Student/Parent Handbook - Hawthorn School District 73

HAWTHORN PTO
The Hawthorn District 73 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is an volunteer group that provides fundraising, programming
and communication for all Hawthorn District 73 schools and the John Powers Center for the Hearing Impaired. The mission is
to “enhance the education of our children by promoting the connection between home, school and community.” The majority
of funds raised by the PTO are distributed in May proportionately among the schools in the district on a per capita basis to be
used to further the PTO’s mission. The funds not disbursed are used on programming and communication services. For
information about participation, please visit the PTO website at pto.hawthorn73.org or check with your school office.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Hawthorn values our strong partnerships within the community. Our students benefit from corporate volunteers who support
such efforts as Big Brother/Big Sister mentoring, Junior Achievement economics training, career day explorations, special
assemblies and classroom presentations. Hawthorn also has forged strong ties with the Vernon Hills Police Department, the
Countryside Fire Protection District and other organizations.
Parents are encouraged to get involved with their student's education and the broader Hawthorn community. Schools and
classrooms often have the need for volunteer support. Please contact your child's teacher or school to learn about any
upcoming needs. Another way to participate is through the Hawthorn Parent Teacher Organization (please see above).
Community groups are encouraged to share their opportunities with the Hawthorn community through our Community Notes
web page, www.hawthorn73.org/index.php/communitynotes. Please refer to this webpage for submission guidelines. Note
that inclusion on this web page does not mean that Hawthorn endorses any of the listed programs.
GRADE REPORTS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION
Report Cards and Mid-Term Reports
Student progress is formally reported to parents/guardians via report cards, which are sent home with students three
times a year at the close of the trimester, and mid-term reports, which are sent home with students three times per year
at the trimester mid-point. Parents must sign and return the report envelope to show that they have seen the reports.
Middle School Honor Rolls
At the middle school level, a student's grade point average (GPA) is calculated with the issuance of each trimester
report card and based on all class grades. Recognition is given for High Honor Roll (3.5 to 4.0 GPA), Honor Roll (3.0 to
3.49), and Improvement Honor Roll (for GPA improvement of .5 or better). Hawthorn celebrates this achievement by
posting the honor rolls in the school newspaper, online, and in the local media. (Please note: If a parent has chosen to
not approve celebrations of student work, that student's name will not appear on the honor rolls. For more information,
please consult the section entitled Student Privacy Agreement, which follows.)
Other Honors
Schools also provide other awards and recognition for academic achievement and responsible behavior, including 8th
grade Presidential Education and Hawthorn Academic Awards, Eagle Awards, scholarships, Principal Pride, Soaring
Eagle and more. More information is available from your school. (Please note: If a parent has chosen to not approve
celebrations of student work, that student's name will not be included in any of these honors. For more information,
please consult the section entitled Student Privacy Agreement, which follows.)
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Formal parent/teacher conferences are held each fall, with the option for additional conference time in the spring or at
any time by request.
Ongoing Teacher Communication
Hawthorn encourages parents to communicate with the teacher and school whenever they have questions or concerns
regarding their child's progress. It is generally most effective to direct your conversation to your child's teacher. All
teachers have access to email and telephone voice mail to facilitate your communication.
Page 6 Hawthorn District 73 Student/Parent Handbook (Rev 7/11/2011)