D73 Digest!
This is our final newsletter of the school year! 🎉 As we head into the home stretch, thank you for being part of a fantastic year filled with learning, laughter, and community spirit. Wishing you a safe, sunny, and restful summer ahead! We’ll see you back on August 21, 2025 for the first day of school. ☀️📚
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our PTO!
We’re proud to announce that Hawthorn District 73 has been nationally recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education for 2024!
This prestigious recognition—now in its 26th year—is awarded to districts that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to providing equitable access to music education for all students. Hawthorn is one of only 935 districts across the nationand just 29 in Illinois to earn this honor.
This award celebrates our district’s dedication to fostering a well-rounded education through music. Bravo to everyone who helps make our music programs thrive!
We’re just days away from teeing off our biggest fundraiser of the year in support of The Key to 73 ⛳️ This isn’t just a day of golf—it’s a chance to come together as a community and make a real impact for our Hawthorn D73 students and families.
Your participation helps fund vital programs like the Back-to-School Supply Drive, Coat Drive, Food Pantry, Student Grants, and more. We can’t make this day a success without you!
So grab your clubs, rally your foursome, and join us for an unforgettable day on the green. Let’s drive change FORE our schools—register today before it’s too late! 💙
Congratulations to our amazing 8th grade class! Our Eagles are spreading their wings and soaring off to high school—and we couldn’t be prouder. Watching you grow into confident, capable young adults has been an honor, and we’re excited to see all the incredible things ahead on your journey.
🎓 Reminder: 8th Grade Promotion will take place on May 27 at Vernon Hills High School. Be sure to check your middle school’s website for event details and times.
Registration Update: We’re Almost There! 🎯
🏆 Shoutout to Townline Elementary for hitting 100% registration completion — and becoming our back-to-back champions! 🙌👏
While the May 1 deadline has passed, the challenge isn’t over — we still have a chance to reach 100% district-wide registration! We’re currently at 90.7%, and every registration brings us closer to the finish line. 🏁
💬 Need assistance? We’re here to help!
Join us for in-person registration support:
🗓️ Monday, May 19
📍 District Office
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Race is Still On 🏁
The district overall completion rate is 90.7% Here’s where the rest of our schools stand:
🥈 School of Dual Language – 98.8%
🥉 Hawthorn School for Young Learners – 94.3%
Elementary North – 92.4%
Elementary South – 91.8%
Aspen – 90.3%
Middle School South – 85.7%
Middle School North – 85.3%
Lincoln – 77.8%
🚌 End of Year Bus Tag Collection
As the school year concludes, we need to collect all student bus tags to prepare for the next school year. This ensures a smooth transition for all bus riders.
Important Dates & Information:
K–7 Bus Riders: Please return your child's bus tag to their classroom teacher or the front office by Tuesday, May 27th.
8th Grade Bus Riders: Bus tags will be collected at school on May 22nd and 23rd.
Your cooperation in returning bus tags is greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth start to the new school year.
2025-2026 Middle School Athletics ⚽
To participate in middle school athletics for the 2025–2026 school year in Illinois, students must have an updated sports physical on file. Please make sure to have an up to date physical examination prior to the sport your child will be trying out for. If your child is playing in a fall sport they must have a sports physical completed and submitted prior to August 13, 2025. You may submit your child’s sports physicals by emailing them directly to: medicalrecords@hawthorn73.org.
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
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.
It is requested that parents of children with IEPs in the district use the personalized survey link and passcode mailed to them via US mail in January. If your child has an IEP and you do not have the letter, you may use the link below to check if you are part of the survey population. You will receive an email response that will either include your personalized link and passcode, or you will be informed that you are not being surveyed and there is no further action required.
Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library
We’re excited to partner with the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to provide FREE books for young children!
Because learning begins long before a child’s first day of school, we’re proud to support the Foundation’s mission: “Every Student, Ready to Learn.”
Children enrolled in the program will receive a FREE book every month from birth until they turn 5!
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).
We love seeing our alumni give back to the community—and this summer, one of our very own is doing just that! A Hawthorn graduate is launching a Run/Walk Club in Vernon Hills, inspired by their journey through cross country and track in high school.
Their passion for running has brought friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a lifelong commitment to wellness. Now, they’re inviting kids and adults of all fitness levels to join in, get moving, and experience the joy of an active lifestyle—no experience needed!
Attention 6th Grade Families – Travel Opportunity Ahead! ✈️
The Hawthorn Travel Committee is excited to invite rising 7th graders on an unforgettable adventure to Springfield, IL & St. Louis, MO over MLK Weekend!
While this is a non-school-sponsored trip, it’s a fantastic chance for students to explore historic and cultural landmarks, build lasting friendships, and make meaningful memories.
🌍 Want to learn more? Join the committee for a brief virtual info session where they will share the itinerary, cost details, and how to register.
New in Vernon Hills: Kicklab! ⚽
Kicklab is a brand-new high-tech soccer training facility that opened in February—designed for maximum fun and skill-building! Our cutting-edge soccer pods gamify every session, turning practice into an exciting, action-packed experience.
This summer, we’re offering two awesome options for D73 families:
The Summer Kickoff Tournament – a fast-paced week of 1v1, 2v2, 5v5, and FIFA video game action
The Elite Summer Skills Series – advanced training focused on the five core skills: ball mastery, dribbling, passing, receiving, and shooting!
Whether your player is just starting out or looking to sharpen their game, there’s something for everyone. Come check out open play, book an event, or level up your training at Kicklab!
We’ve loved becoming part of the Vernon Hills community and can’t wait to welcome even more local families this summer.
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