Future Search: Conference Notes and Paths Forward

Thank you to the nearly 60 volunteers who participated in the Hawthorn Future Search Conference, held February 25 to 27 at Middle South. With the help of facilitator Susan Sparks, the group discussed and documented educational trends, community history, probable and desirable futures, and a general vision for Hawthorn and the wider community as we move toward 2015. For more information, including conference notes, please read on. More»

March Highlights Newsletter Available for Download

The March Hawthorn Highlights is now available for download. Check out the articles on online registration, residency verification, data analysis, and news from our schools. In an effort to conserve resources and "go green," Hawthorn has moved to paperless delivery of this newsletter. However, if you would like to receive a paper copy, please let us know by leaving your name and address at 847-990-4200.

Continuing Student Registration - Going Online in May

As outlined in the March Hawthorn Highlights, the District plans to go to a simplified online process for getting our current students re-registered for next fall. Instead of filling out paper packets for each child, parents will receive login passwords and directions for going online to review/update contact information, provide additional data, and pay fees. The District Office will have a computer available for families without Internet access or who need additional assistance. Passwords and directions will be provided to each family in late April, with the new registration and fee payment website expected to be open during May. More information will be provided as Online Registration Season approaches.

Board News: Comitor Named VP; Tran Sworn In

Michelle Comitor is the new Hawthorn Board of Education Vice President. She was elected by the board during the March 8 meeting. At that meeting, Jayson Tran was formally sworn into office. He was appointed by the board to fill the vacancy created when former board vice president John Sonnenberg moved out of district.

Hawthorn Again Earns Bright Red Apple Award

Hawthorn District 73 has once again earned the SchoolSearch Bright Red Apple Award for educational excellence. The award is based on five, family-friendly categories: academic performance, pupil/teacher ratio, operating expenditure per pupil, educational level of teachers, and average teacher salary. This year, 83 out of 869 Illinois school districts earned this honor.

HEI and Music Camp Brochures Available Now! HEI Walk In Registration is March 21

The program brochures for the 2010 Hawthorn Enrichment Institute and Hawthorn Music Camp are now available! Mark your calendar for HEI Walk In Registration on Sunday, March 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Aspen Elementary cafeteria. More details are posted on the Summer Programs Quick Link webpage.

Hawthorn Happenings - March 2010

Please read on for news about our students and our schools... More»

Middle School Schedule Update - No Major Changes for Next Year

February 19, 2010 After further review and discussion by administrators and educators, it was decided to make few, if any, changes to the middle school master schedule for 2010-11. Educators have shared several improvement solutions designed to support academic rigor and differentiated support while continuing to allow exploration through enrichment opportunities. However, for the most part, the middle school master schedule will not change next year. A letter offering further explanation was sent home with students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 on February 24 or 25. In addition, your middle school will provide specific details about your own student's 2010-11 schedule plan in the coming weeks.

Have You Signed Up for Kindergarten?

Children who turn 5 by September 1, 2010 are eligible for Hawthorn Kindergarten this coming fall. Walk-in registration was due by February 18 at District Office. Students are now being schedule for diagnostic screenings, which will take place this spring. If you haven't yet registered your student for kindergarten (or first grade, for those students entering at that point), please do so as soon as possible. For more information, please read on... More»

2010-11 School Dates/Holidays

The core 2010-11 Hawthorn calendar has been approved by the State Board of Education. School will begin on August 25, 2010 with a 2-hour day for students in grades 1-8. The first full day for all students will be August 26. For details about the 2010-11 calendar as well as a look ahead to the 2011-12 calendar, please read on... More»