Weekly Communique
October 7, 2022
Thoughts from Dr. Pacatte
The middle school student survey that has been administered in the fall and spring in each school year will be sent out to our students again this fall. The survey is used to measure our students' sense of belonging in our middle school programs. The survey is to be given to our 6th - 8th grade students on Monday or Tuesday (October 17 or 18). The data we collect through this process will continue to help us identify areas of concern and work with stakeholders (students, staff, and parents) to develop plans for improvement.
If you would like to preview the survey prior to those dates, please reach out to Mrs. Lori Rupsch, the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent at lrupsch@d56.org. She will be able to send you a copy for review.
Tweet of the Week
Message from D56 School Nurses
Medical Forms Needed-Exclusion Day is 10/17/22
The following applies for ALL Kindergarten, 6th grade and ALL new students to district 56.
Physical Exam Form
Physical section complete, signed by a doctor
Dated within a year of the 1st day of school
Immunization section is complete and signed by the health care provider
Health history section is complete and signed by a parent
Vision Exam Form
Signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist
Dated within a year of the 1st day of school
Dental Exam Form
Signed by a dentist
Dated within 18 months of the 1st day of school
For more information please visit D56 Health Services Website.
If you have any questions please contact your child(ren)'s school nurse.
Mental Health Day for Students
Did you know...
Public Act 102-0321 allows for students to take up to five (5) excused Mental Health Days during the school year:
- Parent/Guardian must report the absence to the school attendance line, and must specifically state that the absence is for a Mental Health day (a medical note is not required for the first 5 days of this type of absence)
- Mental Health days can only be used for full day absences
- Students can make up any school work missed during a Mental Health day (per the teacher's policies and timelines for make-up work)
- Mental Health days will count toward absenteeism reported to the state, although they will not count towards truancy*
* The Illinois State Board of Education defines Chronic Absenteeism as "absences that total 10% or more of school days of the most recent academic school year, including absences with and without valid cause"
Please refer to the 2022-23 Parent & Student Handbook for complete details regarding Gurnee School District 56's Attendance Policy.
Soccer at Spaulding
Spaulding School students learned fundamental soccer skills during the last three weeks of physical education classes. Skills included dribbling, passing, shooting, playing goalie, and learning how to play a basic soccer game.
Way To Go Vikings!!!
Congratulations
To the girls soccer team and Coach Marcos for going undefeated during conference play and winning the conference championship in a 5-0 win over cross-town rival Woodland.
Beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul
7th and 8th graders from River Trail school celebrated their beloved teach Mr. Brackmann today in a tree dedication ceremony. We were honored that Mrs. Brackmann and their daughters were able to join us. Thank you Gurnee Park District for this tremendous program.
Spaulding School Board Club
Mrs. Daniels' students had their first Board Game club with TROUBLE!
5K Fun Run
Viking students had a great time at the annual 5K Fun Run.
Spaulding's Viking Games
Spaulding School students recently competed in the "Viking Games". The games celebrate good student behavior in conjunction with the PBIS program. Two classes competed to pass a pile of pool noodles from one side of the gym to the other.
Viking School Student Council
Halloween Event for children and adults with special needs
Viking School Yearbook Order Form
D56 PTO NEWS
22-23 Destination Imagination
Warren Township Youth and Family Services
Safety Seminar during Safe Schools Week in October!
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, four area school districts - Woodland D50, Gurnee D56, Warren Township HS D121, and Millburn D24 - are co-hosting a Parents’ Safety Seminar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Warren Newport Public Library. This event is free, and open to the public. Hear from School Resource Officers (SROs) and Warren Township Youth & Family Services about tips and warning signs, and other important information for keeping our kids safe.
Gurnee Park District
October 28 – Halloween Drive-In, Featuring Disney’s COCO
Buy your tickets to come to the drive-in at Hunt Club Park (900 N. Hunt Club Rd. Gurnee, IL)! Guests are welcome to purchase from food trucks or bring in their own food and beverages. Movie will begin at 7:30 pm with guests arriving as early as 6:45 pm.
- Buy tickets online $28 per vehicle
October 15 – Trick or Treat Street
The NEW Trick or Treat Street will be held at Viking Park (4374 Old Grand Ave. Gurnee, IL) on October 15 from 1 – 3 pm. Best for ages 0 – 6, but the entire family is welcome to attend. Pre-registration and day of registration available.
- Pre-registration Fee Gurnee R/NR - $10/$13
- Day of registration Fee Gurnee R/NR - $15/$18