D73 Digest!
Your Bi-Weekly Scoop on Hawthorn Happenings
December 5, 2024
Good morning, Hawthorn families! D73 Digest brings the latest Hawthorn District news straight to your inbox. From system updates to upcoming community events, this bi-weekly newsletter is your go-to source to stay informed and engaged with our school community. Don’t miss out on important reminders and district happenings—take a quick glance to keep up with our active school community!
News
Only 4 Days Left—Don’t Miss Out on These Tech Deals!
Gently-used MacBooks and iPads are still available through December 9 at 8:00 AM—but stock is limited!
💻 Available Devices and Pricing:
- 2020 MacBook Air (Retina): $325
- 8th Gen iPads: $150
- 7th Gen iPads: $125
All devices are wiped, cleaned, and include a 30-day warranty. (Chargers sold separately.)
Shop Now: bit.ly/D73BuyBack
Spiritwear Holiday Sale and NEW LOGOS!
- $1 off EVERYTHING in the store, no code necessary
Up to $5 off $50, Code: HAWTHORN550
Up to $10 off $100, Code: HAWTHORN10100
Please Note: The PTO fundraises $2.00 or less on the majority of each item purchased. Because we are already taking $1.00 each item, some purchases may not have a full $5.00 or $10.00 to reduce the cost of the items. The store will take off the maximum amount of savings possible for you!
From Our Family Liaison
The December Family Liaison newsletter is here! It’s packed with fun updates, including the latest adventures of Sam the Eagle in our community. It's a great way to stay informed and connected with all the amazing work happening around us.
D73 DRIVE
Newest Podcast Episode: VICTORY
Who is doing something unique at Hawthorn? Featuring interviews with other Hawthorn team members! In this episode we review our most recent Aeries training and some of the great tools that were shared with teachers for the purpose of digital storytelling.
Hawthorn Festive Features ⛄
Celebrate the season with us! This section features upcoming holiday events, fundraisers, and causes to support in our community. From festive gatherings to opportunities to give back, there’s something for everyone. Let’s make this season bright together!
Mellody Farm- Bright Lights, Big Fun
Join Sam the Eagle at Mellody Farm for Holiday Magic with a Modern Twist on Saturday, December 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM!
Vernon Hills Park District Flick 'N Float!
Make a splash with the whole family at our Poolside Movie Night! Enjoy quality time by the water as we screen Happy Fit! Come early to swim before the movie starts and feel free to float in the pool while watching this delightful film.
Open Swim starts at 6:00 PM
Movie begins at 6:30 (Happy Feet)
Flotation tubes provided by the Park District
Registration required for all attendees. You can register here:
https://bit.ly/4evI6yt
Hot Cocoa Stroll at Hawthorn Row
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 5 PM - 8 PM
Kick off the holiday season in style with the Hot Cocoa Stroll at Hawthorn Row! Located in the heart of Lake County, IL, Hawthorn Row is nestled below the Domaine apartments in Vernon Hills.
Get ready to explore a fantastic mix of gifts and goodies at the craft & artisan booths along the walkway of shops at Hawthorn Row. A perfect way to enjoy and evening out and enjoy your holiday shopping!
Indulge in delicious food , warm up at cozy cocoa stations , and stroll around with the warmth of heaters to keep you toasty! Plus, enjoy the ice rink and live ice sculptures and more!! All ages will enjoy this festive holiday evening out!
Hawthorn D73 Annual Holiday Toy Drive
We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for our annual Hawthorn School District 73 Holiday Drive now through December 6! Drop off donations at the Hawthorn District Office (841 West End Ct, Vernon Hills) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Gabriela Cervantes at cervantesg@hawthorn73.org.
We’ve partnered with Snickelfritz Toys in Vernon Hills, you can shop local or online and support our drive!
We also have an Amazon Wish List, and items can be shipped directly to the District Office.
Lions Club Holiday Pancake Breakfast
Lions Club Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast at Hawthorn School for Young Learners!
Date: December 8, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Hawthorn School for Young Learners- 637 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
You don’t want to miss the fun! We’ll have:
- Crafts for the kids and the whole family
- Time to make your holiday wishlist
- Special activities and surprises
- A visit from the North Pole
- Delicious pancakes for all!
- Bonus: The first 50 kids to register will receive a special goodie bag!
Buy your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3BMVD6V
Reminders
Hawthorn Food Pantry Distribution
Will be open to all our families December 11 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!
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.
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).
Hawthorn Board of Education
Hawthorn Board Highlights
Missed the November 14 board meeting? Check out the highlights here.
📆 Next Meeting: December 18
Hawthorn PTO
A Huge Thank You for Supporting Dueling McTeacher Fundraising Nights!
The Hawthorn PTO is thrilled to announce the incredible success of the Dueling McTeacher Fundraising Nights:
- North Campus Raised: $2,601.34
- South Campus Raised: $2,135.22
- Total Raised for the D73 PTO: $4,736.56
This amazing support helps fund initiatives like Staff Appreciation Week, Family Programming Nights, SOAR prizes, and additional student enrichment opportunities. Thank you for making a difference in our schools and community! 🎉
The Connection Corner
Are you connected?
Discover tips, resources, and a glimpse of SEL activities happening around our district. Strengthen the home-school connection and nurture well-rounded, resilient kids!
From Our Friends
Community Partners
VHHS Incoming English Learner Open House
District 128 is excited to invite all incoming 8th-grade English Learner (EL) students and their families to an Open House at Vernon Hills High School! Come out on December 5 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. to meet members of the EL team, enjoy a presentation, and learn more about the resources available to support your student’s transition to high school. Light snacks will be provided, and the evening will conclude in time for families to attend the Hawthorn/VHHS orchestra concert at 7:30 p.m.
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!
Parent Support Group: Empower Yourself Through Connection
Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting? You’re not alone. Join a virtual parent support group, meeting Mondays at 7 PM, where you can connect with others who understand. Sessions are $35 for 12 weeks. Drop in when available. Sign up at: info@touchstonetherapycenter.com.
Want to Become a Hawthorn Eagle?
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 Connected
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!
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