Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

Hello McAuliffe Families,

We are off to a fast start so far to the 24-25 school year and I have been so impressed with our students. They are great examples of kind, respectful, and smart individuals! I'm grateful that I get the chance to work with them every day. Thank you all also for the many kind words of welcome as I get up to speed in the new school community.

So far it seems like arrival and dismissal is running fairly smoothly, that only happens with the cooperation of a large number of people so thank you all for following our outlined procedures (if you need a reminder of these they are listed below). Your patience the first couple of days was also appreciated. As the year goes on and we get rainy, cold, snowy days coming we will get an influx of cars and I also ask for everyone's patience on these days especially. Our top priority is to get over 500 students into the building safely and relatively quickly. We don't want to sacrifice safety though for quickness, with that being said as a reminder please do not drop your students off on the street at any point. One final beginning of the year reminder, if you have no already had a chance to read over out handbook and sign digitally please check out this link on ParentSquare.

We have a lot happening this month so be sure to check out the important dates outlined below. You can also stay up to date on both Facebook and Instagram. One of the most important things that happens in September are our school drills. There is detailed information regarding the drills directly below this message as well for parents/guardians to read.

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

Sincerely,

Mr. Hanley

Dear McAuliffe Parents and Guardians,

As Illinois State Statute requires, our schools participate in fire, severe weather, bus evacuation, and emergency response drills during the school year. We plan and practice several drills throughout the year to ensure our students and staff understand what to do in an emergency.

We wanted you to be aware of the various drills so you can discuss them with your child if the topic arises at home. Please review the list below.

• Three (3) fire drills address and prepare students and school personnel for fire incidents. One of these three drills requires the participation of the local fire department or district.

• One (1) bus evacuation drill for all students

• One (1) severe weather and shelter-in-place drill to address and prepare students and school personnel for possible tornado incidents

• One (1) lockdown drill addresses active threat incidents and evaluates the preparedness of school personnel and students; there are no simulations with this drill.

On September 13th, our school will participate in a lockdown drill. Our experience in conducting drills has shown us that most students can participate with the understanding that it is just a drill. If you feel this situation would be too traumatic for your child, or if you want more information about the drills, please contact me at 708.429.4565. Under state law, schools must still provide alternative safety education about an active threat to students who do not participate in the lockdown drill.

The entire District 140 staff is trained each year on our crisis prevention and response plan. These plans are developed in coordination with our local police and fire departments and reviewed annually. After each drill, we reflect as a staff and with local emergency responders to determine if there are any procedures we need to review with the staff and students.

We also focus on prevention by forming relationships with our students to provide support when they need it and so that they feel comfortable reporting to us when they hear or see concerning behaviors. Please reinforce this with your children at home. Let them know they can also come to you when they feel unsafe and remind them to report any suspicions and concerns about school safety.

In a real emergency, not a drill, every emergency contact phone number associated with your child’s Infinite Campus record will be called using our notification system. We will also email parents/guardians and provide information on our website. We appreciate your cooperation and promise to communicate with you as soon as possible. Please be patient, as our first priority will be the safety of our students and staff.

Safe classrooms and work environments depend on our commitment to prioritizing emergency preparedness. We encourage you to engage in discussions with your child about school and community safety in an effort to be prepared to act in the event of an emergency. If you have any questions about any of our safety drills, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hanley
Principal

Students and staff are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue on Wednesday, September 11, in observance of Patriot Day.

D140 families are encouraged to walk or bike to school together on Wednesday, October 9, in celebration of National Walk & Roll to School Day.

Important September dates to mark on your calendar:

• 2nd - No School (Labor Day)

• 11th Patriot Day - Wear Red, White, and Blue

• 13th - Lockdown Drill

• 16th - No School (Teacher Institute)

• 17th - Official Fire Drill

• 19th - Board of Education Meeting

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

Times may be uncertain, but rest assured, we are here for you and your family. As we forge ahead together, please know we have resources to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to your Social/Emotional leaders at McAuliffe:

School Counselor

Cassidy Campbell

ccampbell@ksd140.org

School Social Worker

Jennifer Brower

jbrower@ksd140.org

Crisis & Support Hotlines:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

24/7 free & confidential support & crisis resources

Crisis Textline: text HOME to 741741

24/7 text message support for those in crisis.

Between Friends: 1-800-603-HELP (1-800-603-4357)

24/7 domestic violence crisis line

Call 4 Calm: Text “TALK” or “HABLAR” to 552-020

Free Emotional Support Text Line

Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 1-888-293-2080

24/7 Chicago rape hotline for survivors of sexual violence & their significant others

Illinois Warm Line: 1-866-359-7953

Peer & Family mental health support by phone, weekdays M-F 9 AM-5 PM

NAMI Chicago local resources & referral helpline: 312-563-0445

Compassionate support & personalized referrals M-F 9 AM-5 PM, Sat 9-1

If you or someone you love is experiencing an immediate, life-threatening mental health crisis, call 911, clearly state that the individual is experiencing a mental health emergency, and ask that a Critical Incident Team officer responds to the situation. A Critical Incident Team officer is trained in handling psychiatric emergencies.

Email: jhanley@ksd140.org
Website: https://www.ksd140.org/mcauliffe
Location: 8944 W. 174th Street Tinley Park, IL 60487

Phone: 708.429.4565
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcauliffechallengers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcauliffe_challengers/