Weekly Communique
March 5, 2021
Thoughts from Dr. Pacatte
As we look toward Spring Break many of us have already created our to-do list. If you have chosen not to travel, you may have filled your list with household chores or family outings. Yet, I know it is entirely possible for our students to feel “there is nothing to do”. I would imagine that most of our parents have reached the bottom of their idea bucket after being closed up in the home for a year. While I don’t think I have a wealth of ideas that are new and exciting, I did come across one that I thought could interest kids of all ages.
Send you children on a photo scavenger hunt. This idea can be adjusted to the age of the kids participating and cost as little (nothing) or as much as you are comfortable spending. Make a list of five things you’d like them to find and photograph every day. If you are taking the family to the zoo, give each child a list of things to find and photograph. Be creative and cause your child to think about it. For our youngest students it might be take a picture of something red, a set of 9, or an animal. For our older students it might be to take a picture of something that shows their understanding of vocabulary such as placid, pensive, frustration, etc. Maybe an older student could find photos for each letter of the alphabet, creating a digital letter book for their younger sibling of items from their home. If their name is Cooper maybe they could create a set of photos of things that start with C. Shadows, shapes, friends, family… the list really is endless. Here are just two resources I found.
https://www.artifactuprising.com/photography-tips/photo-scavenger-hunt
https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/photo-scavenger-hunt/
At the end of the week, have them review their photos and select their 10 favorite. For approximately $3.50 you could print all 10 photos at Walgreens and they can remember their Spring Break of 2021 with actual photographs! If they are in love with their alphabet book and want to share it with friends or family, they can create a digital collection using a Google Doc. Of course there are services where they can build an actual hardcover book to keep or give away as a gift for someone’s birthday or a holiday.
I know we are all tired of devices and our students really need a break, but the iPad does have everything our kids need to photograph and build a wonderful collection of photos to share or publish. Why not create a memory.
Tweet of the Week
#d56achieves
Kindergarten Crew 2021-2022
Virtual Class Talent Show
Mrs. Park's students had their first-ever virtual talent show. The students got to show off their talent ranging from athletic skills, gymnastic moves, drawing, singing and dancing, and more. Parents were able to join the meet and we had 2 special guests - Dr. Glickley and Mrs. Moreano.
Black History Month Project
Spaulding School March Bookmobile Schedule
Lake County Maker Faire
Fundraising for River Trail School NJHS
Viking School Student Service Council Fundraising
Gurnee School D56 Band Boosters Fundraising
Northern Illinois Summer Reading Programs
Information from CDC
Information from the Illinois Department of Public Health
Gurnee School District 56
Email: returningstudent@d56.org
Website: www.d56.org
Location: 3706 West Florida Avenue, Gurnee, IL, USA
Phone: 847-336-0800
Twitter: @GurneeD56