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The Board encourages residents to attend business meetings. In general, the Board meets once or twice per month on Thursday evenings beginning at 7 p.m. School breaks also impact the schedule, which appears below and is subject to change by prior notice. Meetings occur at the District Office at 841 West End Court, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 unless otherwise specified.
Board Meeting Schedule
Meeting Agendas, Minutes and Media
2022-2023
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA | |
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June 6, 2023: Site and Facilities | ||||
May 30, 2023: Closed Session | Download | |||
May 18, 2023 | Download | View | ||
May 15, 2023: Closed Session | Download | |||
April 27, 2023 | Download | Download | View | |
April 13, 2023 | Download | Download | View | |
April 11, 2023: Policy Sub-Committee | Download | |||
March 16, 2023 | Download | Download | View | |
February 23, 2023 | Download | Download | View | |
February 16, 2023: Site and Facilities | Download | |||
February 9, 2023 | Download | Download | View | |
January 19, 2023 | Download | Download | View | |
January 10, 2023: Site and Facilities | Download | Download | ||
December 15, 2022 | Download | Download | View | |
December 13, 2022: Site and Facilities | Download | Download | ||
November 15, 2022 | Download | Download | View | |
November 1, 2022: Site and Facilities | Download | Download | ||
October 20, 2022 | Download | Download | View | |
September 22, 2022 | Download | Download | View | |
September 20, 2022: Site and Facilities | Download | Download | ||
September 8, 2022 | Download | Download | View | |
August 11, 2022 | Download | Download | View | |
August 9, 2022: Site & Facilities | Download | Download |
2021-2022
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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June 21, 2022 | Download | Download | |
June 16, 2022 | Download | Download | View |
May 19, 2022 | Download | Download | View |
May 17, 2022: Site & Facilities | Download | Download | |
April 14, 2022 | Download | Download | View |
April 12, 2022: Site & Facilities | Download | Download | |
March 17, 2022 | Download | Download | View |
March 15, 2022: Site & Facilities | Download | Download | |
February 24, 2022 | Download | Download | View |
February 22, 2022: Site & Facilities | Download | Download | |
February 16, 2022 | Download | Download | View |
February 10, 2022 (Cancelled) | Download | ||
January 20, 2022 | Download | Download | View |
January 12, 2022: Special BOE Meeting | Download | Download | View |
December 16, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
November 16, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
November 15, 2021: Site & Facilities | Download | Download | |
October 21, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
October 7, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
September 23, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
September 21, 2021: Site & Facilities | Download | Download | |
September 9, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
September 2, 2021: Site & Facilities | Download | Download | |
August 12, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
August 12, 2021: Site & Facilities | Download | Download | |
August 5, 2021 (Closed) | Download |
2020 - 2021
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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June 18, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
June 18, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
July 20, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
July 20, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
July 28, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
August 5, 2020 Policy Subcommittee | Download | Download | |
August 13, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
August 13, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
August 26, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
August 26, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
September 9, 2020 Policy Subcommittee | Download | Download | |
September 10, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
September 10, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
September 17, 2020 IASB Board Retreat (Closed) | Download | ||
September 18, 2020 Policy Subcommittee | Download | Download | |
September 24, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
September 24, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
October 7, 2020 Site & Facilities Committee | Download | Download | |
October 8, 2020 Policy Subcommittee | Download | ||
October 15, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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October 15, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
October 22, 2020 Strategic Planning Meeting | Download | Download | |
Cancelled: November 4, 2020 Site & Facilities Committee | Download | ||
November 12, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
November 17, 2020 Strategic Planning Meeting | Download | Download | |
December 8, 2020 Strategic Planning Meeting | Download | Download | |
December 10, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
December 10, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
December 16, 2020 Site & Facilities Committee | Download | Download | |
January 8, 2021 Special Meeting | Download | Download | View |
January 12, 2021 Strategic Planning Meeting | Download | Download | |
January 14, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
January 21, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
February 3, 2021 Site & Facilities Committee: Canceled | Download | ||
February 4, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
February 4, 2021 (Closed) | Download | ||
February 17, 2021 Policy Subcommittee | Download | ||
February 17, 2021 Site and Facilities Committee | Download | Download | |
February 25, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
February 25, 2021 (Closed) | Download |
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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Cancelled: March 3, 2021 Site & Facilities Committee | Download | ||
March 11, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
March 11, 2021 (Closed) | Download | ||
April 7: Site & Facilities Committee | Download | Download | |
April 8, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
April 8, 2021 (closed) | Download | ||
April 22, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
May 5: Site & Facilities Committee | Download | ||
May 13, 2021 | Download | View | |
May 13, 2021 (Closed) | Download | ||
June 2: Site & Facilities Committee (Canceled) | Download | ||
June 17, 2021 | Download | Download | View |
2019 -2020
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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July 2, 2019 (Special Session) | Download | Download | |
July 18, 2019 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
August 22, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
September 12, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
September 12, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
September 26, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
September 26, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
October 17,2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
October 17, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
November 13, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
November 13, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
December 11, 2019 Press Subcommittee Meeting | Download | Download | |
December 19, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
December 19, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
January 16, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
January 16, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
January 30, 2020 Special Meeting | Download | Download | |
February 6, 2020 Strategic Planning Meeting | Download | Download | |
February 13, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
February 13, 2020 (Closed) | Download |
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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February 27, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
February 27, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
March 12, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
March 12, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
March 26, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
April 2, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
April 23, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
April 23, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
May 21, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
May 21, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
June 18, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
June 18, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
July 20, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
July 20, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
July 28, 2020 | Download | Download | View |
August 5, 2020 Press Subcommittee | Download | Download | |
August 13, 2020 | Download | View | |
August 13, 2020 (Closed) | Download | ||
August 26, 2020 | Download | View | |
August 26, 2020 (Closed) | Download |
2018 - 2019
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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July 9, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
July 9, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
July 23, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
July 23, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
August 13, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
August 27, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
Special Referendum Mtgs | Download | ||
September 17, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
October 8, 2018 | Download | Download | View ESSA Presentation Download |
October 22, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
November 12, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
November 26, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
November 26, 2018 | Download | Download | |
November 28, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
November 30, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
December 3, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
December 7, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
December 10, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
December 11, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
December 13, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download |
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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December 14, 2018 (Canceled) | Download | ||
December 17, 2018 (Closed) | Download | ||
December 17, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
January 10, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
January 14, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
January 14, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
January 28, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
February 11, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
February 25, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
February 25, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
March 11, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
March 11, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
March 21, 2019 Meeting Canceled | Download | ||
April 8, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
April 22, 2019 Canceled | Download | ||
April 29, 2019 (Closed) | Download | ||
April 29, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
May 20, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
June 10, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
June 24, 2019 | Download | Download | View |
2017 - 2018
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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July 10, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
July 10, 2017 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
July 24, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
August 7, 2017 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
August 14, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
August 28, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
September 11, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
September 25, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
September 25, 2017 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
September 27, 2017 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
October 5, 2017 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
October 9, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
October 23, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
October 26, 2017 (Special Board meeting) | Download | Download | View |
November 13, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
November 27, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
November 27, 2017 (Closed Session Agenda) | Download | ||
December 11, 2017 | Download | Download | View |
January 5, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
January 8, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
January 8, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
January 22, 2018 | Download | Download | View |
January 22, 2018 (Closed Session Agenda) | Download | ||
February 12, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch |
February 12, 2018 (Closed Session A) | Download | ||
February 12, 2018 (Closed Session B) | Download | ||
February 21, 2018 Community Meeting | Download | Download | Watch |
February 26, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch |
March 12, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch |
March 12, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
April 5, 2018 | Download | Download |
DATE | AGENDA | MINUTES | MEDIA |
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April 9, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch |
April 9, 2018 (Closed Session before open meeting) | Download | ||
April 9, 2018 (Closed Session TBD after open meeting) | Download | ||
April 17, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch Preparation times for powerpoints have been edited for viewing convenience, unedited version available on request - Hawthorn Technology Dept. |
April 23, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch |
April 23, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
April 30, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch |
May 4, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
May 7, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
May 12, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
May 14, 2018 | Download | Watch |
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May 14, 2018 (Closed Session Agenda) | Download | Download | |
May 18, 2018 (Closed Session Agenda) | Download | ||
May 21, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch |
May 30, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch |
June 6, 2018 | Download | ||
June 8, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
June 11, 2018 | Download | Download | 1. Watch meeting 2. Board Meeting Finance Presentation |
June 11, 2018 (Closed Session Agenda TBD) | Download | ||
June 13, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
June 18, 2018 (Closed Session) | Download | ||
June 25, 2018 | Download | Download | Watch meeting |
June 25, 2018 (Closed Session Agenda) | Download | ||
Board Projects
2022-2023
2022-2023 Board Projects
Project | Mid-Year Update |
We will prepare for the implementation of a seven-hour instructional day in 2023-2024. These efforts include a start and end time of school study, as well as the facilitation of principal-led staff scheduling committees. |
Two scheduling committees, one at the elementary level and one at the middle school level, have been collaboratively planning toward the development of an updated instructional day schedule. The committee members first worked together to reach a shared understanding of relevant guidelines (such as Board policy and state mandates) to inform their efforts. They then began building consensus around priorities and developing possible adjustments to our instructional schedule that reflect those priorities. Once the committees reached a point of confidence with the viability of possible changes and areas around which to seek feedback, they developed relevant staff feedback loops. |
We will design and implement a comprehensive instructional coaching program to support staff in promoting the growth and learning of all students. This includes the selection and training of instructional coaches, as well as program development and monitoring across the district. |
Our instructional coaching program is grounded in the development of our teams, schools, and the district into professional learning communities, and our program model reflects this idea - instructional coaches are a partner in our teams’ PLCs. Instructional coaches partner with a PLC to set a standards-based goal for student learning, and their work together revolves around ensuring all students meet that goal. During each instructional coaching cycle, we use a structured coaching tool and carefully track student progress toward mastery of the targeted learning standard. As of November 28, we had a total of 57 active cycles. Ten teaching teams were already participating or had formally requested to participate in a second or third coaching cycle. Our six instruction coaches participate in ongoing professional development. For example, prior to the start of this school year, our coaches participated in a seven day Summer Institute developed and led by the Teaching and Learning Department. The purpose of this summer institute was to ensure training, planning, and preparedness to guarantee readiness for our first school year together. We have since been selected to showcase our work at the Dynamic Instructional & Technology Coaches are Hooked on ED Conference, hosted by Lake County Educational Services. |
We will refine our social-emotional learning (SEL) practices, including the identification, prioritization, and instruction of expected social and academic student skills and behaviors. |
School teams have worked to reboot our guaranteed and viable curriculum for social-emotional learning by first prioritizing and aligning the Illinois Social-Emotional Learning Standards within grade level bands. Consensus was reached across the district in the selection of these essential learning outcomes. Teams will soon use these prioritized standards to make any needed updates to our unit plans and pacing calendars. |
We will implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), an evidence-based framework for providing social, emotional, and behavioral support for all students. |
All schools implemented PBIS at the start of the school year. Implementation steps included training for administration and staff, participation in a district-wide book study, facilitation of “cool tools” to teach students expectations for different learning spaces in the school, hosting special celebrations and distributing Eagle Bucks to reinforce positive behaviors, and more. In January, schools hosted PBIS booster days to reteach expected behaviors and celebrate success. Additions and other adjustments have been made to our “cool tools” and reinforcement systems toward improved student learning. |
We will implement the recommendations from our comprehensive Dual Language Audit (2021-2022), including a renewed language allocation plan and staffing model, curricular resources, family engagement structures, and goals. |
We are in the process of implementing the program recommendations resulting from our comprehensive Dual Language Audit, and shared last spring. Accomplishments include the realization of an updated staffing and language allocation plan, as well as training and materials to support the facilitation of new curricular materials for ELA/SLA instruction. Many updated family engagement structures, such as a new parent/guardian informational event for incoming sixth graders and comprehensive BPAC programming, are also in place. |
We will support the consistent, first-year implementation of our new foundational resources in ELA/SLA K-5, ELA 6-8, and STEM 6-8. This includes comprehensive resource allocation, implementation guidance, and ongoing professional development. We will also support third year implementation (second year in-person) of our foundational resource in math K-5. |
To support implementation of our new foundational resources in ELA/SLA K-5 and ELA 6-8, we have developed comprehensive guidance documents and sample schedules. We have also partnered with the relevant vendors to host a number of professional development sessions delivered by grade level or grade level bands. Principals have an opportunity to schedule staff support sessions with our Teaching and Learning coordinators and/or guided reading training with our instructional coaches. In addition, teams are encouraged to participate in an instructional coaching cycle to further support implementation success. One of our Teaching and Learning Coordinators regularly partners with our STEM staff during weekly PLC meetings and early release programming to support planning and implementation of our new foundational resource. This team is also supported by the Instructional Technology Director, who has assisted in securing ongoing training in preparation for the implementation of additional instructional modules scheduled for 2023-2024. |
We will facilitate the development of an updated Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) in ELA/SLA K-5, ELA 6-8, reading and math at the preschool level, physical education and health K-8, music K-8, and art K-8 via our GVC Leadership Teams. This includes training around the prioritization and alignment of learning standards. |
At this time, we have hosted two full-day GVC Leadership Team sessions for P.E., health, music, and art. Teams identified and then audited their selection of essential outcomes, organized these outcomes into instructional units, and are now creating pacing calendars. Next steps include unit development, including the identification of learning targets and proficiency scales. GVC development efforts at the preschool level have continued as scheduled; teams are developing learning targets and proficiency scales for both reading and math across two age bands (three to four year olds and four to five year olds). We are scheduled to begin rebooting our GVC for ELA/SLA in the spring. |
We will support the consistent implementation of our updated Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) in social studies K-8 and math K-8 in coordination with our original GVC Leadership Teams. |
Teaching and Learning coordinators, instructional coaches, and building administrators all work to support the consistent implementation of our updated GVC in both social studies and math. This has included the facilitation of instructional coaching cycles, the purchase of additional math materials to support small group instruction for students in kindergarten and first grade, math support and training for new elementary teachers, and more. We are presently assessing the need to schedule a spring update session with the respective GVC Leadership Teams in the spring. |
We will focus on equity and inclusion in an effort to ensure all students feel safe and represented at school. This includes attention to student access and opportunity with regard to positive student outcomes. |
Providing students with access and opportunity creates an equitable and inclusive environment where all students feel safe, have a sense of belonging, and are represented at school. The Board of Education projects identified below include an equity and inclusion lens to support our collective teaching and learning goals in alignment with our Strategic Plan.
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We will support the implementation of our updated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This includes the refinement of districtwide practices, processes, and curricular materials specific to academic intervention, enrichment, and acceleration services, as well as professional development to support these efforts. This work also includes a focus on Tier 1 of our social, emotional, and behavioral supports (see SEL and PBIS projects). |
The focus of this year’s MTSS efforts have included an emphasis on the redevelopment of our GVC for social-emotional learning and implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) across the district. Improvements to our academic system of supports include weekly PLC meetings for our interventionists and Teaching and Learning coordinators to collaborate around best practices, ongoing implementation of a research-based math intervention program at the elementary level, supporting first year implementation of an ELA intervention program at the middle school level, exploring the tiered tools and strategies included in our new ELA/SLA K-5 foundational resource, as well as comprehensive professional development for our elementary enrichment teams and relevant middle school staff that targets the needs of our advanced learners. Next steps include a second trial of ELA/SLA K-5 intervention programs. |
We will engage in Phase 5 of construction which includes the design and development of Elementary North, to prepare for construction to begin in the summer of 2023. |
In December, the board of education approved contracts for the Elementary North renovation project. The Elementary North project is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2023 and conclude in December of 2024. Although the footprint of the building will not change, major mechanical updates including a new HVAC system, lighting, fire alarms, and clock system will be featured. In addition, all ceiling tiles and flooring will be updated throughout the building and the library will be renovated to align with the current library re-envisioning initiative. |
We will integrate technology to provide innovative learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of every learner and support our goals of equity and inclusion. |
We have introduced new technologies to enhance learning experiences for students and teachers by providing increased access to 3D printers and other tools in the classroom. We also partnered with the Key to 73 Foundation to equip middle schools with a GlowForge 3D laser printer to enhance STEM classrooms, and in January all schools will participate in Hour of Code activities developed in coordination with an expert in computer science education. The tech committee — comprised of teachers and IT staff — meets monthly to leverage the voices and expertise of staff to streamline and enhance our use of technology in classrooms. Current topics include: recognizing and replicating innovative practices, reviewing learning management systems, and discussing recommendations for smoothly integrating technology at all grade levels. Our professional learning podcast, D73 DRIVE, has received positive feedback from staff. It is a great way for teachers to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and to learn from one another. We have also scheduled and made site visits to other schools that are excelling in the areas of technology integration. These visits allow us to experience firsthand where schools are successfully integrating technology into their curriculum, allowing us to bring back ideas and best practices to consider at Hawthorn. We are piloting the use of VR technology in classrooms with a startup, LearnSesh, to evaluate its effectiveness in teaching. Using VR in classrooms can enhance the learning experience by providing immersive, interactive, and engaging activities like virtual field trips, science experiments, history, and language learning, helping students to connect and understand the material better. |
We will evaluate current productivity processes for staff and students with the goal of creating streamlined and consistent workflows that increase efficiency to more effectively use devices for student learning. This will include recommendations and professional development for staff, as well as training for students. |
We have focused on improving productivity processes in a number of areas to make us more efficient as an organization. Assessment processes have been streamlined to tighten up planning with the tech department and other stakeholders. Feedback forms have been provided to staff following each assessment window to determine additional needs or areas for improvement. This has decreased the number of tech support tickets and calls related to assessment issues. In conjunction with the Operations and Teaching & Learning departments, we have identified and implemented workflows to improve the efficiency of tech-related implementation projects. There is currently a Strategic Systems team in place to address requests for new software platforms and digital resource implementation in a more streamlined manner. We also recognized that the tech ticketing system was not as user-friendly as it could be, leading to a large volume of tickets and prolonged resolution times. We have coordinated with several IT stakeholders to clean up workflows within the system to make it more efficient for teachers while still providing the IT team with the information needed to troubleshoot issues. Processes for onboarding new hires have also been improved. The technology department has streamlined the processes for providing new staff with devices and access to digital resources. The time needed for students to log in to some digital resources tends to take longer than expected — especially for some of our younger students. We have been transitioning many of our resources to the Clever platform. This service provides students with an online portal that allows them to access the apps they need for class in an easier manner. |
2021-2022
2021-2022 Board Projects
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Develop a shared understanding of the district’s Mission, Vision, Commitments and Goals across all stakeholder groups.
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We will create and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to engage all stakeholder groups in the collective success of Hawthorn District 73.
- We will create systems to successfully split the current technology department into two distinct strands: instructional technology and technology infrastructure. The Director of Instructional Technology is responsible for developing, coordinating, and supporting a strategic vision for instructional technology in the district, including STEM and Library Media Services. The Technology Support Supervisor supports the hardware and networking needs of the district. Both work to ensure SOPPA (Student Online Personal Protection Act) compliance.
- We will support the consistent implementation of our updated Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) in English language arts (K-8) and math (6-8) in coordination with our original GVC Leadership Team.
- We will support the consistent development and implementation of our GVC in social studies (K-8), math (K-5), and both English language arts and math at the preschool level via training and support with new Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) Leadership Teams. This includes the prioritization and alignment of learning standards.
- We will engage in a pilot analysis of Tier 1 elementary and middle school English language arts / Spanish language arts materials within a curriculum review cycle. The purpose of our pilot is to select a foundational resource for district-wide implementation in 2022-2023.
- We will participate in planning and professional development to ensure readiness for the implementation of a consistent and robust STEM program at the middle school level in 2022-2023.
- We will review our current Library Media Services program, study best practices, and develop a corresponding proposal including purpose, staffing, schedules, resources, and physical space with the goal of creating an implementation timeline to begin in 2022-2023.
- We will focus on equity and inclusion in an effort to ensure all students feel safe and represented at school. This includes attention to student access and opportunity with regard to positive student outcomes.
- We will begin the implementation of our updated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This includes districtwide practices, processes, and structures specific to academic intervention and enrichment services, as well as professional development to support these efforts.
- We will engage in a comprehensive evaluation of the Dual Language Program with respect to programming goals, objectives, and the language allocation plan. The evaluation will focus on program structure; curriculum and instruction; assessment and accountability; professional development; family and community; and support and resources.
- We will engage in Phase 4 of construction which includes the design and development of Middle School South building additions and renovation and mechanical updates at Aspen.
- Develop the District 73 Leadership Academy for staff members pursuing a leadership position or staff interested in expanding their leadership skills.
2020-2021
Project | End of Year Update |
With the foundational PLC pieces in place, PLC teams across the district will work collaboratively to develop Common Formative Assessments (CFAs) and implement assessment for learning cycles. For a second year, the District 73 Leadership Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leadership Teams will continue to collaboratively guide the systemic implementation of these impactful PLC practices and structures across the district. |
This was the second year of deep implementation of Professional Learning Communities across the district. Building on last year’s foundational training, this year’s focus has been on instructional cycles, and the development and implementation of common formative assessments. During our September and November Early Release Days, as well as our October Institute Day, Dr. Dennis King (Solution Tree) guided staff in building upon last year’s work and implementing the assessment for learning cycle. All school schedules were designed for teams to collaboratively engage in this important work. Time was provided at every Early Release Day and during Institute Days for teams to collaborate within their PLC s. Additionally, during Early Release Days, Dr. King partnered with administration around specific leadership training, tools, and protocols that will help administrators provide feedback and guidance to support PLC teams in their buildings. Many buildings ended the year with PLCs formally reflecting on their progress and planning for next year. Moving forward into the 2021-22 school year, PLCs will continue to be invaluable as we continue the PLC process and focus on meeting student intervention and extension needs. |
We will engage in the design and development of Hawthorn Elementary South building additions and programs. |
Permits have been issued and construction will begin on June 7. Prior to school starting in August of 2021, the HVAC system will be overhauled and all ceiling tiles in the buildings will be replaced. All other construction will continue during the 2021-22 school year with additions and renovations complete prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year. |
We will collaborate with the Hawthorn 73 learning community to develop a strategic plan focused on the growth and learning of all students. |
Dr. Hannigan and Dr. King (Solution Tree) facilitated our Strategic Planning Committee to create Hawthorn’s five year Strategic Plan. The committee was composed of 55 representatives from Hawthorn's staff, families, and community. They began meeting in February of 2020 and reconvened virtually this year for three additional meetings. These meetings were utilized to finalize our mission, vision, commitments, and goals. The completed strategic plan was approved by the Board of Education and is each building’s guidepost as they create their school improvement plans. |
We will continue to utilize the results of the 2019 technology audit to develop and enhance the D73 instructional technology plan. |
The Instructional Technology Department continues to review staffing levels and needs based on the Net56 technology audit and the current and future demands on remote and hybrid learning. The technology staffing levels now include 5 full time technicians: (1) Tier 1 Help Desk and (4) Tier 2 Support Technicians. The Director of Instructional Technology will finish out this current school year as the supervisor of this team. For the 2021-22 school year, a Technology Support Supervisor will be hired to lead this team and support the maintenance of district technology infrastructure. This allows the Director of Instructional Technology to focus on training, Professional Development, and systemic changes that will take place due to the 1:1 implementation of devices for pre-K through 5th grade. |
We will implement Bridges in Mathematics (K-5) during the 2020-2021 school year. Efforts will include: providing a consistent scheduling framework; sharing teacher training resources for successful implementation in a remote setting; monitoring and mentoring consistent use of key resource components; and coordinating additional, district-wide training for elementary teachers. |
Bridges in Mathematics has been implemented in grades K-5 for students in both general and special education. Staff participated in grade level-specific professional development sessions provided by the Math Learning Center in both the fall and winter; our most recent training focused on differentiation (both intervention and extension) to support student success. Additional professional development was provided to staff in our self-contained special education program. Throughout this year, staff have received bi-weekly newsletters and guidance documents customized for our district. Individual student kits were ordered to further support learning in a remote environment, and staff have had access to digital displays and manipulatives. At this time, we are planning for our second year of implementation. This includes seeking staff feedback around materials that need to be replaced, preferred topics for professional support, and the development of updated implementation guidelines. We are also working closely with the Math Learning Center around the recommended scope and sequence for next year, as well as continued professional development. |
We will support the consistent implementation of our updated Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) in English language arts (K-8) and math (6-8) via ongoing support and training sessions with our original GVC Leadership Team (teacher representatives and building administrators). Next steps include attention to fidelity and the development of coordinating assessments. |
During this school year, we have led compacted GVC development sessions for grade level departments that have common planning time during the school day. Specifically, middle school algebra, preschool English language arts, seventh grade civics (in alignment with a curricular mandate), and an eighth grade social studies unit (in alignment with a curricular mandate). An invitation to re-engage with our original GVC Leadership Team (K-8 ELA, 6-8 math) for two full days in August has been shared with staff, so that we may participate in our sixth session and then transition to maintenance mode. Additional communication or time together may be scheduled during the 2021-2022 school year to support these efforts, as GVC development is intended to be an ongoing cycle of refinement. |
We will strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This includes districtwide practices, processes, and structures specific to academic intervention and enrichment services. |
The school year began reviewing Hawthorn’s current Multi-Tiered System of Supports (practices, processes and structures) and creating a plan for revision and refinement. Utilizing two years of deeply embedded PLC foundational learning, a MTSS Handbook that defines the process and organizes all forms and procedures in one central location has been created. The original drafts were shared with specific departments for feedback. After many feedback loops, the completed handbook will be shared with all staff at the beginning of next school year. Additionally, an MTSS Team, composed of representatives from each of our buildings, has been chosen and an introductory meeting occurred with this team on May’s Early Release Day. In August, these representatives will participate in a half day of MTSS training. Additional learning sessions have been planned for this team throughout the 2021-22 school year. The MTSS Team will utilize their learning to lead all aspects of MTSS implementation including providing professional development and support at the building level. |
District 73 will begin the 2020-2021 school year by implementing our Remote Learning Plan. We will work with the Lake County Department of Health to determine when it is safe to begin phasing in on-campus learning options. Within our Remote Learning Plan, students and staff will follow structured synchronous and asynchronous learning schedules each school day. |
Through January of this school year we implemented our comprehensive Remote Learning Plan for all grade levels (preschool-eighth grade). Detailed staff and family handbooks were developed to support participation. We collected feedback from families in November; this feedback was used to identify needed outreach to families, celebrate success, and inform continued improvements. Our hybrid learning model was implemented in phases beginning the week of February 1st. Specifically, students participating in our hybrid model participated in on-site learning two days each week, then four, then for five full days. Corresponding updates were added to our staff and family handbooks. Both our remote and hybrid learning plans reflected the district’s six driving goals, and were in alignment with guidance from the IDPH and ISBE. |
We will collaboratively engage in a systematic process to review our current Licensed Staff Evaluation procedures and develop a comprehensive evaluation handbook to reflect the Hawthorn District 73 system. |
Discussions have occurred with HEA leadership to outline necessary components and steps to capture our current Licensed Staff Evaluation procedures in a handbook. This handbook includes Hawthorn’s evaluation procedures as well as agreed upon timelines and required forms to be completed through our online, My Learning Plan, system. This document will be available for all Licensed staff to begin the 2021-22 school year. |
2019-2020
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