Viking Middle School
Address: 4460 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee
Phone: (847) 336-2108
Web site: www.d56.lake.k12.il.us/Viking/
District's name and/or Web site: Gurnee Elementary District 56, www.d56.lake.k12.il.us
Number of students/grade levels offered: 641 pupils in grades six through eight
Number of staff: 67
School mascot: Victor E. Viking
When was school built: 1998
An interesting tidbit: Viking School was rebuilt in just barely over a year in 1997. Old Viking School was torn down in June of 1997 and the new Viking School was ready for staff and students in August of 1998. Our current building is 8 feet higher than the old building.
Principal: Patrick Jones
• He has been at the school for 11 years.
• What is your favorite memory from Viking School? "I have had many great memories at Viking School. I don't think I can pick one. I enjoy laughing daily with students and staff. I appreciate the tremendous teaching that occurs each day. We have many supportive booster groups and our PTO who yearly do incredible work believing in the importance of education."
• What do you think is an unique aspect of your school? "I believe an unique aspect of our school is our strong emphasis in the fine arts, athletics and clubs. In addition to the challenging academic classes, which take place throughout the school day, we promote student involvement in many extra-curricular activities. We feel those activities students choose to be involved in, really supports their learning and also helps students to feel connected to other students, programs and school."
• What are you most proud of? "I am proud to be the principal of Viking School. In my mind, Viking School is a place that represents great students, a great staff, in a great community. To be able to describe the place I go each day with those words is very rewarding."
• If all school enrollments were determined by choice, what would you say to potential parents to convince them to choose Viking School for their children? "We are a middle school that employs the best staff I have had the privilege to work with. Our staff is committed to getting the best from our students while giving them our best. Staff demonstrates tremendous passion when working with students to help them find success. We have excellent facilities. Even though students have been using our building for 10 years, many people ask me if it is new. We are thankful for our extraordinary custodial and maintenance staff. We have excellent access to technology and are very progressive to utilize that technology for student learning."
• How has technology changed the way students learn over the past five years? Has that been a good change? "Technology has been a tremendous asset for us to engage learners differently using specific programs, for students to research topics, and it allows teachers to present information to students visually. We also use technology to a great extent when it comes to student assessment. Technology allows us to accurately assess a student and have a clear understanding of what skills that student has mastered, is still learning, and which skills should be focused on next for that student. We have not had access to that specific information previous to five years ago."
• If you can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May in your school, what would it be? Between now and the end of the year I would like to have our students continue to direct their energy and focus toward their academic achievement. That is the challenge each spring.