We are excited to welcome our Hawthorne families to this year’s Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 9. Door 14, near the stairs, will open at 6:10 PM for families to enter and find their seats.

Students in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade should report to their classrooms at 6:15 PM. If they have older siblings performing later in the program, those siblings in grades 3, 4, and 5 should remain with family in the audience during the primary performance.

We will have a brief intermission around 7:00 PM. At that time, parents may pick up their K–2 performers, and students in grades 3–5 should head to their classrooms to prepare for the second half of the concert, which begins at 7:15 PM. Younger siblings staying to watch the intermediate performance must sit with their family.

I would like to extend a special thank you to our vocal music teacher and chorus director, Mrs. Sarah Tompkins, for her planning, dedication, and preparation with her students and to our teachers and staff for their support for our students' big night! We look forward to a joyful evening of music and celebration with our wonderful Hawthorne community!

Sincerely, 
Holly Zimmer

Hawk Squad continues to meet each week, and the fun, creativity, and connection only keep growing. As we move into the winter season, students are diving into new hands-on projects that build fine motor skills, spark imagination, and strengthen teamwork. From collaborative winter-themed crafts to activities that support communication and problem-solving, each session offers students a chance to express themselves and build meaningful friendships.

We are so proud to see our Hawk Squad students supporting one another, trying new things, and celebrating each other’s strengths. Thank you again to Mrs. Krischel and Miss Taylor for their continued leadership and thoughtful planning—Hawk Squad remains a highlight of the week for so many of our students.

Dear Hawthorne Elementary School Families,

We are excited to announce a fantastic new feature within our ParentVUE mobile app designed to make managing your student's attendance even more convenient!

While the traditional method of calling your child's school attendance line remains fully functional, you now have the ability to report planned absences directly through the ParentVUE app. This option will be available starting the week of January 12, 2026.

This new digital option allows you to notify us in advance of any scheduled absences, such as illness, medical appointments, family travel, or other planned events. It’s a fast, easy way to communicate important attendance information without needing to make a phone call during busy hours.

How to Use the New Planned Absence Feature

Open the ParentVUE Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet. This can also be done via an internet browser on the web by going to this website.

Log in with your credentials.

Navigate to the Attendance section or click the Report Absences button.

Follow the prompts to enter the start date, end date, reason for absence, and any necessary comments. Note: leaving a note regarding the absence is required. Submit the request.

Currently, ParentVUE can only record full day absences. If an absence will be a partial day, please note the time in the notes section (i.e. periods that will be missed for MS/HS) so that your child’s school can reflect that in their records. Lastly, this attendance feature still adheres to adopted cut off times for excused absences as stated in each school’s student handbook.  

We believe this new feature will be a significant time-saver and enhance our communication regarding student attendance. If you have not yet downloaded the ParentVUE mobile app, please search for "ParentVUE" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Thank you for your partnership in ensuring accurate and timely attendance records for all our students.

Sincerely,

Community Unit School District 200

Our 3rd–5th grade Finance Club met for the second time this week, and our students continue to impress us with their curiosity and enthusiasm. During this session, students explored the difference between short-term and long-term financial goals. From saving for small items they hope to buy soon, to dreaming big about their future plans, our students shared thoughtful and creative examples of each type of goal.

We are proud of how engaged and reflective our Hawks are as they begin building lifelong financial literacy skills. We can’t wait to see what they learn next!

Second graders will be screened for PACE in February 2026 using the Cognitive Abilities Test.

More information will follow in January 2026. Parents of second graders who are eligible for further PACE testing based on the Cognitive Abilities Test will be notified at the end of February to take further Iowa subtests as the next step for entry into the PACE program.

In late February, into March 2026, the PACE Office will host testing for currently enrolled 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. Students in Grades 3-5 may be recommended for testing by the teacher and/or parent. The deadline for a parent to request PACE Testing is January 30, 2026. This testing, which will include the CogAT 8 and subtests from the Iowa Assessments. Testing will qualify elementary students for participation in one of the following 2026-2027 classes:

4th and 5th grade PACE Mathematics
4th and 5th grade PACE Reading
6th grade Fast-Paced Mathematics
6th grade Fast-Paced Language Arts

Please Note – Students currently in PACE Program Classes do not need to re-test. Students currently attending a private school or homeschooled, but reside in the District 200 attendance area, are also eligible for PACE Program Testing. Parents will be notified by their child's school about testing dates & times before testing. Parent Testing Referral Forms can be found on the District 200 website Questions? Contact the District 200 PACE Office at PACE@cusd200.org

The Wheaton Park District and the Wheaton Lions Club are hosting the 14th Annual Lions Charities Reindeer Run 5K on Saturday, December 6! This festive run/walk is open to all ages and abilities, and everyone is encouraged to get decked out in their best holiday costume or ugly sweater. 

Returning this year, we are offering your PTA a fundraising opportunity through Reindeer Run registration. Each registrant will receive $5.00 off their registration, and your PTA will receive $5.00 back through the use of your personalized coupon code — HAWTHORNE25.

December 6: Reindeer Run
December 9: Winter Concert at Hawthorne
December 9: CNO Culvers
December 9: Mr. Lee 4C
December 10: Mr. Lee 4B
December 19: Winter Class Parties 2:15PM
December 22: Winter Break Begins

January 6: School Resumes
January 9: PTA Meeting 9:05AM in LLC
January 12: PTA STEM Assembly
January 19: No School, MLK Day

February 13: Friendship Classroom Parties
February 16: No School, Presidents Day
February 19: Variety Show Dress Rehearsal
February 20: Variety Show
February 27: No School, Institute Day
February 27: End of Trimester 2

March 6: PTA Meeting in LLC 9:05AM
March 23: PTA Reflections Ceremony @ Hubble MS
March 30-April 3: Spring Break

Phone: 630-682-2065
Address: 334 E Wakeman Ave Wheaton, IL

Health Office:
HawthorneHealthOffice@cusd200.org

School Hours:
A.M. Kindergarten
Doors Open: 9:00 a.m.
Tardy Bell: 9:05 a.m.
Dismissal: 11:35 a.m.

All Day Kindergarten & Grades 1-5
Doors Open: 9:00 a.m.
Tardy Bell: 9:05 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:30 p.m.

Hawthorne Website
Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Lunch: $3.75 Breakfast $1.50
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ParentVUE
BASP Information
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LightSpeed Parent Portal Sign-Up
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