Weekly Communique

During the past month, I have either been directly involved with or brought up to speed about incidents that involved students, staff, and situations where digital communications crossed the line of decency or into danger. The power of the written word hasn't changed. The immediacy of delivering it rather than thinking about what has been said has been forgotten and replaced by the quick click of send. The ability to remain anonymous by setting up bogus accounts means a person does not have to own their words or take responsibility for the hurt or fear they have caused others.

I have been forwarded emails staff have received from parents that are so filled with expletives that any meaning has been lost. Fortunately, we are adults and we can try to work to get to the bottom of the frustration and anger and try to repair relationships. Our students are still children. They are still learning who they are, who they want to be, what is a real friend, what is important, and that one's physical features do not define who you are. Adults know that we are more than what people see, our children are still learning this, and it is, and always has been, a difficult process.

Adding phones and apps to this process makes it complicated and often unmanageable. If you have a child with a phone that is going unchecked, they may be wading through online conversations that contain unkind words directed at them or others, bullying, threats, sexting, planned fights, or grooming. None of these are good, in fact they are all damaging and scary. As a school, we work our way through all of these as soon as we become aware of them. Of course, we don't know about them unless someone tells us. We have seen lengthy threads of conversations that students are involved in that have brought parents to tears or police to their doorsteps.

Please don't allow your child to use a phone without supervision. Monitor their text messages. Consider removing social media apps from their phones. Staying on top of the ever changing landscape of digital communication is a never ending job, but there is no choice. If you look at the graphic I've included, you can see that programmers are very busy creating new ways for kids to participate in conversations with friends, acquaintances, or strangers without you knowing.

This app may look completely safe, but it isn't.

We have come a long way from hiding gum under the desk. Take some time and scroll through your child's phone. Most children are not sophisticated enough to navigate social media, and they certainly don't need multiple chat apps. What looks to be one thing may actually be something else - open them up. The graphic below is a good place to start. Instead of 'Send' let's click 'Delete'.

D56 is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

• Technology Systems Coordinator
• Substitute Teachers
• Lunchroom Supervisors (NEEDED AT VIKING, PRAIRIE TRAIL, and SPAULDING

• Bus Drivers & Aides

For more information please contact Steve Kirwan at 847-336-8997 or by email to transportation@d56.org

Are you, or someone you know, interested in any job position listed above, please visit the this link to apply online.

We're thrilled to announce the new app for D56! It's everything D56, in your pocket. Download for Android https://bit.ly/3J06egg Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3m9ip14

The 7th & 8th Grade Symphonic Band took a trip to Wisconsin this past weekend, stopping first at the University of Wisconsin's Meade School of Music, where they received a clinic in their new concert hall with Dr. Corey Pompey. After a Q & A session with a college saxophone quartet, they went to the Dells to enjoy the Kalahari resort for the weekend.

Spaulding School students recently completed a volleyball unit. Skills included learning underhand and overhand serves, bumping, setting, and playing small games. Beach balls were used in place of regulation volleyballs. Students were challenged with different sized beach balls as the number of players increased.

On Wednesday night the NJHS group at Feed My Starving Children

This group has packed 1,162 meals so far this year!

Viking Middle School hosted a pancake breakfast for twenty eight, January and February student of the month recipients. Parents, siblings and friends help to celebrate their great accomplishment.

Meet Pumpkin Jack! Students in Mrs. Sutter's class started him back in the fall and watched him decompose all winter. Now that spring is here, they have a new plant and the preschoolers are so excited!!

After weeks of competition-we have our March Mammal Madness Winners!!

Congrats and well-played!

Spaulding School kindergarten students, under the direction of music teacher Brian Pawlak, presented "Alpha Bop," a concert about letters that also incorporated their teachers' names!

What is the perfect reward for a class that is rocking 3-digit addition? Time bonding in the sun.

Trip to clean up buckthorn!

Krispy Kreme time again! Order here: https://gurnee-district-56-pto.square.site/

Looking for Spirit Wear? Let's show off that Viking Pride! We have new design options as well as clothing options. All Spirit Wear will be delivered the first week in May. Shorts and tanks for the warm months and hoodies and tees for the rest of the year are available.

https://www.peanutbuddygallery.com/gurnee-vikings Peanut Buddy Gallery

June 12 – August 11 Summer Camp

Gurnee Park District provides summer fun options for ages 3 – 16. All camps offer a wide variety of activities including sports, crafts, games, and special interests. Choose the best schedule for you and your family!

The Gurnee Fraternal Order of Police Social Lodge is hosting their 11th annual Outrun the Cops!

It is a great event and all proceeds will go to the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices.

Click here to sign up