Weekly Communique
November 11, 2022
Thoughts from Dr. Pacatte
Congratulations D56 Community!!
Today, Gurnee School District 56 celebrated Veteran's Day at all four schools. The students, staff, and visiting veterans had a wonderful time honoring these people who so generously serve our country. In addition to assemblies featuring student performances, flag ceremonies, and visits from local veterans, the students participated in a penny war to collect money in an effort to support a veteran with an Honor Flight. Honor Flights bring a veteran to Washington DC to see all of the war memorials. The donations we contribute will support all of the transportation and accommodations on this trip. Many of the veterans participating in Honor Flights have not had the opportunity to visit the memorials that not only honor them and their time in the service, but those of their fellow service members who are no longer with us or gave their lives for this country.
I am beyond grateful and proud of the D56 families who collectively raised (or who are missing a bunch of change?) $5,574.12 and will be able to sponsor not one, our original goal, but 3.71 veterans with an Honor Flight. Thank you so much for your generosity.
John Callahan Turkey Trot
If you are looking for a way to kick off the holiday season and you enjoy a quick run, please consider signing up for the John Callahan Turkey Trot. This event takes place on the morning of Thanksgiving, here in Gurnee, with the proceeds being shared with a number of organizations. John was a student at O'Plaine School (now Prairie Trail School) in Gurnee School District 56 when he lost his battle with cancer. Every year, the John Callahan Memorial Fund makes a donation to the district in support of our Special Education Program. For many, there is much to be thankful for this year. Consider joining other community members by registering.
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.
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.
Lake County Rental Assistance Program Now Open
NEWS: Lake County Rental Assistance Program Now Open. Apply at lakecountyil.gov/4578
Lake County renters who faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for the new Lake County Rental Assistance (LCRA) Program, which provides help for individuals paying rent. The application period will run from Oct. 11 - Nov. 15, 2022.
Lake County is working with community partners to help keep families in their homes as we continue to work together and move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households may receive up to six months of assistance with rent.
Community Action Partnership
Mothers Trust Coat Distribution Event
Community Action Partnership of Lake County
Holiday Basket Sign-up begins November 14th!!! See details. - https://mailchi.mp/6fc46bba302a/cap-of-lc-communicationupdatesandannouncements-5352819