Weekly Communique
March 17, 2023
Thoughts from Dr. Pacatte
As most of you know, Spring Break is right around the corner. As our students and most of our staff will be taking some much needed time away, we have staff who will be putting the finishing touches on a new and improved website for Gurnee School District 56! We hope to have the new and improved website and a fully functioning app available when we return from break.
This new website will provide a much easier and fluid user experience. The website is easily translated into other languages with the tap of a button. If there is another language you need, please just let us know! The home page will provide easy access to staff directories and important messages through a redesigned layout of buttons and links. The new home page will also include a running thread of social media posts from the district, upcoming events, and general reminders for those of you who enjoy following the district!
The new D56 app will be a true app which adjusts to the size of the device being used. This will make accessing much needed information, while you are on the go, a much better experience! The app will be available for download from your app store or a link from the website following Spring Break. We are continually trying to make communication and access to information easier and are so excited to roll out this upgrade.
D56 is Hiring
D56 is currently accepting applications for the following positions:
- Technology Systems Coordinator
- Substitute Teachers
- Lunchroom Supervisors (NEEDED AT VIKING MIDDLE SCHOOL)
- School Custodian
- Bus Drivers & Aides
For more information please contact Steve Kirwan at 847-336-8997 or by email to transportation@d56.org
Are you, or someone you know, interested in any job position listed above, please visit the this link to apply online.
Tweet of the Week
What's Happening in March
ATTENTION: Kindergarten Class of 2036
School Maker Faire
Viking Drama Presents:OZ
Viking School Student Service Council Fundraiser
National Honor Society Fundraiser
STEM Club students from Viking School worked hard to design, build, and program at the CLC's Make-a-thon this past weekend.
Kindergarten Book Club
Kindergarten book club read “The Pigeon Wants a Puppy” by Mo Willems and made pigeon hats!
Why not match? What a fun IAR day at River Trail School!
Magical Musical Chairs
When chairs are set up in the gym for concerts, Spaulding School students play one of their favorite games during p.e. class: Magical Musical Chairs. Words are placed on the backs of chairs before classes. P.E. teachers provide clues such as "find a word that has a vowel at the beginning of the word," "find a word that is two syllables," or "find a word that has a double consonant." Other non-word-related clues include "find a chair on an aisle," "sit in an odd-numbered row," and "make a double or triple-decker" (which is a student favorite)!
D56 Maker Faire 2023
Questers are getting ready for the D56 Maker Faire on 3/22! At Viking from 3:30-7pm, come check out the cool 3D printed prosthetics they made and read their origin stories! This project is based off the book, “Beauty and the Beak”!
Jumping for Joy!
Spaulding School students are completing a jump rope unit. Students have used long ropes, short ropes, and Chinese Jump Ropes to practice basic skills and learn a few tricks as well.
Warren HS Theater Presents: Anastasia
Gurnee Park District
Families are sure to have a hare-raising, egg-citing, and egg-cellent time at this fun filled event! The event includes an outdoor egg hunt (weather dependent), craft, and continental breakfast and pictures with the Egg Hunt Bunny. Event areas are staggered based on age groups to allow for smaller numbers while inside.
Parents and children must pre-register for this event and an adult 18+ must attend with their child/ren.
Parents and children 10 years & up attending the event MUST register for the breakfast only option (*Includes breakfast ONLY).
Times: 8:00 - 9:00am OR 9:15 - 10:15am
Location: Viking Park Community CenterApril 4 – June 10 Spring Soccer League
The spring 2023 season will start the week of Monday, April 3rd, and end Saturday, June 10th, including one Saturday for makeup games.
June 12 – August 11 Summer Camp
Gurnee Park District provides summer fun options for ages 3 – 16. All camps offer a wide variety of activities including sports, crafts, games, and special interests. Choose the best schedule for you and your family!
Lake County Health Department
Get Ready for the Next School Year!
Make sure your child doesn’t miss out on the 2023-24 school year! Get back to school with recommended vaccines and checkups. By doing so, you are:
- Protecting the health of your child and their classmates
- Helping your child focus on learning
- Keeping your child in school more
- Making sure your child isn’t left out of sports and activities
Schedule your vaccines and physicals now! Call your provider for an appointment. To find resources for vaccines, dental, hearing and vision, visit bit.ly/lchd-back2school.
Lake County
Lake County renters who faced financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for the Lake County Rental Assistance (LCRA) Program, which provides financial assistance to individuals to help pay rent. Eligible households may receive up to six months of assistance with rent. This can include up to one month of future rent. Households that have previously received more than six months of total assistance from programs like the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program and LCRA Program will not be eligible. The application period will run from March 13 - April 14, 2023.
Learn full details: https://content.govdelivery.com/.../ILLAKE/bulletins/349f302
Adler Arts Center: March
Club Soccer Tryouts!
2023-24 Tryout registration is now LIVE--Click Here!
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices.
IDPH has partnered with the Rockefeller Foundation for Project Access COVID Test
One million COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are now available while supplies last. Learn more:
https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/testing/act-zip-codes.html
All ZIP codes in Illinois located outside the City of Chicago are now eligible to request FREE COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for home delivery! Please visit the following website, enter your ZIP code, and sign-up: https://www.accesscovidtests.org/
Tests are delivered right to your doorstep and are completely free!
Help is One Call or Text Away! United Way of Lake County’s 211 is Lake County’s one-stop shop for help. 211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline for essential health and human services in our community. 211 is open to everyone in Lake County and connects people to available resources by phone, text, and online, including food, rent, and utility assistance, mental health services, health care, and many other resources. To access 211, simply call 211 or text your zip code to 898211. Resource navigators at the 211 contact center are trained, experienced specialists who understand you and your local community. They will guide you to the help you deserve in your moments of need. 211 is multilingual with English and Spanish speaking staff, and interprets to more than 150 other languages. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 for immediate assistance or visit 211LakeCounty.org for more information.