Weekly Communique
December 2, 2022
Thoughts from Dr. Pacatte
Don't Miss Out!
December traditionally provides some of the best opportunities to support your children with their school activities. The calendar is filled with concerts, musicals, basketball tournaments, and other winter events. I recently attended the 2nd grade concert at Spaulding School where the students performed pop hits from the decades. The minute the kids started to sing the parents' phones were out, held high, and recording. By the time they got midway through the Beatles' "She Loves you" the audience was singing along and did so all the way through the end with the Black-Eyed Peas', "I Got a Feeling".
Even without knowing the songs, parents usually love these opportunities. Your children love being with their friends and classmates and performing for their parents, siblings, and grandparents. The parents have photo opportunities and, more importantly, memories of when their children really were children. Please check the school and District calendar so you and your children don't miss out!!
Click on image below to view the video.
Tweet of the Week
Annual Turkey Trot Run at Spaulding
Spaulding School's annual Turkey Trot was held in seasonably cool weather with a dusting of snow on the ground. Students and their families were invited to run and walk laps during the students' physical education classes. Grade level classes with the most laps earned a trophy. Hot chocolate was served to all participants.
Students from Viking School built some amazing irrigation systems this week!
Viking Drama
Viking Student Service Council
Help the Viking Student Service Council help others! SSC is hosting a food drive now thru 12/19!
Upcoming River Trail National Junior Honor Society Fundraising
Gurnee Park District
Bring the family to celebrate the holiday season! The night will begin with the arrival of the "Holiday Train" at Viking Park, followed by our “Holiday Lights” event at Welton Plaza on Old Grand Avenue!
https://www.gurneeparkdistrict.com/events/44145/holiday-lights
GET READY FOR WINTER!
View our 2022-2023 Winter Programs and Events Guide TODAY!
Registration opens Monday, December 5!
https://indd.adobe.com/view/a6710ee5-24b4-47ac-8647-0a8c047eefee
3rd – 8th Grade Basketball Leagues
Each age group will be divided into teams with a maximum of 10 players each. Age groups may be combined if numbers are low. Boys and girls will be on separate teams. Starting November 28, practices are held once per week from 6:45 – 8 pm. Games will be played on Saturdays starting January 13, ending March 11.
Canadian Pacific's Holiday Train to Stop in Gurnee
The following week, the holiday train will stop at Viking Middle School in Gurnee. Anyone interested is encouraged to come out Thursday, Dec. 8 at approximately 5:10 p.m. to see the stunning lights, as well as performance by artists Alan Doyle and Kelly Prescott.”
From Family First Center
Everyone is invited! This is an event for the entire family. We will have FREE FAMILY PORTRAITS; a visit from Santa; Hot Chocolate, Marshmallows, Peppermints, Cookies, Hot Dogs, Chips, Walking Tacos, Juice, Popcorn, Soda, and Water; and a Non-Profit Showcase of other agencies who serve children. Live Band, DJ, Games like Connect Four, Arcade Games, Basketball, Table Games, Giant Jenga, Toy Giveaway, Experiment Station, Poetry Reading, Face Painting, Firefighters, Police Officers, Elected Officials, Raffles, and surprise guests! You DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT! Everything is free! Bring a friend or three!!
Alder Arts Center : December
Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Need help with utility bills? Eligible families in Illinois can get help this winter through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Find out more at http://helpillinoisfamilies.com.
Illinois Department of Public Health
Is it just the 'winter blues' or seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? This infographic may help guide you on when to seek professional help. https://go.usa.gov/xeqyS #shareNIMH
Lake County Health Department
Respiratory Illnesses
Help prevent the spread of severe respiratory illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu), and COVID-19 by taking appropriate precautions:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash your hand often with soap and water
- Wear a mask around others if you or someone else is sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
RSV
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While most people recover within a week or two, RSV can be serious, especially for infants six months and younger and older adults.
RSV can spread when:
- An infected person coughs or sneezes
- Virus droplets from a cough or sneeze get in your eyes, nose, or mouth
- You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV
- Touching your face after touching a surface that has the virus on it
Flu
The influenza virus can infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle or body aches. Visit the CDC for the full list of flu symptoms. Everyone ages six months and older should get the flu shot annually. However, it is especially important for adults 65 and older to get vaccinated as they are more vulnerable to severe diseases. The best way to reduce your flu risk is to get your vaccine. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a flu shot location near you.
COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to be present in the community. Like RSV and flu, COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness. COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms that appear anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure. Visit the CDC's Symptoms of COVID-19 for a list of possible symptoms. If you are showing signs of illness, you should get tested.
Everyone ages five years and older are eligible for an updated bivalent COVID-19 booster if it has been at least two months since their last booster or final primary dose. The bivalent booster works differently than previous boosters and provides broader protection against COVID-19. The flu shot and the COVID-19 booster vaccination can be administered at the same time. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a location near you.