Cougar Connection

Dear Parents,

Happy December! It’s hard to believe how quickly the school year is flying by. With just a few short weeks until winter break, our classrooms have been buzzing with excitement and meaningful learning experiences. Students have been fully engaged in hands-on activities, working hard toward their individual academic goals, and showing enthusiasm for our “Wonder Writing”.

I’m proud to share that our students continue to shine by following our schoolwide expectations: Being Respectful, Being Responsible, and Being a Caring Cougar. Their dedication to these values was evident at our recent school spirit assembly, where we enjoyed grade-level games and cheered each other on in a fun, supportive environment.

A special thank you goes to our Student Council for organizing two important initiatives: the Food Drive and the Respectful Flag Disposal Drive. Your participation and generosity made these efforts a success, and we truly appreciate your support.

As we wrap up 2024 and look ahead to a new year, I want to wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Warmest Regards,

Principal Julie M. Simpson

As winter temperatures set in, we kindly ask that students come to school prepared with a coat, hat, and gloves. If the temperature is 30 degrees or higher, we will be going outside for recess.

Next week, the forecast shows warmer temperatures compared to this week, and we plan to resume outdoor recess. Please help ensure your child is ready to enjoy the fresh air comfortably.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students warm and safe!

Only a RIGHT TURN is allowed out of the parking lot during the dismissal time. This allows a flow of traffic and makes it safe for all cars and walkers. Please make sure you are only turning RIGHT!

Please note that the parking lot does not open until 7:35 a.m. for parents to drop off students. It is important that the parking lot remains clear for teachers and staff to arrive. Students should not be dropped off to wait outside the school building before 7:35 am. We do not have any staff members on duty until 7:35 a.m. If you need your students to arrive to school before 7:35 am, you can contact Ivy League to set that up with them. Ivy League is available from 6:30 am - 6:30 pm.

Students can begin exiting their cars at 7:40 a.m. and will be let into the building at that time.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Please remember that school starts at 7:55 am. It is very important for students to arrive to school on time to ensure their day is off to a good start. When students arrive late, the class has already started and they feel behind to start their day.

D140 students and staff are invited to participate in our Countdown to Winter Break spirit days from December 16 through December 20.

• Monday, December 16 - Long Winter’s Nap Day
  Wear pajamas, sweats, or the color green.

• Tuesday, December 17 - Do You Want to Build a Snowman Day?
  Dress like a snowman, wear a snowman shirt, or wear the colors white and black.

• Wednesday, December 18 - Brrr…It’s Cold Outside Day
  Wear your warmest, funniest, fanciest, or ugliest sweater or sweatshirt or the color blue.

• Thursday, December 19 - Fuzzy Flannel Day
  Wear warm and fuzzy flannel clothes today or the color red.

• Friday, December 20 - School Spirit Day
  Let's wrap up the countdown by celebrating our school pride! Wear school spiritwear or your school colors

As a reminder, D140’s Winter Break begins with a half-day on Friday, December 20 (dismissal at 11:10 am), and extends through Monday, January 6. There is a Teacher Institute Day on Monday, January 6. School resumes for students on Tuesday, January 7.

To spread a little warmth to families in need this winter,

donations of NEW hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens will be accepted the week of December 16th. We will use these items to decorate our holiday tree in the commons before sending them to the Crisis Center for South Suburbia for distribution. If any Keller families have a need for any of these items please contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@ksd140.org. For those who prefer not to shop, monetary donations sent in an envelope are always welcome.

Thank you for your continued generosity!

The 21st annual Remembering Cathy & Alison Toy Drive runs Thursday, November 7, through Thursday, December 19. Please consider donating toys, small gifts, or gift certificates to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, which supports kids and teens fighting cancer.

Donations can be dropped off at any KSD 140 school from November 7 through December 19. For questions or more information, please contact Patti Rose at 708-712-5507 or pattirose17030@gmail.com

As temperatures drop and winter weather begins, we’d like to take a moment to review our Emergency Closing notification protocols and eLearning Day plan.

If emergency days are needed due to snow or extreme cold, families will receive notification via an email/text message, and an alert will be posted on our District website. KSD 140 also communicates school closure information through the District’s social media accounts and the Emergency Closing Center (ECC). Detailed school closing information can be found here.

If an emergency closing day is needed, the District may elect to use an eLearning Day instead of a traditional “snow day” that has to be made up at the end of the school year. Please refer to our eLearning Day Overview to review specifics of the plan, including school hours and access to D140’s digital platforms.

Now would be a great time to ensure your contact information is up-to-date. Please log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to check your contact information and make any necessary changes.

Our Santa's Secret Holiday Shop is coming up December 16 - 18. We are looking for Volunteers to help set up, shopping days, and clean up.
Please see the link below to sign up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084EAEA82DA0F85-53556803-2024#/

Lou Malnati’s Fundraiser
Wednesday, December 11th
11:00 am to 11:00 pm
20% of all proceeds will benefit Helen Keller PTO
9501 W 171st St.,
Tinley Park, IL 60487
Please mention Helen Keller PTO when placing your in-restaurant
order. For Online orders use Promo Code: GPFUND24

If you have any questions, please contact the pto at helenkellerpto@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!

12/11 3rd Grade Field Trip to Museum of Science and Industry

12/11 5th Grade Team Building Day

12/16 - 12/18 Santa's Secret Holiday Shop

12/20 Winter Parties 9:30 - 10:30 AM

12/20 1/2 Day 11:10 AM dismissal

12/23 - 1/6 Winter Break

1/7 Classes Resume

1/10 District Spelling Bee

1/14 - 17 MAP Testing

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).

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.

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 Keller:

School Counselor

Erin Kennedy

ekennedy@ksd140.org

School Social Worker

Maureen Hegji

mhegji@ksd140.org

Helen Keller Elementary School

7846 W. 163rd Street, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-2144

Website: ksd140.org/keller

Principal Julie M. Simpson. jsimpson@ksd140.org

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