driving a robot, holding a snake, and even competing in a three-story egg drop. Families can also enjoy a variety of hands-on STEM challenges led by students. Click this link for more information!

The Lake County Clerk's Office is thrilled to announce the 2026 "I Voted" Sticker Design Contest, running from September 15th through October 31, 2025. There will be prizes by grade level, and the Grand Prize Winner will receive a gift card and have their design printed and distributed as the official 2026 "I Voted" sticker at polling places across Lake County! Click this link for more information!

The Vernon Hills Park District is celebrating fall with a lineup of special events throughout October! From festive family fun to seasonal activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

🎃 Check out the full list of Harvest Happenings here:

Don’t miss out on the autumn fun happening in our community!

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