Who We Are

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program located at John Powers Center and Grayslake North High School provides instructional and integrated services for students from early childhood to high school who are deaf or hard of hearing and rely on sign language as their main mode of communication or use it to supplement their auditory and oral communication skills.

Staff members at the John Powers Center are proficient in sign language and classes are taught using Conceptually Accurate Signed English and American Sign Language. Students with hearing loss may require a significant level of support services. In addition to traditional modes of therapy, a trans-disciplinary team model is utilized to carry over related service goals into the classroom. Educational teams work collaboratively to provide a comprehensive program of support during the entire school day. Students in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program have opportunities to mainstream into the general education environment based on the needs outlined in their Individualized Education Plan. In addition, many Deaf and Hard of Hearing students require sign language interpreters to understand the spoken word in academic and social situations. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School Program is located at Grayslake North High School (GNHS). The high school program provides for a wide range of academic and elective subject areas within general education as well as instructional classes with trained teachers of deaf and hard of hearing. All DHH Program staff members are proficient in sign language and courses within the instructional setting are taught using Conceptually Accurate Signed English and American Sign Language. Upon graduating from the SEDOL Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, many students seek post secondary opportunities including college or trade school.

Itinerant services are provided to students with a hearing loss and who are determined to be eligible for services through the IEP process. Students may receive both instructional and consultative services. Instruction is provided to students based on their educational needs and may include self-advocacy, academic skills, language, and communication skills. We value the collaborative process with member districts as it allows us to enhance our student experience and prepare them for life when they exit the program.

Student Activities and Extracurricular Information

Students at John Powers engage with grade-level peers on the Hawthorn District 73 North Campus, fostering friendships and learning experiences in an inclusive environment.

Lunch and Recess:

• Early Childhood and Kindergarten: Students enjoy lunch at the John Powers Center and have playtime on the adjacent fenced-in playground to the west of the building.
• First through Eighth Grades: Students in grades 1-8 have lunch within Hawthorn District 73 schools. Elementary students (grades 1-5) also enjoy a 20-minute recess on Hawthorn playgrounds, scheduled either before or after lunch.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

Students at all grade levels have access to a variety of extracurricular activities within Hawthorn District 73 Schools. Middle school students (grades 6-8) may also participate in after-school athletics, which often require tryouts. If your child is interested, please keep an eye on posted timelines for sign-ups and tryouts.

For additional details on activities available at each grade level, please click on the Quick Links below... 

Hawthorn Middle North (6-8)

Hawthorn Middle North Athletics (6-8)

Townline Elementary (K-5)