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Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

December 2024

Principal's Note

Hello McAuliffe Families,

It was so nice to see so many these past week during Parent-Teacher Conferences, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to collaborate with us on the growth of your students. I hope that you found them informative and beneficial to the growth of your students.


With the weather getting colder I did want to remind everyone that we do go outside for recess even when it is colder out. We generally are outside as long as the weather is not inclement and above 25 degrees. Please make sure to dress your students appropriately for that weather as recess is twenty minutes long and students can get quite cold if they are not dressed properly. We do instruct students to wear whatever they were sent in (hats, gloves, coats, etc.).


On the subject of weather there may be upcoming days when the weather forces us to shut down our in person operations. We do have a well defined e-learning plan for occasions such as those, please take a moment to check out the details of the plan below so that if/when that days comes we are prepared and can continue without any loss of learning.


November flew by here at McAuliffe, it was certainly filled with lots of learning and growth though. Our girls basketball team has been playing hard and making great improvements. Our students council has started up and will be conducting a food drive this month as well. We will also have a spirit week the last week of December, details are included below. I am always so impressed by the hard work and dedication of our students, they always remind me of how much good there is in the world.


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


Sincerely,

Mr. Hanley

Countdown to Winter Break 2024!

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, and extends through Monday, January 6. There is a Teacher Institute Day on Monday, January 6. School resumes for students on Tuesday, January 7.

2024-25 Emergency Closing Notifications and eLearning Plan Review

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.

Remembering Cathy & Alison Toy Collection

The 21st annual Remembering Cathy & Alison Toy Drive ends 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

November Memories

Looking Ahead: Key Dates in December 2024

Important December dates to mark on your calendar:

  • 10th - PTO Meeting

  • 16th - Winter Program (Invite only)

  • 20th - Half Day and Winter Parties

  • 23rd - Jan. 6th - Winter Break

  • Jan. 7th - Classes Resume


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