Our students in Miss Chavez's class have been busy thinking like inventors! Inspired by our Shared Reading of Benjamin Franklin, 4th grade students spent a week exploring the many accomplishments of his life, with a special focus on his incredible problem-solving skills. They learned how Franklin identified everyday challenges and worked to create solutions-whether by organizing resources like the first lending library or inventing practical tools like bifocals.

Taking a page from Franklin’s book, students were challenged to look at their own lives and identify problems they encounter, then design an invention to solve them. The results were both creative and impressive! From a “doggie drool wiper” to a “chair picker upper” and even an “artificial arm,” students demonstrated innovation, empathy, and critical thinking as they worked to improve everyday experiences. We are so proud of our young inventors and their imaginative approach to problem-solving!

Hawthorne’s Conservation Club is off to a great start this spring! This week, students got their hands dirty potting seeds and learning about the importance of caring for our environment. We are excited to watch their plants and their passion for conservation grow in the weeks ahead. A special thank you to Kristin Adams and all of our parent volunteers for their time and support in making this club such a meaningful experience for our students!

As part of the Bookworms Reading Curriculum, our Kindergarten students recently read "A Bee's Life" and dove deep into the wonderful world of bees. But the learning didn't stop on the page! This week, our students had the special treat of welcoming Miss Kate, a real-life beekeeper, into their classrooms. Miss Kate brought the book to life, sharing her firsthand knowledge of bees and what it's like to care for a hive. Our young learners were buzzing with excitement and curiosity, and it was a beautiful reminder of how literacy and real-world experiences go hand in hand. A huge thank you to Miss Kate for inspiring our little readers! 🍯

Check out this special feature of Mr. Gabriele's classroom! It has been highlighted on the Culver’s website. His creative, Culver’s-themed classroom caught their attention, and he was even interviewed for a feature on their nationwide site.

Third-grade students from Hawthorne Elementary School visited the Meyer Science Center at Wheaton College this week for a hands-on science experience exploring Earth’s history. During the trip, students learned about the rock cycle, examined different minerals, and studied fossils to better understand living organisms from the past. The interactive visit brought classroom learning to life, sparking curiosity and excitement as students engaged in real-world scientific exploration.

Congratulations to Hawthorne students Riley and Velana for being recognized this week at the PTA Reflections Honor Ceremony held at Hubble Middle School. Both students were celebrated for their outstanding creativity and artistic expression. A special congratulations goes to Velana, whose featured artwork (pictured to the right) has advanced to the state level competition. We are proud of Riley and Velana for representing Hawthorne with such talent and imagination!

The Intramural Battle of the Books season will soon be underway. If you are not familiar with IM Battle of the Books, it is a fun and competitive way to spend your time this spring. Students are broken into teams, are assigned reading and come to an assembly style battle in May to answer questions related to their reading, Jeopardy style. Look for permission slips in your child’s take-home folder.

Students at Hawthorne Elementary School are always learning and growing. One of the things we pride ourselves on at Hawthorne is the work we do to ensure students understand, demonstrate, and reinforce schoolwide expectations. At Hawthorne, students learn about the Hawthorne Way during the first week of school with Mrs. Zimmer. During the year, we work to reinforce the things we learn about the Hawthorne Way.

The Happy Heart Award is a recognition ticket given to students who go above and beyond to demonstrate the Hawthorne Way during the school day. Students who earn this will receive a ticket with their name on it, the staff member who recognized them, and the reason they were recognized. The recognition portion will go home to celebrate with family.

Congratulations to this week's Happy Heart Award drawing winners!