Weekly Communique
September 24, 2021
Thoughts from Dr. Pacatte
We have now made it through five weeks of school and I would like to thank all of the teachers, staff, and administrators of Gurnee School District 56 for their tireless efforts on behalf of our community, especially our students. As the pandemic grinds on with the challenges it has created, our teachers and staff continue to do their best to focus on their role in the education of our students. Whether that is bringing them to school, keeping them safe on the playground, feeding them, checking their temperatures, and of course facilitating learning. I imagine every person in our schools continues to come to work with some level of concern with regards to the pandemic including safety concerns for those in their classrooms and school buildings, and also for themselves and their families. No one wants to be exposed to the virus nor bring it home to someone in their home or another person they care for.
Each and everyday we work to support one another and be a cheerleader for our students and colleagues. We recognize the role our organization plays in our community and the work we do has always been for the greater good. We believe that our ability to keep our students in school for as long as possible is for the greater good. Safe and healthy students and teachers able to come to school daily increases the likelihood that we will increase learning. After more than a year of remote/hybrid learning there is much work to do to close learning gaps. We have an obligation to do this, and we do so understanding the magnitude of that challenge.
We can accomplish this with everyone’s help. If we all focus on supporting the greater good and the steps we have taken such as safety mitigations, the logistical and educational structures the schools have put in place, collaboratively working within the parameters of what is possible, and understanding what isn’t possible yet, we can accomplish our goals. The reality is we are still working in a pandemic. While we know more and are continually adjusting to the new guidelines, we are maintaining a constant drive to keep kids in school and protect our learning environments. Please remember that we are all going through this pandemic together. We need to continue to be kind towards one another and afford grace. Everyone here is doing their best. Despite our efforts and desires, we are not in a normal space, yet we strive to move closer every day. Thank you for helping us to do so.
Covid-19 Update
Tweet of the Week
Sewing Machine
Ms. Sutter's preschoolers read a book that had a picture of a sewing machine. The preschoolers were very curious about it so Ms. Sutter brought in a sewing machine to show them how it works.
Wonderful Memories
Did this really happen ten years ago?! Last all school photo in front of the Gurnee Grade School building. Happy memories! Thanks to Mrs. Phelps for sharing this wonderful memory.
We Belong
Legos Building
Mrs. Gaecke’s class was busy at work constructing a building out of legos in Tech class! They practiced stacking and overlapping the legos to make their masterpieces!
WTHS Marching Night
This past Wednesday, the band performed at Fill the Drum at Warren, a charity event that raised money for Lurie's Children's Hospital. We raised over $4,500 this year!
It was a beautiful evening. We're really proud of our kids!
Millburn Kids Resale
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Need help with your heating bills? The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for low-income resident grant assistance to help pay for natural gas, propane, electric bills, and furnace assistance. Learn more: https://caplakecounty.org/COVID-19-Aid.h tml
Gurnee School District 56
Email: returningstudent@d56.org
Website: www.d56.org
Location: 3706 West Florida Avenue, Gurnee, IL, USA
Phone: 847-336-0800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GurneeD56
Twitter: @GurneeD56