D73 Digest!
Your Bi-Weekly Scoop on Hawthorn Happenings
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.
Current Standing - We need at least 20% parent participation per building to receive our survey results
- Elementary North: 20% (+4% since 3/12)
- Aspen: 17% (+2% since 3/12)
- Dual Language: 14% (+2% since 3/12)
- Hawthorn School for Young Learners: 13% (+3% since 3/12)
- Townline: 12% (+1% since 3/12)
- Middle School North: 12% (+2% since 3/12)
- Middle School South: 11% (+2% since 3/12)
- Elementary South: 11% (+3% since 3/12)
- Lincoln School: 4% (no gain since 3/12)
THIS SATURDAY! 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!
Only 22 Days Left to Become a D73 Golf Outing Sponsor
Volunteers Needed: Language Ambassador Program
We are excited to launch the Language Ambassador Program this spring to support our newcomer families and help them feel at home in our school community. As a volunteer Language Ambassador, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with families, share language and cultural insights, and provide guidance on navigating school processes. Training will be provided, and volunteers will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
For any questions, feel free to reach out to the Language Ambassador Program Coordinators:
Megan Goldman, goldmanm@hawthorn73.org (847-990-4269)
Nicole Merryfield Coy, merryfieldcoyn@hawthorn73.org (847-990-4219)
Join us in making a difference and building a stronger community for all!
Hawthorn BPAC Meeting! April 8
Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC) Meeting on Tuesday, April 8 from 6-7 p.m. at Dual Language Cafeteria (right before the PTO meeting)
The topics for this meeting are:
Social-Emotional Learning - supporting the whole family
Upcoming support for school registration and using PowerSchool
Dinner and child care will be provided!
May 3 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Council Summit: BPAC Members, You're Invited!
Join us for the Statewide Summit for Bilingual Parents on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook. This event is designed for parents and will provide valuable sessions to support BPAC members in their roles and responsibilities.
Interpreters will be available in Spanish, Polish, and Arabic.
Space is limited, please contact Gabriela Cervantes - cervantesg@hawthorn73.org by April 4 to reserve your spot, ask questions request more information. Transportation will be available if needed.
Newest Podcast Episode: DESIGN
Welcome to season 3 of our podcast for bite-sized PD to encourage innovative learning practices in your classroom. Some of our topics may be tech-related. Some may be classroom practices. Some may be inspiring stories from teachers down the hall or across the road from you!
DESIGN - How can we integrate technology into the classroom or design innovative student experiences?
In this episode, we talk about some great STEAM projects that are perfect for helping your students blend their creativity with engineering concepts, all while helping them develop a growth mindset.
Read the article: "8 Hands-On STEAM Projects Your Students Will Enjoy"
Are you connected?
Inside the March issue, you’ll find:
Are you staying up-to-date with the latest social media trends?
Is your child getting enough sleep for their well-being?
SEL updates from around the district
And much more!
Parents and guardians, this is your go-to resource to stay connected to your child's social, emotional, and behavioral development. Don’t miss out!
THIS SUNDAY - March 23!!
CAP- Family Skate: Bring the whole family for a fun afternoon of indoor skating!
$5 per person or $20 max per family – includes skate rental!
All proceeds from the Family Skate benefit the Community Alliance Project (CAP), helping fund youth programs in Vernon Hills. Don’t miss this cool way to give back!
April PTO Meeting – All Are Welcome!
Join us for the April PTO Meeting at School of Dual Language on Tuesday, April 8, 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!
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! ⛳💙
ISBE Parent Survey for Families of Students with Disabilities
Each year, from January through May, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) surveys a representative sample of parents of students with disabilities to determine how well schools throughout the state are involving parents in their children’s education. The survey results are a required component of ISBE’s Annual Performance Report (APR) to the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Hawthorn District 73 is included in the 2025 survey sample. Parents/Guardians may receive a letter in the mail from Measurement Inc. on behalf of ISBE between February and May that contains a link, a QR code to the parent survey and the student specific ID number. This enables parents and/or guardians to complete the survey online. The letter from Measurement Inc. will contain a student specific 7-digit survey ID below the individualized survey QR code. Once you have access to the survey, you will enter the student specific ID which takes you to a specific parent survey. The letter also includes information should you need assistance to complete the survey in English or Spanish, are unable to locate their student specific ID number, or need information.
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*
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 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).
Washington, D.C. Trip
Learn more about the 2025 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. by emailing travelhawthorn@gmail.com.
📆 October 10-13, 2025
Please note this is not a school or district-sponsored event.
Elevate Your Young Player’s Game with Kicklab – A New Local Resource!
Dear Hawthorn Families,
We’re excited to introduce Kicklab, a new indoor soccer facility in Vernon Hills designed to enhance player development through high-tech training. With interactive targets, real-time leaderboards, and cutting-edge training pods, Kicklab provides a fun, engaging environment that helps young players build confidence and improve their skills.
Spring registration is now open! Kicklab is the perfect complement to rec and club soccer, offering players extra touches, game-like training, and a competitive edge in a fun setting.
Training Classes – Using advanced soccer technology, our structured sessions focus on ball mastery, dribbling, passing, receiving, and shooting—helping players refine technique, make quicker decisions, and gain confidence on the ball.
[Explore and register for training here]Open Play – Players can book 60-minute sessions to explore our interactive games, track their scores, and challenge their friends.
[Book Open Play here]Parties – Celebrate birthdays or special events with a high-energy, soccer-themed party at Kicklab!
[Book a Party here]
We’d love to see your young player at Kicklab this spring! Feel free to reach out with any questions, and check out the photos below to see the fun in action.
— The Kicklab Team
Honor a Military Service Member with a Banner
The Village of Vernon Hills has a few spots left for the 2025 Military Honors Banners, displayed on prominent light poles starting Memorial Day. This program, in partnership with American Legion Vernon Post 1247, is free and open to Vernon Hills residents.
Apply today to recognize yourself, a loved one, or a friend. Learn more and apply here: Military Banners Webpage.
Mundelein residents can find a similar opportunity here.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale – April 5 & 6
Don't miss the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale at Aspen Drive Library! Find great deals on books while supporting the Cook Memorial Public Library District.
📅 Saturday, April 5
9:30–11:30 AM – Members' Preview
11:30 AM–4:30 PM – Open to the Public
📅 Sunday, April 6
12:30–4:30 PM – $5 Bag Sale (Fill a bag for just $5!)
All proceeds benefit the library. Cash, checks, and cards accepted. Learn more at cooklib.org/events.
Venture Athletics Summer Camp – Register Now!
Get ready for a summer of fun, adventure, and learning at Venture Athletics Summer Camp! Designed for kids ages 4-12, this camp offers exciting weekly themes, including Superhero Week, Ninja Warrior Week, Disney Week, and more!
📅 June 2 – August 8
⏰ Flexible schedules available: Half-day, full-day (9:00 AM – 3:30 PM), or full-week options
📍 8 Oak Creek Plaza, Mundelein, IL
✨ 10% sibling discount available!
Spots are filling fast—secure your spot now! Learn more and register at www.ventureathletics.com
Summer Farm Camp – Registration Now Open!
Looking for a unique summer experience for your child? Liberty Prairie’s Summer Farm Camp offers hands-on activities like animal and plant care, fiber arts, gardening, and farm tours for campers ages 5-12.
📅 4 Weekly Sessions: June 23 – July 18
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Extended day option available until 4:00 PM)
🌿 Fun activities include: Gardening, farm tours, crafts, and more!
Learn more and sign up at: libertyprairie.org
Jungle Book!
🎭✨ Join us for The Jungle Book presented by Kirk Players as part of our 59th Season of Community Service Through the Arts! 🌿🐒
📅 Show Dates: Weekend of March 28
📍 Location: Mundelein High School
Don't miss this exciting performance filled with adventure and heart. Check out the flyer for more details—we can't wait to see you there!
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
4/02/25 - Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
4/ 04/25 - School Librarian Appreciation Day