Hawthorne Elementary School |
♥ The Little School with the Big Heart ♥ |
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Dear Hawthorne Elementary School Families,
As we approach this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your support, partnership, and trust make our school community a truly special place. Every day, I see our students grow, learn, and thrive-and it is because of the caring environment we create together.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the important things in our lives, and I feel incredibly grateful for our Hawthorne staff & families. Thank you for being an essential part of our school, for encouraging our children, and for contributing to the warmth, energy, and spirit that makes Hawthorne Elementary School such a wonderful place to learn and grow.
I wish you all a joyful, peaceful, and safe Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments with family and friends.
With gratitude,
Holly Zimmer
Principal, Hawthorne Elementary School
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Mr. Lee Visits Third Grade |
This week, our third graders were treated to an exciting learning experience from our PTA as Mr. Lee visited their classrooms to support the study of weather. His expertise and energy brought the topic to life, giving students the opportunity to explore weather concepts through a variety of hands-on activities.
Throughout the day, students engaged in learning activities that allowed them to observe, experiment, and think like real scientists. They investigated tools used to measure weather, explored how clouds form, and made predictions based on real data. Mr. Lee’s interactive approach helped students deepen their understanding while sparking curiosity and enthusiasm.
We are grateful to Mr. Lee and our Hawthorne PTA for creating such a memorable and meaningful learning experience. Our third graders walked away with stronger knowledge, new skills, and a lot of excitement about the science of weather!
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Second Graders Explore, Build, and Learn at LEGOLAND! |
Our second graders had an unforgettable learning adventure during their recent trip to LEGOLAND Discovery Center! The excitement began the moment students walked through the doors and saw larger-than-life LEGO creations, interactive exhibits, and hands-on building zones waiting for them.
Throughout the day, students explored STEM concepts in creative and meaningful ways. They designed and tested their own LEGO structures, experimented with simple machines, and discovered how imagination and engineering come together to solve real-world challenges. Whether they were building cars to race, constructing towers to test their strength, or exploring miniature cities made entirely of bricks, our students were fully engaged-and having a blast.
Along the way, they practiced teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance—skills we see them use every day in the classroom. The smiles, excitement, and “Look what I built!” moments showed just how powerful learning through play can be.
A huge thank you to our PTA, teachers, staff, and parent volunteers who helped make this experience possible.
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Fifth Grade Visits the Museum of Science & Industry |
Our fifth graders had an unforgettable learning adventure during their field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago! The day was filled with curiosity, discovery, and hands-on exploration as students engaged with exhibits that brought science and innovation to life.
From stepping inside the giant dome theater to experiencing dynamic weather simulations,seeing the U-505 submarine, and experimenting with physics and motion in the Science Storms exhibit, students were immersed in real-world applications of the scientific concepts. Their excitement and wonder were evident at every turn.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our PTA and parent volunteers for generously supporting this field trip. Their commitment to enriching learning opportunities makes meaningful experiences like this possible for our students.
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Join us on December 2nd at 7 p.m. for our annual Pack the Gym night, where our CUSD 200 Flying Tigers will take on the Waubonsie Warriors! This event gives us an opportunity to cheer for our team and give back to our community by supporting the local Christmas Sharing Program. Everyone is encouraged to come out and make this a memorable night for all! |
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CUSD 200 Parent Series: College and Career Planning in the Age of AI |
The world of education, college and careers is changing rapidly, much of this due to recent developments in AI and its broad and pervasive impact across the labor market.
On December 4 from 12-12:45 p.m, Ryan Gainor will host a webinar on the current state of college and career readiness, practical pathways to consider for college bound, trade, or immediate career-minded graduates, and tools you can use to help in your decision making process.To join the webinar on December 4th, click here.
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Elementary Testing for the Program of Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (PACE) Grades 2-5 |
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
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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.
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❤️The Happy Heart Award❤️ |
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!
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November 27: Turkey Bowl @ Hawthorne
November 24-28: Thanksgiving Break
December 2: SAIL Field Trip
December 5: PTA Meeting 9:05AM in LLC
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
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