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Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

August 2024

Principal's Note

Hello McAuliffe Families,

It's hard to believe that the new school year is almost upon us. I have had the chance to meet so many in the community already this summer and I wanted to thank you all for the warm welcome. I know that the McAuliffe community is a special one and I am honored to be a part of it. For those that I have not yet had the pleasure to meet yet if you are available please come out to our Popsicles with the Principal event and/or Open House, more information is below for both events.


As the school year fast approaches I wanted to share some information with everyone so that the start of the school year goes smoothly. Please take a moment to look through and read everything when you get a chance. Our arrival and dismissal routines and procedures are outlined below with graphics. Arrival and Dismissal times can be chaotic and frustrating but we need to keep in mind that our number one priority through it all is student safety. If everyone is able to follow the outlined routines and procedures it should run as quickly and smoothly as possible. Please help us out by following the plan and let us know if you have any questions.


We also do have several new staff members that we will welcome and share on our socials as the school year kicks off but I did want to make note that we do have a new clerk in the office. Her name is Mrs. Carrie. When you come to the building or call the attendance line you will be speaking with her, please say hello and welcome her when you get the chance.


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


Sincerely,

Mr. Hanley

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Student Classroom Assignments, Schedules, and Transportation Information

Elementary classroom assignments and middle school student schedules will be released via Infinite Campus Parent Portals on Monday, August 5, 2024. Transportation information will be available in portals on Friday, August 9.


Please contact your school office if you need assistance with your parent portal.

Popsicles with the Principal is August 15th, 2024!

Please join us on the 15th of August at the playground to meet Mr. Hanley and get excited for the start of the school year. The event will begin at 5:30 and go until 6:30. Hope to see you there!

KSD 140 Invites Families to Back-to-School Nights!

Please make plans to attend our elementary and middle school open houses:


  • Tuesday, August 20 – Elementary Open House for Early Childhood, Preschool, and K-5 families from 6:00 to 7:30 pm

  • Monday, August 26 – Middle School Open House from 6:00 to 7:30 pm


Parents and students are welcome to view their schools, meet their teachers, and visit with our PTOs.

Yearbooks are here!

The 2023-2024 McAuliffe Elementary School yearbooks are in! We will be holding a distribution day on August 12th from 10-12. Please spread the word to any graduated 5th graders as well.

Save the Date! Kindergarten Roundup is Thursday, August 15

McAuliffe’s Kindergarten Roundup is Thursday, August 15, from 9:00 - 10:00 am.

This is a special time for and their families to meet their principal and teachers and to find out everything they'll need to know for the first day of school.


Please join us!

Looking Ahead: Key Dates in August 2024

Important August dates to mark on your calendar:

  • Monday, August 5 - Elementary classroom assignments and middle school student schedules released via Infinite Campus Parent Portal

  • Wednesday, August 7 - Middle School Walkthrough for Students/Parents from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

  • Friday, August 9 - Transportation information released via Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please contact your school office if you need assistance with your parent portal.

  • Thursday, August 15 - Bannes, Fernway, Keller, McAuliffe, and Millennium Kindergarten Roundups will be held from 9:00 am - 10:00 am at their respective elementary schools.

  • Thursday, August 15 - The Board of Education Meeting will be held at the administration building at 7:00 pm

  • Tuesday, August 20 - Open House at Elementary Schools for EC, Preschool, K-5 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

  • Wednesday, August 21—First Day of School for All Students (EC - 8): Elementary school students will attend from 7:55 am to 2:25 pm. Please note that middle school start/end times have been adjusted by a few minutes. Middle school students will attend school from 8:40 am to 3:07 pm

  • Monday, August 26 - Middle School Open Houses from 6:00 - 7:30 pm


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

Stay Connected with ParentSquare!

KSD 140 uses the ParentSquare messaging platform to keep parents and guardians informed and engaged with our schools and the District.

  • Receive messages from the school via email, text, or app notification

  • Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6 p.m.

  • Communicate in your preferred language

  • Direct message teachers and staff

  • Sign up for parent-teacher conferences

  • Sign forms & permission slips, sign up to volunteer, and more all from your desktop or mobile device



We encourage parents to access their accounts by visiting parentsquare.com/signin and REGISTERING using the email or phone number listed in Infinite Campus.


For even greater convenience, please download the ParentSquare app (available free for iOS and Android devices).

2024-25 School Supply Lists

Supply lists for all D140 schools can be found on our website at ksd140.org/supply-list

Social Emotional Wellness

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.

Mr. Hanley