Hawthorne Early Childhood Center

03/13/2026

01/30/2026

Our preschool families enjoyed a Family Literacy Night at the Indian Trails Public Library District this week, filled with stories, hands-on activities and the opportunity to take home a free book. Thank you to our families and library partners for helping make reading fun and meaningful for our youngest learners. What a wonderful night of learning and connection!

01/22/2026

10/24/2025

We love Ms. Scaletta, and we're so happy she's decided to call Hawthorne her second home.

It’s National Principals Month, and we’re taking you behind the scenes to meet the amazing people leading our schools!

Melissa Scaletta at Hawthorne Early Childhood Center is a true champion for her students and staff. Known for her approachability and dedication, Melissa takes the time to understand the unique strengths and needs of everyone in her school community. Whether it’s guiding teachers, supporting families, or cheering on her preschoolers, Melissa’s leadership ensures Hawthorne is a place where every child can succeed. Thank you, Melissa, for your inspiring vision and heart for education!

10/23/2025

A message from our Superintendent, Dr. Michael Connolly:

We understand that recent news and ongoing conversations about immigration and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) can create uncertainty and concern for some of our families. We want to remind you that our schools are safe, supportive places for every student and family—regardless of immigr...

10/23/2025

Quick reminder: No school tomorrow in observance of an Institute Day. We’ll see you all on Monday!

Reminder: Friday, October 24, is an Institute Day!

That means no classes for students across the district.

On Institute Days, our teachers and staff engage in professional learning, collaboration, and planning to strengthen instruction and support for every student. These days are essential for keeping our schools innovative, connected, and student-focused.

Our administrative offices will be closing at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, but the District 21 Health Center will remain open until 4 p.m.

Have a wonderful weekend, and we'll see you all on Monday!

arrkw

10/21/2025

Tomorrow is Unity Day, and we're calling on our Bee community to wear orange and show your support for kindness, acceptance and inclusion!

Tomorrow is Unity Day! 🧡

Across the district, we’ll be wearing orange to show our commitment to kindness, acceptance, and inclusion...and to take a stand against bullying. We encourage our students, staff, and community members to join in and help us turn our schools (and neighborhoods!) orange in support of this important cause.

📸 We’d love to see how you’re celebrating! Upload your Unity Day photos here: https://bit.ly/4ho785x

Let’s make kindness go viral, one orange shirt at a time!

10/15/2025

Our littlest learners recently experienced a true rite of childhood: the coveted rainbow parachute!

This timeless activity brought joy, movement and collaboration to life. Here's to colorful learning and big smiles for our Bees!

09/23/2025

Shana Tova! In observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, there are no classes today.

Shana Tova! Today we recognize Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and the start of the High Holy Days. This holiday is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope for the year ahead. Traditions often include hearing the sound of the shofar, sharing sweet foods like apples dipped in honey, and spending time with loved ones.

In observance of Rosh Hashanah, there will be no classes today.

We wish all who celebrate a sweet and joyful new year! ✨

09/09/2025

We love seeing what our littlest learners have been up to. Here are some highlights from Tarkington!

08/31/2025

A reminder that in observance of Labor Day tomorrow, we will have no school. See you all on Tuesday!

Labor Day Reminder 🇺🇸

Tomorrow we honor Labor Day, a holiday that celebrates the contributions of American workers and the labor movement, including important protections like the 40-hour work week, fair wages, and safer working conditions.

👉 There will be no school tomorrow in observance of the holiday.

Wishing our families a safe, restful Labor Day!

08/21/2025

First day of preschool = success! 🌟

Our Early Childhood Center was full of smiles, laughter, and curiosity today as our youngest learners officially began their school journey. A big thank you to our dedicated staff for creating such a welcoming, nurturing space for students and families—it’s because of you that the first day was filled with joy and comfort. 💙

Here’s to a wonderful year of learning, growing, and exploring together!