Weekly Communique

Gurnee Exchange Club Youth Citizen of the Month

This month, Gurnee School District 56 recognized Chloe Raidart as a Youth Citizen of the Month. Chloe is an eighth grade student at River Trail. Not only is Chloe a good student and respectful of her peers and the staff, she was recognized for her work on Team Lead and the kindness she continuously extends to others. Dr. Glickley shared that the "younger students get so excited when they see Chloe that they run up to give and get hugs." Thanks for being a terrific role model, Chloe!

Before Winter Break, the Viking Student Council held a food drive. Viking collected 506 items as a school to donate to the Warren Township Food Pantry.

In December, the 7th and 8th Grade Symphonic Band toured all D56 schools performing holiday tunes and other favorites. They loved performing for the younger students to show them what they can do in band in the future!

Spaulding students completed their stunts and tumbling unit with rolls, head and handstands, and partner/group stunts.

Before the Winter Break the Structured Learning Class (Spaulding and Prairie Trail). Speech, OT, and counseling all pushed in to work with students in their gingerbread holiday party. Officer Chad decorated some cookies and Mr. Helfers from the district office stopped by too.

They read the gingerbread boy story. Had a class discussion about the characters, setting, main idea, and worked on sequencing the story. We did some holiday (gingerbread) themed gonoodle breaks, and then they decorated holiday cookies and gingerbread cookies too. Afterwards they decorated Christmas trees, played holiday bingo, and ate pizza. The afternoon ended with games in the gym before students headed back to their rooms for some RR after the busy day!

Do you have books in good condition that you no longer want? Donate them at Viking by 2/1!

D56 Families, what do you think of a parent night out? Think cocktails, games, raffles, and adult conversation.

Give us a thumbs up on our D56 PTO facebook page if you are in, give us a heart if you want to help plan this event, give us a wow and a PM if you have an item to donate (think sports tickets, etc).

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

@NIMHgov

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!

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is deadly. Take steps to protect yourself and your family.

* Test the battery on your CO detector.

* Learn the possible symptoms of #COpoisoning.

* Know how to properly heat your home. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3hv1Bu6

This tax season, many households qualify for free tax preparation from IRS-certified preparers.

To access free services:

- Go to IRS.gov and search for ‘Free Tax Return Preparation’

- Go to AARP.org and search for ‘Tax-Aide Locator’

OR

File online with help:

- Go to GetYourRefund.org for online tax preparation by IRS-certified preparers

- Go to MyFreeTaxes.com to prepare your own tax return with assistance from IRS-certified preparers

These IRS-certified options are not only free, but also accurate and convenient.

In need of a computer? LCHA will be hosting an In-Person event at the Midlothian Manor building (22843 Lakewood Lane, Lake Zurich, Illinois, 60047) on January 27, 2023. Eligible households can receive a FREE PC from PC's for People.