Weekly Communique
November 18, 2022
Thoughts from Dr. Pacatte
Next week is a short week of school with Wednesday through Friday off to celebrate Thanksgiving. For many this will bring family and friends together, sharing food, football and laughs. It is important for all of us to take a moment to reflect upon things for which we are grateful. Even if you are not gathering with family or friends there is still time to give thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!
Here are some questions you can use to help even our youngest learners begin to nurture gratitude within themselves:
Tweet of the Week
Here are a few reminders and information about School Breakfast and Lunch during the 2022-2023 School Year.
- If your child(ren) is Paid or Reduced, please communicate with your child(ren) about purchasing meals. Let them know if it is okay to get breakfast and lunch at school.
- Ala Carte options available to students in grades 6-8 ONLY at River Trail and Viking. A positive balance must be on a student’s account to purchase these items.
- All students that qualify for Free Lunch through direct certification or approved by an application for free will receive their 1st meal free; if they get another lunch meal, the cost will be $4.50. If your student is approved for reduced lunch, the price for the 2nd lunch will be $4.50.
- Notifications on lunch balances for all students are sent to parents/guardians on Wednesdays at 7am via email through your Skyward Family Access.
- Families that do not qualify for free lunch and a fee waiver via direct certification can apply by logging into your Skyward Family Access and applying electronically or picking up an application form from your child's school office. Click here to view instructions.
- For students with food allergies, please fill out a Medical Authority Modified Meal Request Form and have it signed by your child’s doctor. The forms are also available in the school office of your student. Please submit it back to your child's school office when completed.
- For more information or updates on lunch services please visit the Gurnee School District 56 website.
What is Summer 2022 P-EBT?
Gurnee School District 56 families qualify for the Summer 2022 P-EBT. Please click on the link below to view more information from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
If you have questions about P-EBT, please contact the toll-free P-EBT Helpline number at 1-833-621-0737 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, excluding State holidays. You can also submit an inquiry via our P-EBT Website. Gurnee School District 56 does not have any information on how to set-up or how to troubleshoot issues with your P-EBT card. You will need to contact the P-EBT Helpline number.
Baseball Unit at Spaulding
Play Ball! Students at Spaulding School completed a baseball unit that included hitting, throwing and catching, running bases, and playing games.
Book Club
The Spaulding Book Club, under the supervision of Ms. Isbell, has been meeting to read and discuss books and to make related projects.
D56 Veterans Day Celebration & Activities
Spaulding
Spaulding School students celebrated Veterans Day by honoring those who have served in our military with a parade, an assembly with patriotic songs, and the presentation of a check for more than $1,500 to Honor Flight. Students made hats and decorated the hallways to honor the veterans in attendance.
Prairie Trail
Veterans were welcomed to Prairie Trail with some refreshments in the library. They then toured the school, visiting with students, answering questions and some Veterans read a book to the winners of Penny Wars. The Veterans were able to walk around our school to see the beautiful work and artwork made by students and ended the afternoon by listening to our Singers choir in the library.
Mr. Simmons then presented a check for $1016.09 to Mr. Helfers for the “Honor Flight Chicago” organization. It was a beautiful afternoon celebrating the brave men and women. We would like to thank all the Veterans for visited Prairie Trail School. It was an honor to listen to their stories.
River Trail
It was an incredibly sweet morning celebrating Veterans Day. Students have learned so much and we are so appreciative of all our special veteran guests.
Viking
D56 honored our Veterans with presentations, class discussions, music and tributes! Each school held coin wars to raise money for Honor Flight! Our D56 students raised more than $5000! It was amazing to watch students thank veterans from our community- many who are family and friends of Viking students and staff! Thank you to all who have served our country!
1st Quarter Raffle Winners
Congratulations to the guest teachers of D56 in winning the 1st quarter raffle.
D56 thanks all of our guest teachers for going above and beyond to support our students and teachers.
Spaulding School Mural
Sally Ramp completed an incredible sports mural that covers the entire back wall of the gym at Spaulding School. Sally spent weeks this past summer completing the mural after suffering an injury while working on the mural the previous year. Sally previously held positions as a Spaulding teacher, scientist with Abbott Labs, childcare provider, and science and special education teacher. Sally continues to be active with her church, a beloved Sunday school teacher, baker and decorator, mother to three outstanding children, and - of course- a gifted artist. Years ago, Sally also painted the Spaulding School rock wall and has been a volunteer and substitute for many other positions in District 56 through the years. The students and staff would like to thank Mrs. Ramp for her incredible dedication and hard work.
Viking Drama
Upcoming River Trail National Junior Honor Society Fundraising
Gurnee Park District
Santa is coming to Viking Park (12/3) for pancakes and family fun! Limited spaces available; reserve your seat TODAY! https://gurneeparkdistrict.com/events/special-events/44525/breakfast-with-santa… #gurneeparkdistrict #holidayfun #breakfast #familytime
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.
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.