D73 Digest!
Your Bi-Weekly Scoop on Hawthorn Happenings
2025-2026 Calendar Approved
The Hawthorn Board of Education discussed and approved the 2025-2026 school calendar during the January 16 meeting.
Newest Podcast Episode: INNOVATE
In this episode we discuss how generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and NotebookLM can assist in creating materials that help students grapple with non-fiction texts.
Edutopia article: https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-generative-ai-can-support-nonfiction-reading
Preschool & Early Childhood Resource Fair
Join Hawthorn Lincoln Early Learning Center at the Preschool and Early Childhood Resource Fair on Saturday, January 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Aspen Drive Library. Discover the programs and benefits our school offers to support your child's early learning journey!
Title 1 Compact: What You Need to Know
Hawthorn School District 73 is committed to ensuring learning for all students. As a Title I Schoolwide Program, our School of Dual Language receives federal funds to provide additional resources that support student success. The amount of funding is based on the number of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
As part of this program, we create a "learning compact" — a voluntary agreement between families, school staff, and students that outlines how we work together to support student achievement.
Join us for a brief informational session to learn more about the Title I compact:
📅 Date: Wednesday, January 29
⏰ Time: 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: School of Dual Language (before the BPAC event)
We hope to see you there!
Upcoming BPAC Event
The Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) invites you to an informative session on ACCESS Testing, Seesaw, Google Classroom, and other learning applications available to our students.
📅 Date: Wednesday, January 29
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Dual Language/Townline Cafeteria
Light snacks and childcare will be provided.
Hawthorn Food Pantry Distribution
Open to all our families February 12 from 4-6 p.m. at Middle North School - 201 Hawthorn Parkway. If you are in need of food, or have any questions please reach out to Gabriela Cervantes at 847-990-4245 or cervantesg@hawthorn73.org
If you are interested in donating to the food pantry, items can be dropped off at the District Office (841 W. End Ct.) or at Middle North. Thank you for your support!
Stay Healthy This Season: When to Keep Your Child Home from School
It is the cold and flu season! Children who appear ill should not be sent to school. In order for your child to be available for learning and to maintain a healthy environment, it is very important for you to keep your child at home if he or she:
Has any COVID-19 symptoms.
Has an oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or more. He or she should not return to school until fever-free for 24 hours, without fever-reducing medications, since many children experience a recurrence of fever.
Has become sick with flu-like symptoms, or experiences fast or troubled breathing.
Is not drinking enough fluids.
Experiences a return of flu symptoms with a fever and worsening cough.
Has a fever with a rash.
Has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, conjunctivitis or impetigo. He or she should be on antibiotic medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Has vomited more than once or has had persistent diarrhea during the night or into the morning. He or she should be without these symptoms for 48 hours before returning to school.
Has chicken pox, he or she must be excluded from school until all lesions are crusted over.
Has head lice.
Has a rash of unknown origin.
The school nurse may require a note from the doctor stating that your child is not contagious and/or is clear to attend school.
Thank you for helping to minimize the transmission of illness in our schools!
Summer Programs 🌻
Please mark your calendar for next summer’s program dates!
Hawthorn Summer Program offerings include Hawthorn Enrichment Institute (HEI), Hawthorn Music Camp, Extended School Year (ESY), Summer Scholars, and Early Start Kindergarten. More information about program offerings and registration will be shared after winter break.
Summer Program Dates: Monday, June 9 - Tuesday, July 2.
Session 1: June 9 - June 18 (HEI, ESY, Summer Scholars, and Early Start Kindergarten)
Session 2: June 23-July 2 (HEI, Music Camp, ESY, Summer Scholars, and Early Start Kindergarten)
No School: Thursday 6/19, Thursday 7/3, all Fridays
Lincoln Early Learning Center ESY Dates: Wed, June 4th - Tues, July 1st
No School: Thursday, June 19, all Fridays
*If all of Hawthorn’s Emergency Days are used dates will shift to June 5th - July 2nd*
D73 Spiritwear!
Looking for new D73 clothes and accessories for your students for this school year? Look no further! Be sure to check out the D73 Spiritwear Site: https://www.wamiswag.com/shops/hawthornd73
Hawthorn Helpers
Join D73’s volunteer program, Hawthorn Helpers, and be a part of a dedicated team of caring parents and vibrant community members! We are welcoming new volunteers for our new school year! To learn more click on the following link: Hawthorn Helper Information. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Family Liaison Gabriela Cervantes at cervantesg@hawthorn73.org.
Explore LINQ Connect: Your Hub for Managing School Meals
Visit our LINQ Connect page to discover all the features, how-to guides, and essential eligibility information you need to manage your child's school meal experience seamlessly. LINQ Connect provides a comprehensive suite of tools that allows you to access your account safely, whether through our app or online. Enjoy features such as automatic payments, low balance notifications, and detailed real-time transaction reports. With a unified dashboard, you can effortlessly manage funds and monitor meal activities for all the district students in your household. Experience convenience at your fingertips with LINQ Connect!
Looking for Mental Health Support?
We are excited to announce that our district has access to ReferralGPS, a valuable resource designed to connect families with a Care Navigator. Whether you have insurance or not, ReferralGPS will help you find the right therapist or provider for your needs. This program is funded by a grant through the Regional Office of Education (ROE).
Updates from Vernon Hills Park District!
The Vernon Hills Park District has some exciting news to share! Their recent newsletter introduces their new Executive Director and announces the release of the Winter/Spring Program Guide. Explore a variety of programs and activities for the upcoming seasons and get to know the leadership guiding the Park District forward.
Check out the newsletter for all the details and start planning your winter and spring fun!
8th annual Brad’s Bookworms
Congressman Brad Schneider's initiative to inspire young readers! From now until February 1st, students in grades K-5 are encouraged to read 10 books, with the help of family members, and log their progress. Once completed, simply fill out the online form on the Congressman’s website.
Students who complete the program will be invited to a special ceremony with Congressman Schneider to celebrate their achievement! They’ll also have the chance to participate in a bookmark design contest, with the winning design shared with other readers. Let’s get reading!
We Need Super Subs Like You!
Are you passionate about education and looking for a flexible way to contribute to our community? Hawthorn District 73 is on the lookout for enthusiastic and dedicated substitute teachers to join our team! Whether you’re looking to inspire young minds occasionally or more frequently, we have opportunities that fit your schedule. Learn more about how you can make a difference and check out the perks of becoming a "Super Sub" by visiting our substitute teacher page at Hawthorn Substitute Careers. Join us in shaping futures—one class at a time!
Stay up-to-date with Hawthorn District 73 events! Tap the calendar icon to access our District calendar webpage, where you can discover all the upcoming activities across our nine schools. Don’t miss out on any important dates – visit now to plan ahead!
FYI Upcoming Celebration Days
2.15.25: Nat’l School Resource Officer Day