A Word About Pertussis (Whooping Cough)...

Cases of Pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough) are cropping up around the area, including at Townline. Parents are urged to be extra vigilant. Note that even if a child has been vaccinated for pertussis (through the DTaP vaccine), that protection begins to wear off before they can receive the next "booster." Therefore, cases can occur in fully vaccinated children. In those cases the symptoms can be milder, and seem similar to other respiratory illnesses. If anyone in your family (adult or child) develops a cough or cold-like symptoms, please consult your physician and tell him/her that pertussis has been reported in your child's school. It is especially important to avoid contact with infants under the age of 6 months and women in their third trimester of pregnancy until you have been assessed by a physician. Please read on for more information... More»

Hawthorn Surveys Parents/Community

Hawthorn is working with ECRA Group to conduct surveys of our community. In early October, each Hawthorn family should have received a large envelope containing a 4-page survey, which can also be completed online using a code provided on the paper survey. Beginning in mid-October, ECRA will begin conducting a random telephone survey designed to gather in-depth feedback from District residents who may not have students attending Hawthorn schools. ECRA is planning to report back on their initial findings at the November 24 Board of Education meeting. Hawthorn encourages you to make your voice heard by participating in these surveys. If you have questions, please contact the District Office at 847-990-4200.

6th Graders Take Part in Second Environmental Experience

Hawthorn's 6th graders will take turns heading to Ryerson Woods for their second day-long Environmental Field and Team Experience. Middle South students will attend on either December 2 or 3, while Middle North 6th graders will attend either December 4 or 5. Middle North Permission Slip

Bus Reimbursement Requests Accepted at County until January 30

The Lake County Regional Superintendent is now accepting Applications for Determination of a Serious Safety Hazard. This form is used by students who live less than 1.5 miles from school and who are looking for reimbursement toward the cost of paid busing. Information is available on the Transportation webpage. Completed forms must be turned in to the county by January 30.

Thank You, Veterans!

The Hawthorn community expresses our deepest gratitude for your dedication to our nation and our freedom. On November 10, the Hawthorn Middle South Student Council and student body joined to honor local Veterans with a Veteran's Day Appreciation Breakfast. Thank you to the approximately 25 Veterans who took part in the event, and who graciously allowed Hawthorn students to interview them to learn about their experiences and insight. In addition to enjoying remarks by State Senator Terry Link, Vernon Hills Mayor Roger Byrne, Superintendent Dr. Joe Yomtoob and Superintendent-Elect Sue Zook, the group listened to a concert by the Middle South Choir and Band. Thank you to Mrs. Mary Castellano and her Student Council members, who spent part of their Sunday afternoon decorating the school for the event. Most of all, thank you to all of the Veterans who gave so much on our behalf. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Hawthorn Happenings - November 2008

For lots of news about our students and schools, click here… More»

Thank You for Dictionaries, MVH Rotary!

On November 5 and 6, members of the Mundelein Vernon Hills Rotary Club distributed dictionaries to each of our third graders. The dictionaries are tremendous resources that will take our students on into high school and beyond. Each year for the past several, MVH Rotarians have given our third graders their own dictionary. Thank you for this powerful commitment to our students! Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

After School Care RFP Available

The Request for Proposal (RFP) for Hawthorn after school day care programs is available at the District Office, 841 West End Court, Vernon Hills. Responses are due by December 1. For information, contact the District Business Office at 847-990-4221.

Ask the Superintendent About AYP

On October 29, Hawthorn parents were provided with a letter detailing our District's status with regard to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as outlined by the mandates of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation and the Illinois State Board of Education. For more information, please refer to the October 29 letter as well as the Ask the Superintendent webpage.

School Board Candidate Petition Forms Available

Nominating petition forms for the April 7, 2009 school board election in Hawthorn District 73 will be available beginning October 21, 2008 at District Office, 841 West End Court, Vernon Hills. Nominating petitions cannot be circulated until October 28, and are due back between January 20 and January 26. Three four-year terms on the seven-member board will be filled by the April election. For more information, please refer to the October 7 release or contact the Office of the Superintendent, 847-990-4218.