KSD140 Connection

Kirby School District 140 is committed to continually improving the educational environment and overall experience of our students and families. To help us achieve this goal, we invite you to participate in our annual Spring Perception Parent Survey. Your responses will provide us with crucial insights that will help us identify our strengths, address areas of concern, and make informed decisions that enhance the educational experience for all our students. Your input is greatly appreciated.

As the school year draws to a close, it is with great pride and a touch of nostalgia that we bid farewell to the Class of 2024. We have watched these students grow, learn, and transform into the incredible individuals they are today. The entire KSD 140 community is extremely proud of our eighth graders, and we wish them the best of luck as they head off to high school in the fall.

We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to six retiring staff members. Their unwavering commitment to our students and families has been remarkable, and we are deeply thankful for their many years of dedicated service. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

On behalf of the Board of Education and my administrative team, I’d like to express my sincere thanks to our teachers, paraeducators, support staff, parents, and community members for their support and involvement this year. Educating children is truly a team effort, and we value your partnership.

Have a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer!

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

At its April and May meetings, the school board approved four administrative appointments for the 2024-25 school year: Kelly Folliard, Principal of Bannes Elementary School; James Hanley, Principal of McAuliffe Elementary School; Julie Simpson, Principal of Keller Elementary School; and Alex Weinberg, Assistant Principal of Grissom Middle School.

Kelly Folliard Named Principal of Bannes Elementary School

Kelly Folliard will be Bannes Elementary School's principal beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

She has been with the District for fifteen years, most recently serving as McAuliffe Elementary’s assistant principal and, before that, a curriculum facilitator, math interventionist, teacher, and paraeducator. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University, a master’s degree in Reading from Governors State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University.

"I am thrilled to join the Bannes community, recognizing the commitment each member has towards our students' well-being and success,” said Folliard. “Together, we'll build upon the incredible foundation established by our staff and community, striving every day to make Bannes shine even brighter."

Superintendent Dr. Dan Callaghan said, “Kelly understands the importance of strong relationships, teacher and family connections, and setting high expectations for students. Her innovative ideas, collaborative approach, and steadfast commitment to student success will create a vibrant and welcoming learning environment that will benefit the entire Bannes school community.”

James Hanley Named Principal of McAuliffe Elementary School

James Hanley will be McAuliffe Elementary School’s principal beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

He has been with District 140 for seven years and was most recently the principal of Keller Elementary School. Before that, he was a district special services program supervisor, a resource teacher at Fernway Elementary School, and a resource teacher with Chicago Public Schools. He also spent time in Honduras as a Peace Corps volunteer. Mr. Hanley holds a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Benedictine University.

“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to serve and support the McAuliffe community,” said Hanley. “Acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments already achieved, I am committed to fostering continued growth as we collectively advance toward even greater success.”

Superintendent Dr. Dan Callaghan said, “I am confident that Jim will bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and strong leadership to McAuliffe. We believe his expertise will further enrich our student's educational experience and strengthen our bonds with the wider community.”

Julie Simpson Named Principal of Keller Elementary School

Julie Simpson will be Keller Elementary School’s principal beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

She has been in education for twenty-eight years, with fifteen of those years spent in administration. After relocating to Illinois from Maryland eleven years ago, she joined the D140 team. She served as Grissom’s assistant principal, an educational technology facilitator, and an eighth-grade teacher at Prairie View Middle School. Mrs. Simpson holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland, and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola, Florida.

“I'm truly excited to join the Keller community, where our shared goal is cultivating student success and offering steadfast support,” said Simpson. “I look forward to working with families, students, and staff to enhance educational experiences, foster personal growth, and strengthen the bonds that tie us together as a community.”

Superintendent Dr. Dan Callaghan said, “Julie brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to nurturing academic excellence. Her dedication to student success and well-being seamlessly aligns with our District’s mission, ensuring that every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to realize their full potential.”

Alex Weinberg Named Assistant Principal of Grissom Middle School

Alex Weinberg will join the Kirby School District 140 administrative team as assistant principal of Grissom Middle School following Julie Simpson's promotion to principal of Keller Elementary School.

“I am pleased to welcome Alex to the administrative team at Grissom Middle School,” said Principal Michael Rumbaugh. “Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the assistant principal role. His expertise and student-centered philosophies will serve our school and district well.”

Weinberg has been in education for over ten years and was most recently the assistant principal of William B. Orenic Intermediate School in Troy 30-C. Before that, he taught science and social studies at Chippewa Middle School in Community Consolidated School District 62. He holds a master’s degree in School Leadership from Concordia University - Chicago, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign.

“I am honored to be joining the Kirby 140 and Grissom Middle School families,” said Weinberg. “I am looking forward to working with all of the staff, students, and families to support our students as they develop the skills they need to be prepared for high school and beyond.”

Your feedback matters! Please take D140’s 2024 Spring Perception Survey. It's quick, confidential, and vital for our growth.

If you have not done so already, please log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to register your student(s) for the 2024-25 school year.

Questions? Please visit ksd140.org/registration or call your school office.

Grades 4 and 8: Our technology replacement plan allows fourth and eighth-grade families the option to buy their iPads and accessories for $50. If a student returns a damaged iPad, please note that the repair is an additional $75. Payment can be made through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal or with cash or a check payable to Kirby School District 140.

• Grade 4: Payment should be turned in to your child's classroom teacher before the end of the school year.
• Grade 8: Payment should be turned in to your student's Team Leader.

If you need additional information, please contact your school office.

The Class of 2024 will graduate at Andrew High School, 9001 W. 171st Street, Tinley Park, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and students should plan to arrive half an hour before their ceremony time.

• Grissom students will graduate on Wednesday, May 29
• Prairie View students will graduate on Thursday, May 30

We anticipate that each ceremony will last approximately 45 minutes. Each student will receive

six tickets and two parking passes for the event.

The Board of Education recognized three outstanding D140 mathematicians for their first-place performances at the South Cook Math Bowl. This annual event features the best math students from elementary and middle schools in the south and southwest suburbs competing in individual and team events.

Congratulations to Zach M. (Millennium), Atala S. (Grissom), and Emmett W. (Grissom)!

Kirby School District 140 bids a heartfelt farewell to six retiring staff members. Their contributions have enriched our school communities, and we are deeply grateful for their years of service and dedication to our students and families. We wish them all the best in their well-deserved retirement!

• Julie Cwik, 17 years
• Janet Gabriel, 25 years
• Patricia Grenda, 18 years
• Raed Hammad, 26 years
• Maryellen Hoppie, 26 years
• Donna Kase, 18 years

Twenty-three student-athletes from Kirby School District 140 excelled at the Region E Special Olympics Track & Field Spring Games at Thornwood High School on May 4 and 5.

They brought home sixteen gold medals, ten silver medals, eight bronze medals, two fourth-place ribbons, and one participation ribbon.

Thirteen student-athletes, three of whom earned double gold medals, qualified to compete in the Special Olympic State Games at Illinois State University in June.

Congratulations to all!

Bannes Elementary will host its annual First Responder Appreciation Day on Friday, May 24, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. First Responders and office personnel are invited to enjoy a complimentary meal to show our appreciation for all they do to keep our community safe.

Bannes Elementary School is located at 16835 Odell Avenue, Tinley Park.

• Friday, May 24 - Bannes First Responders’ Day - 9:30 am - 1:30 pm @ Bannes Elementary School
  
• Friday, May 24 - Spring Perception Parent Survey closes. Your feedback matters!
  
• Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day - No School
• Wednesday, May 29 - Grissom Middle School Graduation - 7 pm @ Andrew High School
• Thursday, May 30 - Prairie View Middle School Graduation - 7 pm @ Andrew High School
• Monday, June 3 - Last Day of School - Early Dismissal - This is a half-day. Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 am, and middle schools will be dismissed at noon.
• Monday, June 3 - Report Cards Issued
• Thursday, June 20 - Board of Education meeting - 7 pm @ the Administration Building

Kirby School District 140

16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-6462

Website: ksd140.org

Connect with Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!