Spotlight on Gurnee Grade School
Gurnee Grade School
Address: 940 Kilbourne Road
Phone: (847) 249-6253
Web site: www.d56.lake.k12.il.us/GurneeGrade/
District's name and/or Web site: Gurnee Elementary District 56, www.d56.lake.k12.il.us
Number of students/grade levels offered: 450 children in kindergarten through eighth grade
Number of staff: 38
School mascot: Gecko
When school was built: The original Gurnee Grade School was established in 1841. Parts of the present school were built on the original site in 1892, with additions in 1953, 1954 and 1964.
An interesting tidbit: In 1892, Gurnee Grade School had first through 10th grade. If students wanted to finish high school, they boarded and roomed in Waukegan or traveled there sometimes by horse and buggy.
Principal: Jennifer Glickley
• This is Glickley's first year.
• What is your favorite memory from Gurnee Grade School? "This year, we started a program called Gurnee Grade School Covers the Community. We wanted to think of ways we could give back to our community since they come out every time we have a flood to help us sandbag. Through this program, students create fleece tie blankets that we donate to local groups such as PADS and A Safe Place for battered women. We have made blankets for cats and dogs that are at shelters, lap blankets for the elderly and blankets for babies, children and adults. It has shown the great pride our students have in their community and their willingness to give back."
• What do you think is an unique aspect of your school? "The most unique aspect of Gurnee Grade School is the multi-age classrooms in grades 2-5. Students are with the same teacher for second and third grades and fourth and fifth grades. We have found that this model helps truly meet the needs of all learners because differentiation has to happen."
• What are you most proud of? "I am proud of the amazing teachers and staff at Gurnee Grade School. They are continually facing adversity with our building and they always rise to the top."
• If all school enrollments were determined by choice, what would you say to potential parents to convince them to choose Gurnee Grade School for their children? "We are a school of choice. Parents have to apply for their children to attend our school, and often are placed on a waiting list. We are unique in that families can have all their children in the same school since we have grades kindergarten through eighth grade. This is especially appealing to larger families. We also have multi-age classrooms where the students have the same teacher for two consecutive years."
• How has technology changed the way students learn over the past five years? Has that been a good change? "Learning happens on demand now with wireless Internet access. Our students are able to have a laptop computer at their desk with them as they learn about a specific topic. This is a positive change because students know that information is accessible to them in the blink of an eye, and they have become astute in how to find the correct information."
• If you can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May in your school, what would it be? "I want to see that all students are learning at their highest potential. Good enough is not good enough. Every student can learn more and do more if we expect more."