Special Edition D73 Digest
Hawthorn's Key to 73 Educational Foundation
Let us reintroduce ourselves!
As the official nonprofit partner of Hawthorn District 73, the Key to 73's mission is to advocate for and fund initiatives that empower every student to succeed, every day.
With the support of the Hawthorn community, the foundation helps provide resources to help students stay healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Whether through donations, sponsorships, or volunteering, your involvement makes a meaningful difference.
Check Out the Key to 73 Newsletter and Subscribe!
Want to stay in the loop on how Key to 73 is making a difference in our Hawthorn District 73 community? Subscribe to the Key to 73 newsletter for updates on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and the impact of programs like the Food Pantry, Coat Drive, Student Grants, and more!
Tee up for a great cause! Key to 73 and Hawthorn PTO are hosting the Annual Hawthorn D73 Golf Outing on June 6 at White Deer Run Golf Club, and we want YOU to join us for a day of golf, fun, and giving back!
Your participation helps fund vital programs like the Back-to-School Supply Drive, Coat Drive, Food Pantry, Holiday Gift Drive, Student Grants, and more—supporting students and families in our Hawthorn District 73 community.
We can't wait to see you on the course! This annual event unites our community for a day of golf, fun, and fundraising—all in support of Hawthorn students and staff! 100% of proceeds go directly toward ready-to-learn initiatives.
Let’s drive change FORE our schools and students! ⛳💙
Share Your Feedback: Illinois 5Essentials Survey
Time is running out! We are facing a critical deadline for the 5Essentials Survey, and your voice is desperately needed to ensure your child's school is the best it can be.
The 5Essentials Survey, developed by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, is not just another survey. It's a vital tool that directly impacts the decisions we make about your child's education and school environment. We need to understand your perspective on our school's climate and culture NOW.
Why is this urgent?
The survey closes March 28, 2024. We are in the final push and need every parent's input to get a clear picture of our schools.
Your feedback directly shapes our action plans. We use this data to identify areas for immediate improvement and to create targeted strategies to enhance your child's learning experience.
Don't let your voice go unheard!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 5Essentials Client Services at 1-866-440-1874 or impact-surveys@uchicago.edu.
Hawthorn Food Pantry Distribution
📅 Date: March 19
⏰ Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Middle North School, 201 Hawthorn Parkway
This event is open to all our families. If you are in need of food or have any questions, please contact 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!
Check Out the March Family Liaison Newsletter!
Stay connected with the latest resources, events, and important updates in the March Family Liaison Newsletter! Don't miss out on helpful information designed to support our students and families. Read it here.
Hawthorn BPAC
D73 BPAC, in collaboration with D75, D76, and D120, invites you to a special parent presentation and workshop with North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic on March 13. Learn about the free legal assistance available to families on topics including:
✅ Pro Bono Services
✅ Domestic Violence Support
✅ Housing Assistance
*Dinner and childcare will be available*
March PTO Meeting – All Are Welcome!
Join us for the March PTO Meeting at Aspen School on Tuesday, March 11, at 7:00 PM in the Library.
- Free on-site childcare will be available in the cafeteria.
- A virtual meeting link is available upon request—email secretary@hawthornpto.org for access.
We hope to see you there!
Rock the Bald with VHPD to Honor a Hawthorn Eagle!
Join the Vernon Hills Police Department in honoring Lilley Sloniker, a proud Hawthorn Eagle, at this year’s St. Baldrick’s Foundation event!
- Saturday, March 22
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Hawthorn Mall
Sign up or donate to the VHPD team here: St. Baldrick’s Team Page. Let’s show our support for Lilley and all kids battling cancer!
ISBE Parent Survey for Families of Students with Disabilities
Hawthorn District 73 is part of the 2025 Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Parent Survey, which gathers feedback on how well schools involve parents in their child’s education. The results help shape school improvements and are included in ISBE’s Annual Performance Report to the U.S. Department of Education.
Between February and May, selected parents/guardians may receive a letter from Measurement Inc. with a survey link, QR code, and a student-specific ID number to complete the survey online. The letter also provides assistance options for completing the survey in English or Spanish or retrieving a lost student ID.
Your participation is important—thank you for your feedback!
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*
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.
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
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).
2025 Vernon Hills Park District Summer Day Camp Guide
Looking for summer camp options for your child? Check out the 2025 Summer Day Camp Guide for a variety of exciting programs to keep kids engaged and active all summer long!
Explore camp options and find the perfect fit for your family here: 2025 Summer Day Camp Guide.
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!
Libertyville Summer Chess Camp
Looking for a fun and educational summer activity? The Libertyville Summer Chess Camp is open to children ages 6-13 and welcomes players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
📅 Camp 1: June 16-20
📅 Camp 2: June 23-27
📍 Location: Libertyville Civic Center
🕐 Time: Monday – Friday, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
💰 Cost: $349 per child ($50 early bird discount available until April 15)
Camp activities include interactive lessons, practice games, and tournament play with prizes. Chess boards, pieces, and clocks will be provided.
For more details or to register, click below or email contact@neighborhooodchess.com
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!
Upcoming Recognition- School Maintenance Worker Day on March 7! Join us in celebrating our wonderful maintenance workers! Help us spread cheer by sharing your gratitude and appreciation!