Hawthorn's vision is that parents are the primary educators of their children. What is encouraged and taught at school is first taught at home. Education at Hawthorn thus becomes a collaborative effort, and parents are expected to make a personal effort to bring the Hawthorn vision to life. The school in turn offers substantial formation to parents to help them provide the best possible education to their girls during their stay at Hawthorn.
Parents learn that the best possible education for their children involves forging a strong character and building good habits for life. This is the key to true happiness that parents and teachers alike strive to give to the students. With a strong character, the girls have the courage to take responsibility for their own life and can then strike out on their own – always aware of the support that has been theirs from day one both in the family and at Hawthorn.
Solid critical thinking, a deep respect for others, an understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, generosity, a spirit of service and initiative – all of these good habits are gradually integrated into a student’s life, provided that teachers and parents help each girl to do what she knows is right. "Feeling good about oneself" is not the message that the girls receive. Rather, both school and parents encourage the girls to look beyond feelings or wishful thinking in order to truly act upon higher motivations and goals.
Please read the following document for more information and to get involved:
Parent Volunteer Opportunities 2011-12
Communication
Hawthorn has a unique arrangement for working with all of our parents. This arrangement goes beyond a typical parents’ association.
Five Parent Coordinators facilitate the participation of parents in the life of the school. Monthly communications meetings with Class Coordinators (parent representatives for each grade level) are key to making parent involvement a priority, and offer a valuable opportunity for parents to better acquaint themselves with the school, develop friendships, and choose social activities for their classes.
Fundraising
Hawthorn’s two main fundraising events are the Fall Golf Tournament and Dinner, and the Gala and Silent Auction in the spring. Both events are great opportunities to support the school and come together as a community. Hawthorn’s Annual Fund Campaign gives parents and the community a chance to support the unique educational experience Hawthorn offers.