D73 Digest

Your child’s Illinois Assessment for Readiness (IAR) and Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) reports from the 2025-2026 school year are now available in your secure PowerSchool Parent Portal. Additional information and instructions for accessing your child’s reports are summarized in our Letter for Families.

Families will be notified when fall MAP and FastBridge assessment reports are available in PowerSchool. Reports are currently scheduled to be available by September 29.

At the September 17 Board of Education meeting, the Board celebrated Hawthorn students and staff, reviewed enrollment and staffing updates, discussed upcoming facility needs and transportation impacts, and approved the final 2026-27 budget along with several other action items. Read the latest Hawthorn Highlights for a full recap of the meeting.Want to keep up with what’s happening at the Board meetings? Check out the latest Hawthorn Board Highlights and subscribe to have future editions delivered right to your inbox! 🔔

• October 15, 2026
• November 12, 2026
• December 16, 2026 (Wednesday)
• January 14, 2027
• February 4, 2027
• February 18, 2027
• March 17, 2027 (Wednesday)
• April 15, 2027
• May 13, 2027 (Originally May 20)
• June 17, 2027

The Hawthorn PTO has launched a new online family and student directory, now called the Eagle Directory. The new system gives families more control over their information, including easier updates, more flexible privacy settings and a more streamlined experience. Families can create a Membership Toolkit account, add parent and student information, and choose exactly what information they would like others to see. The Eagle Directory will be free for the next month while families get set up. As an added incentive, the first 10 families from each school to join the directory will receive both PTO Discount Cards for free. The PTO will continue adding features as it completes the transition to the new system. Create your account and learn more through the Hawthorn PTO.

IDOT will complete railroad track repairs on Route 45 just west of Deerpath, requiring a full closure from 9 a.m. October 2 through 9 a.m. October 9. The closure may impact school bus routes and travel in the area. Our transportation team will account for the closure as needed, and families should continue using the My Ride K-12 app for current transportation information.

The Key to 73 Hawthorn Education Foundation is bringing the laughs with Bad Momz of Comedy on October 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Austin’s in Libertyville! Bad Momz of Comedy is a nationally touring stand-up showcase featuring hilarious women saying the things moms are probably thinking, but might not always say out loud. Best of all, it’s a night out that also helps support the students of Hawthorn 73! Grab some friends, plan a night out and get your tickets today! Men are welcome, too. We’re told they’ll survive. 😄

📅 October 6 | 7:00 p.m.
📍 Austin’s, 481 Peterson Rd., Libertyville

Interested in getting involved with Hawthorn’s Multilingual Parent Advisory Council (MPAC)? Formerly known as BPAC, MPAC brings together families, staff and community members to support our multilingual students and families and help strengthen connections across our community. The first MPAC meeting is October 7 from 6–7 p.m. at the District Office, 841 West End Court. Food and childcare will be provided, and interpreters are available to support families. Interested in getting involved? Contact Sol Cabachuela at cabachuelas@hawthorn73.org | 847-990-4245, or Nicole Merryfield Coy at merryfieldcoyn@hawthorn73.org | 847-990-4219.

The Nest is ready to welcome families back for the new school year! District families are invited to stop by for food, household essentials, hygiene items, and helpful resources. The Nest is open on the first Wednesday of each month from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Families should park in the Hawthorn School of Dual Language parking lot at 810 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills, and enter through Door 20 of the Middle North building. Upcoming pantry dates include October 7 and November 4. Families can also follow The Nest on Facebook for updates. For questions, please contact Sol Cabachuela at cabachuelas@hawthorn73.org | 224-370-2090.

Illinois law requires current health examinations and immunization records for students entering school for the first time, preschool, kindergarten, sixth grade, and students enrolling from outside Illinois. Required records must be on file with the District by October 15. Students who are not in compliance by the deadline may be excluded from school until all required documentation is submitted. Visit our School Health Forms page to review requirements, access forms, and find contact information for your child’s school nurse if you have questions.

Lumina Dental is dedicating a special day just for Hawthorn families on October 15! Students with Medicaid or no insurance can receive FREE dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays at Lumina Dental. Services are by appointment only, and space is limited. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please contact Sol Cabachuela at (224) 370-2090 | cabachuelas@hawthorn73.org, or reach out to your school nurse.

We invite all Hawthorn families to join us in celebrating Día de los Muertos on Thursday, October 22, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Hawthorn School of Dual Language. This special event is open to the entire district and will be filled with culture, tradition, and community as we honor and remember our loved ones together.

Academic growth is only one part of a child’s success. This fall, Hawthorn students will participate in our social-emotional benchmark screening, which helps our schools better understand student needs and identify where additional support may be helpful. The screening is completed three times throughout the school year using SAEBRS/MySAEBRS.

Learn more about the fall screening:
🔹 Kindergarten–Grade 5
🔹 Grades 6–8

On November 3, 2026, Lake County voters will decide whether to approve a 1% County School Facilities Sales Tax (CSFT). If approved, the tax would apply to qualifying purchases made in Lake County and provide revenue for legally permitted school facilities and student-support purposes.

This is the first in a series of updates we will share to help families understand the proposal and what it could mean specifically for Hawthorn District 73. In the coming weeks, we will provide additional information about potential revenue, allowable uses and local considerations.

We’re excited to kick off another year of The Connection Corner, a parent/guardian newsletter focused on supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of our students. In this first edition, we’re sharing practical strategies and resources to help families support their children at home, including information about SOAR expectations, Community Circles, and more. We hope these resources help families stay informed and connected as we support the whole child together!

Hawthorn School District 73 uses Securly to help keep students safe while using their school-issued devices. Families of students in grades 6–8 also have access to tools that provide greater visibility into their child’s online activity. With the Securly Home App, parents and caregivers can monitor activity at home and sign up for weekly email reports with a snapshot of their child’s internet use. This information can help families better understand digital habits and support conversations about safe and responsible technology use.

Learn how to download and use the Securly Home App →

Questions about your Securly account? Email help@securly.com

Hawthorn District 73 has partnered with Youth & Family Counseling to provide additional support for student well-being. Through this partnership, a licensed therapist is available on-site at Hawthorn each week, making counseling services more convenient and accessible for families who choose this option.

Learn more about Youth & Family Counseling and how to schedule an appointment →

Looking for mental health support for your child or family? ReferralGPS is a free, confidential resource that helps Hawthorn families find local providers based on location, specialty, insurance and other needs. Families can search for services on their own or connect with a Care Navigator for help finding providers and scheduling appointments.

Explore ReferralGPS →

Three choices? So last year. 😎 Students now have four daily entrée options, thanks to the addition of a new rotating Snack Pack! Along with meat, vegetarian, and SunButter & Jelly options, students can choose the Snack Pack of the week. The Snack Pack stays the same all week before switching things up the next.

The BrightArrow ParentHub app is more than a place to find school messages! We’ve added direct links to some of the resources families use most, so you can quickly:

• 📅 Check your school calendar
• 🍎 View the lunch menu
• ✏️ Report an absence
• 🚌 Submit a transportation change

All from your phone, without hunting around the website.

Already using ParentHub? Help us make it better! If there’s a resource you’d like to see added, click the Contact button at the bottom of this newsletter and send your suggestion directly to District Communications.

Students participate in a variety of academic assessments that help us understand their strengths, areas for growth, and progress over time. Two key assessments are summarized in our Fall Assessment Letter for Families. Specific assessment dates will be communicated directly by your child’s school principal.

We are aware that the emergency notification test scheduled to go out by text, phone, and email on Aug. 20, did not deploy as planned. Families will be notified once a new test date has been scheduled. In the meantime, families are encouraged to log in to PowerSchool to make sure their contact information is current, including phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contact information.

Vernon Hills and Libertyville now use WeatherWarn, which automatically activates outdoor warning sirens for tornado threats and severe thunderstorms with predicted winds over 70 mph.

This means hearing a siren does not always mean there is a tornado. If sirens sound during the school day, students and staff will be brought indoors. If there is a tornado warning, we will follow our normal shelter procedures. We will continue to follow guidance from local emergency services and weather authorities to keep students and staff safe.

The Foundation is still looking for a Treasurer to join the team. This is a meaningful opportunity to get involved, support districtwide initiatives, and help advance the Foundation’s mission to advocate, promote, and fund opportunities that support the success of every student, every day, across Hawthorn District 73. Interested or know someone who may be a great fit? Please contact Sol Cabachuela at cabachuelas@hawthorn73.org.

The Key to 73 Foundation is excited to announce an upcoming Golf Outing at White Deer Run on June 18, 2027! Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information about registration, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to join the fun while supporting Hawthorn students.

There are many exciting things ahead with the Hawthorn PTO this school year! From family nights and student socials to book fairs, staff appreciation, and community events, the PTO helps create meaningful experiences for students, staff, and families across Hawthorn District 73.

The PTO has several student and family events planned throughout the year, including grade-level socials, Trunk or Treat, family nights, skating, and more. Upcoming events include the 7th Grade Dance & Social on Saturday, September 26, Mellody Farm Fall Fest on Saturday, October 24, and Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25.

Wisconsin Juniors is hosting its 7th annual Free Volleyball Clinic for boys and girls in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The clinic is completely free and gives students a chance to learn volleyball skills, stay active and have fun in a welcoming environment.

Calling all young artists in grades 1–5! Countryside Fire Protection District is hosting its annual Fire Safety Poster Contest. This year’s theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.”

Posters are due Friday, September 25 by 4 p.m. Students can turn them in at their school or Countryside Fire Protection District Station 2. Winners will be selected at each school, with one grand champion advancing to the regional competition!

Families may be interested in a new local performing arts opportunity for students in grades 2–6. Foundations Performing Arts is launching its first production, Cinderella… If the Shoe Fits, and registration is now open. Families can review the flyer below for details.

North Shore Water Polo is offering Splashball, a beginner-friendly introduction to water polo for elementary-aged students. No previous experience is required. Practices are held at Highland Park High School, and interested families can contact hello@northshorewaterpolo.com to learn more or join a free tryout session.

Families are invited to Laremont School on Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. for a free Special Needs Resource Fair, Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat. Families can connect with more than 60 local agencies and organizations, enjoy accessible games and activities, and participate in Trunk or Treat. The event will be held at Laremont School, 17934 Gages Lake Road in Gages Lake.

Countryside Fire Protection District invites families to its 2026 Open House & Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, October 4 from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. at Station 2 in Vernon Hills. Families can meet local firefighters, tour the station and watch live demonstrations including vehicle extrication, a side-by-side burn demonstration and high-angle rescue. A pancake breakfast will also be available during the event.

The Vernon Hills Park District is offering a Sports Performance Training program for athletes ages 8–14, led by Hawthorn Middle School South Wrestling and Boys Track & Field Coach Mike Becker. The next four-week session runs October 19–November 13, with training Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5–6:30 p.m. The program focuses on speed, strength, power, agility, coordination and overall athletic development.

Ela Soccer Club is now registering for its winter youth soccer programs. Options include a Sunday Recreation League for U4 through eighth grade, a Wednesday Total Skills Academy for Pre-K through eighth grade, and a Junior Academy for ages 3–5. Winter sessions begin in late October and early November. Families can learn more and register through Ela Soccer Club.

Families with children in grades 3–5 are invited to Stevenson High School’s free Math Carnival on Tuesday, October 27 from 6–8 p.m. The family-focused event is hosted by the Stevenson Math Team and will take place in the West Building.

📸: Jenna Stern