Hawthorn Bids Farewell to Dr. Joe

Hawthorn bids farewell to Dr. Youssef (Dr. Joe) Yomtoob at the end of June. An educator for nearly half a century, Dr. Joe has served as District 73's superintendent for 13 years, overseeing a period marked by rapid growth in student population. Under his guidance, Hawthorn expanded facilities, maintained financial stability, implemented standards-based achievement, and developed the mission of "Learning for All - Whatever It Takes." Thank you to Dr. Joe for his dedication to our students and the community. We wish you and your wife Parichehr many wonderful adventures filled with grandchildren and travel. Dr. Joe is succeeded by Dr. Sue Zook, who has been serving as Superintendent-Elect as Dr. Joe prepared for retirement. For more about Dr. Joe, please check the June issue of Hawthorn Highlights as well as these photos from a recent privately-funded reception for Dr. Joe. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Middle School Summer 2009 Reading Lists/Forms Available

Hawthorn Middle Schools encourage students to exercise their minds all year long by reading during the summer. In fact, students who will be in 6th, 7th and 8th grade next fall are expected to read two books from the appropriate reading list by the time they get to class in August. Books on the book list are available at the public library, local book stores, and can also be ordered through the school. For a more details about the Hawthorn Middle School Summer Reading Assignments, please read on... More»

PTO Distributes $79,700 to Hawthorn Schools

Hawthorn PTO's tireless efforts have once again reaped tremendous benefits for our students. During the June 8 meeting of the Hawthorn Board of Education (and again on June 22), PTO representatives presented a check for $79,700, which will be divided on a per capita basis among all of our schools. Principals use these funds for important supplemental resources and experiences - some of those "nice to haves," including classroom subscriptions for Time for Kids magazine, educational assemblies and more. Thank you to the hundreds of families who support the PTO and our schools through their annual membership dues, purchases, and volunteer hours. Special thanks to outgoing PTO President Nicole Carson, and to incoming President Taunya Reback for their leadership.

Revisit 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies!

You can watch the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies from Middle North and Middle South on VHHS Cougar Tube. DVD's of the events are also available by contacting VHHS's Sandy Martin at sandy.martin@d128.org. Vernon Hills Cable Access has been running the ceremonies throughout June. Read on for the schedule and to view some photos from the event... More»

Time to Get Your Exams and Sports Physicals!

Summer is the best time to get your required vision, dental and physical exams. Remember that students who might be interested in participating in middle school athletics must have a sports physical on file before they will be allowed to try out or work out. Free sports physicals and immunizations are available to qualifying families through the Kids 1st Health Fair (Spanish version) on August 5 and the District 76 Health Services Fair on August 22. For more information, visit the Health Services Quick Link and check the Physical Exams webpage.

Hawthorn Enrichment Institute - The Fun is Underway!

Hawthorn Enrichment Institute kicked off the 2009 session on June 15. Check the program's Week One Newsletter for a taste of what's going on. To learn more, visit the Summer Programs webpage.

Middle School Honor Rolls for Trimester 3

Congratulations to all of the students who earned placement on the Trimester 3 High Honor and Honor Rolls for Hawthorn Middle North and Hawthorn Middle South. Those lists follow... More»

Hawthorn Happenings - June 2009

Please read on for a few of the "good news" stories about our students and schools... More»

2009-10 Master Calendar Posted

The master calendar for 2009-10 is now available for downloading (in both English and Spanish). This calendar will also be included in the year-end report cards. Information is also listed on the online District calendar, which is available through a link on the upper right hand corner of this webpage. Note that all dates are subject to change, especially as the 2009-10 school year progresses. Please contact your school or check the online calendar for the most updated information.

A Look Ahead to 2009-10...

Check the Ask the Superintendent webpage dated April 19, 2009 for current topics, including the elimination of half days, the expanded role of our Library Media Specialists, the availability of Spanish Enrichment for Townline monolingual students next year, a change in how we deliver after school enrichment programs, Middle School Arts & Tech rotation adjustments, and our soon-to-be-available suscription email service.