Special Edition D73 Digest
Returning Student Registration now OPEN!
The Race is On 🏁
Who will claim the coveted Registration Trophy this year? Last year, Townline Elementary took the trophy home—will they keep their title, or will another school rise to the challenge?
Don't forget to complete your returning student registration by May 1 to help your school hit 100% first. Let’s make this a record-breaking year!
Register now: https://www.hawthorn73.org/enroll/registration
Translatable, Printable, ADA (Google Doc) Lists
If you need a supply list in a language other than English, Spanish, or Russian, please contact: floresj@hawthorn73.org
Printable (PDF) Lists in Table Format
If you need a table-format supply list in a language other than English please contact: floresj@hawthorn73.org
SAEBRS/MySAEBRS Social-Emotional Spring Benchmark Screening
Hawthorn School District 73 focuses on the growth and learning of the whole child. This includes programming that supports students’ social and emotional well-being. One way we help ensure that students’ needs are being met is by participating in benchmark assessments for social-emotional learning three times each year using the SAEBRS/mySAEBRS screening tool. Click the buttons below for more information.
If you need either document below in a language other than English, please contact: floresj@hawthorn73.org
Hawthorn Food Pantry
We welcome all Hawthorn families to visit the Food Pantry on Tuesday, April 16, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Middle North School (201 Hawthorn Parkway).
If you are in need of food or have any questions, please contact Gabriela Cervantes at 847-990-4245 or cervantesg@hawthorn73.org.
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.
Kids Night Out Saturday, April 5
Join the Hawthorn PTO for a fun evening of STEAM Activities, Games, Pizza, Prizes and more!
Had a lovely Spring Break with your kids and looking for a way for them to burn energy this upcoming weekend? Look no further!
For only $10 per student (maximum of $20 per family)
- Who: All PK-8 D73 students
- When: Saturday, April 5
- Time: 5:00 to 7:30 PM
- Where: Mathnasium (116 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville)
- Register here, or by using the attached QR Code or clicking the button below
- Pay here or through the PTO Store link below.
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.
Only 8 Days Left to Become a D73 Golf Outing Sponsor
April 4, 2025: National School Librarian Day
Here’s to the magical humans who help us find the right book, the right resource, and sometimes even the right direction in life. Thank you for turning libraries into places of wonder, adventure, and learning!
Make sure you're following us on Facebook to join us in celebrating!
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!
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!
Hawthorn BPAC Meeting! April 8
The 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!
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!
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).
Troop 273 Pancake Breakfast
Join Troop 273 for a fun-filled morning at Troop 273’s Pancake Breakfast! Enjoy a delicious, all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast while supporting our scouts —and stick around for our exciting raffles and silent auction!
Date: Saturday, April 12th
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Hawthorn Middle School South
Cost: $8 per person | $30 per family of 5 | Free for kids ages 5 and under
Your support helps fund camping trips, service projects, and leadership opportunities for our scouts. Bring the whole family, enjoy a great meal, and be part of the fun!
See you there!
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.
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
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