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Christa McAuliffe Chronicle
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February 2025
Principal's Note
Hello McAuliffe Families,
It's hard to believe that we have already made it to February, January seems to have flown by. Our students took some time out to take the MAP test these past few weeks and they did a GREAT job! I was so impressed with how many students met their goals and far surpassed them as well. It's obvious that so many of our students are challenging their potential. That impressive progress does not happen without supportive families so thank you all so much for playing an active role in the education of your children. Thank you also to all those that are able to volunteer for various events around the school. It really does make a difference and we couldn't do what we do here without you all.
Coming up here in February we have another busy month. Our student council has been selling items to raise money for socks that they will tie dye and donate to elderly people in need in our community. We also will have other fundraising opportunities to help out our community as well such as the Polar Plunge and St. Baldrick's. You can find more information about both of those events below. Our yearbook ordering has also opened up and you can find the order form and link below.
You may have noticed a police presence in the morning during arrival, we have asked for assistance from our community partners the Tinley Park Police to help us with our goal to get all of our students to school safely. Everyone's assistance with following the procedures and plan that we have in place is important to keep everyone safe. As an added bonus if everyone follows the plan the traffic runs a lot smoother and everyone wins as the morning in a hectic time for us all. Please know that we have a detailed arrival plan, we ask you to follow it. If you are unsure of the plan or have any questions please reach out I'd be happy to go over it with you.
Looking forward to another great month and as always, if you have any questions please reach out.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hanley
St. Baldrick's Fundraiser 2025
Polar Plunge 2025
The district will again be fundraising for the Polar Plunge. Please see the paragraph below for more information.
The “Polar Plunge” is a unique opportunity to support Special Olympics athletes by taking a dip into the frigid Illinois waters in the middle of the winter. McAuliffe School and Kirby School District 140 have created the “District 140 Plungers” and the team would appreciate your help. The Polar Plunge will take place on March 1st at Manteno Sportsmen's Club. While you are more than welcome to join the team and take the plunge, we have a warmer alternative for you and your students. McAuliffe will be hosting a Polar Plunge Pajama Day. If you would like to participate, students and families can make a donation and in return earn a pajama day on Friday, February 21st. Any and all donations are welcome. All money collected will be donated to Illinois Special Olympics. Please return this form with your donation to school with your student’s name, room number, and donation amount, by Wednesday, February 19th.
Yearbook Ordering
Our Yearbook ordering is open for the year. Please follow this link for the ordering, all ordering is done online. The form is also attached below with more information.
https://www.balfour.com/illinois/tinley-park/mcauliffe-elementary-school
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.
January Memories
Looking Ahead: Key Dates in February 2025
Important February dates to mark on your calendar:
5th - 100th day of school
7th - Half day of student attendance
13th - Spring Picture day
14 - Valentine's Day
17th - No School - President's Day
20th - Board of Education Meeting
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
Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
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/