Students across D56 are helping make a difference — one book at a time! 📚
Last week, Viking School NJHS and SSC members volunteered at Bernie's Book Bank helping get books into the hands of children who need them most. Meanwhile, River Trail School third graders also recently visited the organization, where they helped place stickers on books and package them for distribution.
Bernie's Book Bank
is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming children’s lives through book ownership by sourcing, processing, and distributing free, high-quality books to children who need them most.
Last week, Viking School NJHS and SSC members volunteered at Bernie's Book Bank helping get books into the hands of children who need them most. Meanwhile, River Trail School third graders also recently visited the organization, where they helped place stickers on books and package them for distribution.
Bernie's Book Bank
is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming children’s lives through book ownership by sourcing, processing, and distributing free, high-quality books to children who need them most.
Last night, the Village of Gurnee recognized the Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year recipients - River Trail School's Mrs. Betsy Sincora and Ms. Miriam Yaquian.
Mrs. Betsy Sincora has dedicated 24 years to District 56 as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher, spending 23 of those years at Gurnee Grade School and River Trail School. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to early childhood education, laying strong academic and social foundations for her students. Her classroom is known for being a nurturing, engaging environment where our youngest students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. Mrs. Sincora’s passion for teaching and her deep understanding of child development have made her a trusted and respected educator among students, families, and colleagues alike.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Sincora is a leader within River Trail School and in District 56. She has mentored three colleagues, helping to guide and support the next generation of educators. Her involvement in multiple committees, including ELA, Math, School Improvement, PBIS, the social committee, and the District Behavior Committee, shows her dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration. Over the past 24 years, Mrs. Sincora has made an incredible and lasting impact on hundreds of children, shaping not only their academic growth but also their confidence, curiosity, and love of learning. Her influence extends far beyond her classroom, leaving a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
This is the second year that the Village of Gurnee has introduced a new category to honor the vital contributions of our support staff with the Gurnee Support Staff of the Year award.
We are proud to announce that Ms. Miriam Yaquian, also from River Trail, is the Gurnee Support Staff of the Year.
Ms. Miriam Yaquian has served as a dedicated Special Education Teacher Assistant at River Trail School for the past six years. During that time, she has become an important part of our school community, known for her commitment to students and staff alike. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Ms. Yaquian continues to grow professionally and will take the next step in her journey as a student teacher at River Trail this fall. Her passion for education and her drive to support all learners are evident in everything she does.
Colleagues describe Ms. Yaquian as an exceptional bilingual educator and one of the most valuable members of the staff, often sharing that they don’t know what they would do without her. She plays a critical role in supporting communication with Spanish-speaking families, translating important information during IEP meetings with clarity, confidence, and care, while also building trust and strong relationships with families. In addition to her outstanding communication skills, she is remarkable with students, providing targeted support in small groups, assisting seamlessly in general education classrooms, and fostering a calm, positive learning environment. Flexible, reliable, and resourceful, Ms. Yaquian consistently steps in wherever she is needed, approaching every task with professionalism and heart. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make a meaningful impact each day, and her contributions are deeply valued across the entire school community.
Congratulations Mrs. Sincora & Ms. Yaquian!
Mrs. Betsy Sincora has dedicated 24 years to District 56 as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher, spending 23 of those years at Gurnee Grade School and River Trail School. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to early childhood education, laying strong academic and social foundations for her students. Her classroom is known for being a nurturing, engaging environment where our youngest students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. Mrs. Sincora’s passion for teaching and her deep understanding of child development have made her a trusted and respected educator among students, families, and colleagues alike.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Sincora is a leader within River Trail School and in District 56. She has mentored three colleagues, helping to guide and support the next generation of educators. Her involvement in multiple committees, including ELA, Math, School Improvement, PBIS, the social committee, and the District Behavior Committee, shows her dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration. Over the past 24 years, Mrs. Sincora has made an incredible and lasting impact on hundreds of children, shaping not only their academic growth but also their confidence, curiosity, and love of learning. Her influence extends far beyond her classroom, leaving a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
This is the second year that the Village of Gurnee has introduced a new category to honor the vital contributions of our support staff with the Gurnee Support Staff of the Year award.
We are proud to announce that Ms. Miriam Yaquian, also from River Trail, is the Gurnee Support Staff of the Year.
Ms. Miriam Yaquian has served as a dedicated Special Education Teacher Assistant at River Trail School for the past six years. During that time, she has become an important part of our school community, known for her commitment to students and staff alike. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Ms. Yaquian continues to grow professionally and will take the next step in her journey as a student teacher at River Trail this fall. Her passion for education and her drive to support all learners are evident in everything she does.
Colleagues describe Ms. Yaquian as an exceptional bilingual educator and one of the most valuable members of the staff, often sharing that they don’t know what they would do without her. She plays a critical role in supporting communication with Spanish-speaking families, translating important information during IEP meetings with clarity, confidence, and care, while also building trust and strong relationships with families. In addition to her outstanding communication skills, she is remarkable with students, providing targeted support in small groups, assisting seamlessly in general education classrooms, and fostering a calm, positive learning environment. Flexible, reliable, and resourceful, Ms. Yaquian consistently steps in wherever she is needed, approaching every task with professionalism and heart. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make a meaningful impact each day, and her contributions are deeply valued across the entire school community.
Congratulations Mrs. Sincora & Ms. Yaquian!
Last Thursday night, Viking School hosted our AAPI Celebration complete with live music - thanks to the band, choir, and music teachers - dance, games, arts & crafts, and ping pong and badminton tournaments. Plus, the displays showcasing all that students learned about Asian American heritage were beautiful and informative. Thanks to all who attended, everyone who played a part in planning for the event, and our community partners who joined us that night.
Congratulations to our Lake County Regional Office of Education #34 Educator of the Year nominees!
This recognition program provides districts the opportunity to honor teachers, administrators, and support staff as representatives of the outstanding professionals in Lake County. Staff can be nominated in different categories and every district can nominate one staff member per category.
Our D56 nominees are:
Gretchen Brooks, Transportation, Educational Service Personnel
Olga Carlson, River Trail School, Diverse Learners
Stephanie Esteban, Viking, Middle School Educator
Mattysen Rudin, Prairie Trail School, Early Career Educator
Lissette Quiñones, Spaulding School Gurnee District 56, Elementary Educator
Krista Wyman, Prairie Trail School, Guest of Honor
The winners in each category will be announced during a ceremony on May 6.
This recognition program provides districts the opportunity to honor teachers, administrators, and support staff as representatives of the outstanding professionals in Lake County. Staff can be nominated in different categories and every district can nominate one staff member per category.
Our D56 nominees are:
Gretchen Brooks, Transportation, Educational Service Personnel
Olga Carlson, River Trail School, Diverse Learners
Stephanie Esteban, Viking, Middle School Educator
Mattysen Rudin, Prairie Trail School, Early Career Educator
Lissette Quiñones, Spaulding School Gurnee District 56, Elementary Educator
Krista Wyman, Prairie Trail School, Guest of Honor
The winners in each category will be announced during a ceremony on May 6.
Congratulations to the newest members of the Viking National Junior Honor Society! They were inducted during a ceremony last week. Mrs. Szramek and current 7th and 8th grade NJHS members organized the event.
In mid-April, 1st-6th-grade students had the opportunity to participate in a Chicago Bears Mini Camp! Special thanks to the 90 parent volunteers, Socially Tapped for donating drinks, and of course, the Chicago Bears for an amazing day!
Congratulations once again to River Trail School's Ms. Grazier who was honored by the Illinois State Board of Education as the Far North Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year during a banquet this weekend!
Congratulations to the District 56 Middle School Concert Choir (7th & 8th graders) on earning a Division 1 rating at the Illinois Grade School Association District Contest this past weekend. Their score qualified them for the state contest later this spring.
The District 56 Wrestling Team did an outstanding job at Sectionals on Saturday. They finished 11th out of 30 teams. Three wrestlers qualified for the State Meet this weekend at Northern Illinois University. In second place was Kayden H., third place was Chrystian H. and in fourth place was Benjamin Z. Good luck to those 3 wrestlers this weekend!
The 7th & 8th Grade Symphonic Band performed very well at the Illinois Grade School Music Association Contest at McHenry Middle School on Friday. The students continued the tradition of excellence of our district by earning a division 1 rating, the highest rating an ensemble can earn! Congratulations to all!
TONIGHT! See you at Spaulding School Gurnee District 56 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for our Black History Month Celebration!
Earlier this month, River Trail School students had the opportunity to meet the author of the book “The Bravest Worrier” - Angelique Monet, who both wrote and illustrated the book. She met the students online and shared her knowledge on how to be brave when you're worried. Students were excited and engaged!
Viking Wrestling had a strong showing at the 2026 Conference Meet! The team finished 3rd out of 9 schools!
Congratulations to the following individuals who placed Top 6 in their weight class:
1st Place🥇Kayden & Travis
2nd Place 🥈Cooper, Chase, Chrystian, Braydee, Adriel, & Aksel
4th Place 🏅Rodrick, Meyson, & Tristan
5th Place 🏅Jorge, DJ B.
6th Place 🏅Kruze
Good luck this weekend at IESA Regionals!
Congratulations to the following individuals who placed Top 6 in their weight class:
1st Place🥇Kayden & Travis
2nd Place 🥈Cooper, Chase, Chrystian, Braydee, Adriel, & Aksel
4th Place 🏅Rodrick, Meyson, & Tristan
5th Place 🏅Jorge, DJ B.
6th Place 🏅Kruze
Good luck this weekend at IESA Regionals!
During last week’s late start, the River Trail staff spent time working together as Professional Learning Communities to review student learning. They looked at what students are doing well and identified areas where extra focus is needed based on the Instructional Alignment Protocol. This work helps ensure we’re giving students the support they need to succeed.
Congratulations to Spaulding School’s preschool program for earning the highest rating for preschool quality by the State of Illinois! The Gold Circle of Quality is awarded to programs that meet or exceed standards for instructional excellence, family services, staff qualifications, professional development, and program administration.
Spaulding Principal Sara Rosheger announced the recognition during a staff meeting last week.
The rating is awarded by ExceleRate Illinois which is the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development programs. ExceleRate unifies all the state’s early learning programs under a common set of standards across multiple settings to provide families with important information about quality early learning programs in their community.
The recognition notification from ExceleRate stated, “Achieving this designation demonstrates your school’s commitment to providing quality early childhood education to children in your district.”
Spaulding Principal Sara Rosheger announced the recognition during a staff meeting last week.
The rating is awarded by ExceleRate Illinois which is the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development programs. ExceleRate unifies all the state’s early learning programs under a common set of standards across multiple settings to provide families with important information about quality early learning programs in their community.
The recognition notification from ExceleRate stated, “Achieving this designation demonstrates your school’s commitment to providing quality early childhood education to children in your district.”
Congratulations to River Trail fifth-grader Lexington and Viking School eighth-grader Grace who received the Exchange Club of Gurnee's Young Citizenship awards last week. These awards are presented to two fifth graders and two eighth graders each year based on school and community involvement, leadership, academics, and character.
Congratulations to the cast & crew of Beetlejuice Jr. on their outstanding production this weekend!
Beetlejuice Jr. hits the stage this week! Performances are Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the Viking School Auditorium, 4450 Old Grand Ave. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.
REMINDER: No late start on Wednesday, Dec. 17!
Thanks to the District 56 PTO for providing goodies for our staff for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Staff enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate, tea & “grab & go” breakfast snacks/treats.
