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.

Please note that Monday, November 24 will follow a Wednesday early release schedule due to Parent/Teacher Conferences. This is a new adjustment for this year, so be sure to plan accordingly.

On Monday, November 10, at 6:30 a.m., the Hawthorn School District Office sent a text alert to families reminding everyone to use caution and patience on the roads due to potentially poor weather conditions. 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.

Report cards will be available in the PowerSchool Portal on Monday, November 24 at 3:00 p.m. Please log in to view your student’s grades. If you need help accessing your account, contact your school office.

Your child’s Illinois Assessment for Readiness (IAR) and Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) reports are now available in your secure PowerSchool Parent Portal. Additional information and instructions for accessing your child’s reports are summarized below. If you need these instructions in a language other than English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, or Korean, please contact cooksa@hawthorn73.org for translation assistance.

Hawthorn District 73’s Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee (MPAC) invites all families to join us on Tuesday, November 18 from 6:00–7:00 PM at Hawthorn Elementary South (430 Aspen Dr., Vernon Hills). This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families, share ideas, and help plan future cultural and community events. Light refreshments will be provided. Children are welcome!

For questions or support, contact:
Sol Cabachuela: cabachuelas@hawthorn73.org

Nicole Merryfield Coy: merryfieldcoyn@hawthorn73.org

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!

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.

Help your school zoom ahead while supporting families in need this season! We’re collecting nonperishable food items and monetary 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.

The Key to 73 Foundation is working to support 200 Hawthorn students this holiday season—and we need your help!

There are three easy ways to give:

1. Donate Toys – New, unwrapped gifts for PreK–8th grade students. Drop off at the Hawthorn District Office by December 6.
   
2. Make a Monetary Donation – We’ll do the shopping for you! Donate here or scan the QR code.
3. Host a Donation Box – We’ll deliver it and pick it up when full.

Check out the Holiday Wishlist for age-specific gift ideas or visit the Amazon Wish List via the QR code. Your generosity will help make the season brighter for local families in need. For questions, contact Sol Cabachuela at cabachuelas@hawthorn73.org.

Illinois School Board Day is about recognizing and thanking our Hawthorn District 73 Board of Education for their dedicated leadership, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community.

November 15 honors the vital role school boards play in shaping the future of education—setting policy, ensuring accountability, and advocating for excellence in every classroom. Thank you, Board Members, for your unwavering support and for making Hawthorn a place where learning and leadership thrive!

Building Resilience in the Middle School Years

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.

Registration Preferred→ Click here.

To Join Google Meet → Click here.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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