Weekly Communique
March 10, 2023
Thoughts from Special Guest Mr. Pete Helfers Director of Instruction & Innovation
The federal government provides Title I funds to school districts for the purpose of improving basic programs. It provides supplemental funding to school districts with high percentages of children from low-income families. Title I resources improve education quality and help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.
Two schools in Gurnee School District 56 - Prairie Trail School and Spaulding School - receive Title I funds for what is called “schoolwide” assistance. This means the district can consolidate state, local, and federal funds at those schools to better address the needs of students. Some examples of how we can use those funds include:
Strategies for increasing content knowledge for English learners
Equipment, materials, and training needed to collect and analyze data for monitoring progress, to alert the school to struggling students, and to drive decision making
Professional learning for teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school personnel to improve instruction and the use of data from academic assessments
Efforts directed at recruiting and retaining effective teachers, particularly in high need subjects
Employing instructional coaches for providing high-quality, school-based professional learning for instructional staff
School climate interventions (such as anti-bullying strategies, positive behavior intervention supports - PBIS, restorative practices, school safety programs, etc.)
Educational materials and resources to accelerate learning (curriculum, intervention programs and staff, etc.)
Activities shown to be effective for increasing family and community engagement
Family literacy programs
Counseling, mentoring services, and school-based mental health programs
During the past school year, we used the Title I funds we received in many of the ways described above. To provide input on how funds will be used in the future, please complete this brief form. There is an opportunity for you to sign up for more information or to be a part of a District 56 Title I parent committee on the form.
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 Wrestlers Qualified for the IESA State Finals
7 Viking Wrestlers competed at the Sectional Tournament on Saturday. Kaison Atkinson, Kyle Miron, Terrance Lyons, Oscar Ortega, Marcus Schenk, Dwayne Hulse, and Sebastian Ayala won matches and the team finished 13th place out of 26 teams at Sectionals.
Congratulations to our two State Qualifiers: Kyle and Sebastian! They will go to DeKalb today to compete at the IESA State Finals.
Around the World
Mrs. Biabani’s 4th grade class at River Trail School presented research papers on countries around the world! They invited classes from the building to come and learn. The presenters were very professional and did a wonderful job practicing their public speaking skills!
Spaulding Kindergarten Book Club
Kindergarten Book Club got creative! They read two books about using their imagination to build, and then students got to build anything they wanted!
Colors of Pop
First grade students at Spaulding School, under the direction of music teacher Brian Pawlak, presented "Colors of Pop," a musical tribute to popular songs from the 60s and 70s.
Viking Drama Presents:OZ
Viking School Student Service Council
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 you 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.
Adler Arts Center: March
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.