KSD140 Connection

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every member of our district — students, families, staff, and community members — who bring so much energy and enthusiasm to our schools.

Here are just a few reasons I am especially thankful:

Teachers who consistently go above and beyond for their students

Hardworking, curious, and resilient students

A strong, supportive community

No major snow yet (fingers crossed)!

Knowledgeable and dedicated support staff helping every student succeed

School board members who truly embrace our mission of Every Child. Every Day.

Gratitude for the privilege of serving this amazing district

I am extremely thankful for my family!

Volunteers who give their time and talent to our schools

Immaculate facilities thanks to our incredible maintenance and custodial teams

New friendships and connections made each year

Greatest students, staff, and families anyone could ask for!

On behalf of Kirby School District 140 and the Board of Education, thank you for being part of what makes this district so special! Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recently released Kirby School District 140’s annual Report Card, showing how well our District is progressing toward a wide range of educational goals. Student Achievement highlights from across the District include:

English Language Arts Proficiency and Growth

• Proficiency: The proficiency levels in English Language Arts (ELA) increased significantly, rising from 38.1% in 2023 to an impressive 54.8% in 2024. This represents a remarkable improvement of 16.7%.
• Proficiency Rank: Kirby 140 made a considerable leap in state rankings, moving from 318th to 160th place out of 763 schools. This improvement underscores the district's dedication to enhancing educational outcomes.
• Proficiency Percentile Rank: The district's percentile improved significantly from the 58th to the 79th percentile, highlighting the exceptional proficiency of our students.
• Growth: Student growth in ELA also experienced a substantial boost, jumping from 46.8% to 59.2%.
• Growth Rank: There was a notable improvement in the growth rank, moving from 449th to 81st, demonstrating a 368-rank enhancement.
• Growth Percentile Rank: The district's percentile rank soared from the 41st to the 89th percentile, highlighting the exceptional progress and proficiency of its students.

Math Proficiency and Growth

• Proficiency: In mathematics, proficiency levels rose slightly from 39.9% to 41.6%. While the increase is modest, it still reflects positive progress.
• Proficiency Rank: Kirby 140's rank in math saw a slight decline from 137th to 147th. Despite this, the district remains committed to addressing areas for improvement.
• Proficiency Percentile Rank: The district's percentile stayed consistent from the 82nd to the 81st percentile.
• Growth: Math growth showed improvement, with scores increasing from 53.0% to 55.0%.
• Growth Rank: There was a notable improvement in the growth rank, moving from 170th to 141st, demonstrating a 29-rank enhancement.
• Growth Percentile Rank: Kirby 140 moved slightly from the 77th to the 82nd percentile, indicating consistent performance and growth among its students.

Overall Summary

Kirby 140's faculty and staff have continued to foster an engaging and supportive learning environment. These achievements are a testament to their unwavering commitment to every student's academic success. The strides made in ELA and the steady progress in math reflect the district's dedication to nurturing each student's potential and preparing them for future challenges.

For more information, please review KSD140’s 2023-24 District and School Report Cards.

Parent-teacher conferences are Monday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 26. These one-to-one meetings are a great way to ask questions and review your student's academic, social, and behavioral progress in school. If you need to double-check the Parent-Teacher Conference date and time you signed up for, click here for step-by-step directions.

During our Fall Break, there is NO SCHOOL Monday, November 25 through Friday, November 29. School resumes on Monday, December 2.

Four District 140 students were recognized at the November Board of Education meeting for their winning submissions in the Tinley Park Fire Prevention Poster Contest. This year's theme was "Smoke alarms: Make them work!"

Congratulations to Connor H. (McAuliffe), Yusra M. (Keller), Bella J. (Bannes), and Emmalee D. (McAuliffe).

Four of KSD 140's finest musicians performed this month at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Jazz Festival.

Congratulations to Ben B.(Prairie View), Colin B. (Prairie View), Katherine O. (Prairie View), and Ella Mae W. (Prairie View).

D140 students, families, and staff commemorated Veterans Day with special assemblies at schools throughout the District. We are grateful for the veterans who joined us and shared their experiences. Together, we honored the millions of American military men and women who have bravely fought to build, improve, and defend our nation's freedom.

A BIG THANKS to our Grissom community for their incredible response to the school’s Treats for Troops initiative. Students, families, and staff came together to gather an astounding 292 pounds of candy to send to our soldiers. We truly appreciate everyone who contributed!

• Monday, November 25 - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 1:00 - 8:00 pm
• Tuesday, November 26 - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29 - No School - Fall Break
• Wednesday, December 4 - Concert & Symphonic Bands Winter Concert - 7:30 pm at Prairie View Middle School
• Friday, December 6 - Tinley Park Holiday Market Chorus and Jazz Band Performances - 6:15 & 6:45 pm at Zabrocki Plaza located at 17375 S. Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park
• Wednesday, December 11 - Cadet and Jazz Bands Winter Concert - 7:30 pm at Grissom Middle School
• Thursday, December 12 - Board of Education Meeting - 6:30 pm at Administration Building
• Tuesday, December 17 - Grissom and Prairie View Chorus Concert - 7:30 pm at Grissom Middle School
• Friday, December 20 - Half-Day Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 am, and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 noon.
• Monday, December 23 through Monday, January 6 - No School - Winter Break
• Monday, January 6 - Teacher Institute Day - No student attendance
• Tuesday, January 7 - School resumes

Kirby School District 140

16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-6462

Website: ksd140.org

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