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Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

October 2024

Principal's Note

Hello McAuliffe Families,

We have gotten into a good groove here at McAuliffe and learning is in full swing with the start of October. October is always a fun time in a school with so many fun activities and events happening. We've got a full slate of those fun activities and events planned for community.


We have our school picture day coming up on the 7th, we also have walk and roll to school on the 9th. Our annual pumpkin decorating contest is being held from the 15th to the 17th and information has been shared out via classroom posts and handouts. We celebrate Unity Day on the 16th. We would LOVE to have you join us at our "Spooky Reading Night" on the 17tth from 5 to 6:30.


Continuing on with the busy month we celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 21st to the 25th. We also have our PTO sponsored Trunk or Treat on the 23rd from 6 to 7:15, please join us for that fun event. We finally finish up the month with Halloween which is a half day of student attendance.


Before I finish up my note for the month I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the hard work that you do parenting our Challengers. It's not an easy job but our students are well prepared for learning each and every day. A big thank you for helping us to do our jobs in collaboration with you, together we can challenge just how far these students can go!


As always, if you have any questions please reach out.


Sincerely,

Mr. Hanley

Gather your family, put on your walking shoes or biking gear, and celebrate National Walk & Roll to School Day with us on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.


D140 families are encouraged to walk or bike to school together using our Safe Route to School guides linked below.



Our hope is that by encouraging participation in this event, more students will choose to walk or bike to school on a regular basis.


For pedestrian and bike safety information, please check out these tips from the Tinley Park Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

Celebrate Unity Day by Wearing Orange on October 16

Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 16, to show they care about safe and supportive schools and communities. This is the day when everyone can come together and send one large ORANGE message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

KSD 140 Celebrates Red Ribbon Week October 21-25

During Red Ribbon Week, schools across the nation join together to promote a drug-free lifestyle and encourage students to make positive, healthy choices. It is an ideal way for communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse.


  • Monday, October 21: “Proud to be drug-free!”

See how much red you can wear from head to toe.

  • Tuesday, October 22: “Outshine drugs!”

Wear neon or the color yellow.

  • Wednesday, October 23: “Give drugs the boot!”

Wear a western outfit, a flannel, or the color green. Yee haw!

  • Thursday, October 24: “Put drugs to sleep!”

Wear pajamas or the color blue.

  • Friday, October 25: “Our school chooses to be drug-free!”


Wear your school shirt or school colors.

Orland Township Food Pantry Collection - October 1-31

The Orland Township Food Pantry is hosting a Scare Away Hunger Food Drive during the month of October. Please consider donating some much-needed food items from this list: apple sauce, boxed potatoes, broth, cake mix, canned fruit, canned tuna, canned beans )black, kidney, garbanzo), canned veggies, cereal, jello, pudding, ramen, soup, stuffing.


Donations can be dropped off at any KSD 140 school from Tuesday, October 1, through Thursday, October 31. For questions or more information, please contact Orland Township at 708-403-4222.

September Memories

Looking Ahead: Key Dates in October 2024

Important October dates to mark on your calendar:

  • 4th - International Smile Day

  • 7th - Picture Day

  • 9th - Walk and Roll to School Day

  • 14th - No School (Columbus Day)

  • 16th - Unity Day (Wear Orange)

  • 15th - 17th - Pumpkin Decorating Contest

  • 17th - Spooky Reading Night (5 - 6:30 p.m.)

  • 21st - 25th - Red Ribbon Week

  • 23rd - PTO Trunk or Treat (6 - 7:15 p.m.)

  • 25th - Last Day of First Quarter

  • 31st - Halloween (Half day of student attendance)


The entire school year calendar can be viewed on our website at 2024-25 School Year Calendar.

Stay Connected with ParentSquare!

KSD 140 uses ParentSquare for email, text, and voice messaging. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourages greater engagement and connection with the District. Families can choose their language preference and indicate how and when they want to receive information (email, text, and/or app notifications).

We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified.

Please visit ParentSquare.com to register or download the free app for iOS or Android devices.

Social Emotional Wellness

Health & Wellness

D140 prioritizes comprehensive strategies to support students' mental, emotional, and physical health. Please click Health Information to review our resources. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
Mr. Hanley