Weekly Communique
October 28, 2022
Thoughts from Dr. Pacatte
Last week, I shared with you the work our staff completed developing the Portrait of a Graduate. This week, I'd like to share information regarding a subsequent project completed, which is the Strategic Plan. Work on the Strategic Plan began last winter and brought together parents, students, staff, and members of the Board of Education as the Strategic Planning Committee. This new plan will guide the work over the next five years aimed at accomplishing goals identified by this planning committee. The Values identified for the District include: Impact and Stewardship, Modern and Effective Learning Design, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Empowered Workforce, Thriving Ecosystem, and Visionary Leadership. The planning process resulted in Priority Objectives for each Value and a series of goals and action plans to achieve those objectives. Please click to see more information about the goals and activities that are included in the first phase of the D56 Strategic Plan. Watch more communiques for further details.
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 balance 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 children'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.
Kindness Club
Kindness Club left some beautiful signage!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Kindergarten Book Club read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” today! Then they made their own caterpillars, either with pipe cleaners and beads or with a paper chain!
Spaulding Preschoolers
Exploring the inside of a pumpkin.
Red Ribbon Week
Gurnee School District 56 celebrated Red Ribbon Week with Spirit Week.
Halloween Maze
Students in PE classes at Spaulding School enjoyed crawling through the school's annual Halloween Maze. The maze is constructed of chairs, tables, tumbling mats, parachutes, portable basketball hoops, and other p.e. equipment. Students find pathways and try to make it through to the other side of the gym. Afterwards, students played Pumpkin Patch Tag
Movie Day
Ms. Walovitch’s class earned an incentive day. They enjoyed popcorn, wore pajamas, brought stuffed animals and watched “The Square Pumpkin”. It was a blast!
D56 PTO NEWS
Friday Night Alternative (FNA)
Warren Township Youth and Family Services sponsors the Friday Night Alternative dances for middle school students in Warren Township (grades 6th-8th). During the school year, these students are provided a safe environment that includes basketball, dancing with a DJ, and special event activities.
Who: Warren Township youth who are entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
Where is the Event: Woodland Middle School (7000 W. Washington St., Gurnee)
Where is our Office: Youth Services, 100 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee
When: Friday, October 28th, 2022
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Cost: $10 - a slice of pizza, and soda/water included
Scholarships: Requests for an FNA needs-based fee waiver may be made by calling 847-244-1101, ext. *401. Parents will be asked to complete paperwork to have the fee reduced.
All dates are subject to change/cancellation without refund.
Gurnee Park District
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.
Bring the entire family to the Gurnee Park District’s Hunt Club Park Community Center for an evening of creativity and FUN! The night will begin with a dinner of pizza and salad along with cookies for dessert. After dinner, families will have the opportunity to create works of art together at various art stations located throughout the facility. Participants are encouraged to "dress for a mess" and bring either a painting smock or apron.
Village of Gurnee 28th Annual Jon Callaghan Memorial Turkey Trot
Lake County Health Department
Stay Up-to-Date with COVID-19 Boosters
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 12 years and older receive the updated bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna released an updated booster in early September. Pfizer-BioNTech’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s updated booster shot is recommended for adults 18 and older. Visit the CDC page Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters for more information. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding the new booster.
Visit Vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you.
Get Your Annual Flu Shot
The flu season is here and it is important to get your seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. It is recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older get the flu shot. It is especially important for adults 65 years and older to get vaccinated as they are more vulnerable to severe diseases. The best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu is to get your vaccine.
The flu shot and the COVID-19 booster vaccination can be administered at the same time. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a flu shot and COVID-19 booster location near you.
IDPH Offers Guidance for a Spooky but Safe Halloween: https://dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/news/2022/october/idph-offers-guidance-for-a-spooky-but-safe-halloween.html
Lake County Rental Assistance Program Now Open
NEWS: Lake County Rental Assistance Program Now Open. Apply at lakecountyil.gov/4578
Beginning today, 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.
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