KSD140 Connection

As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us fulfill our mission: Every Child. Every Day.

Last spring, we launched our Strategic Plan Dashboard as part of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. This interactive tool was designed to help our community track key district priorities, including student achievement, financial responsibility, and the overall learning environment.

One year later, we’re proud to share the progress we’ve made. Our dashboard reflects our latest data and milestones, highlighting year-over-year accomplishments and opportunities for continued growth. Whether it’s academic performance, staff professional development, or student well-being, we remain focused on creating a school system where all learners thrive.

We invite you to explore the updated dashboard on the Strategic Plan section of our website. Your engagement helps strengthen our work and keeps us aligned with the needs and aspirations of our students and families.

Together, we’re building a stronger future—one step, one goal, and one child at a time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

Wednesday, April 30, is the last day to qualify for a discount on student fees. Families who register their students and pay their fees or set up a payment plan through the Business Office (708-532-6462) by Wednesday, April 30, will receive an early registration discount.

Please log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to begin registering your student(s).

If you have any questions, please call your school office for assistance or visit ksd140.org/registration for detailed information, including fees, health forms, busing, residency verification, and step-by-step directions for registering your student.

D140 middle schools will offer Summer Sports Camps for students who will be in grades 5 - 8 during the 2025-26 school year. The $35.00 registration fee includes instruction and a camp t-shirt. Please click the links below to view school-specific registration information, camp dates, times, and locations.

• Grissom Middle School Summer Sports Camps - Registration ends May 8, 2025
• Prairie View Middle School Summer Sports Camps - Registration ends May 6, 2025

At the April Board of Education meeting, several students, staff, and community members were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our school communities.

Grissom’s Student Council was recognized by the Board of Education for earning the Honor Council Award from the Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils (IAJHSC) - a distinction given only to councils that excel in school spirit, community service, and school involvement. This achievement reflects the council’s dedication to creating a positive, engaged school environment and making a meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom.

They also proudly represented Grissom at the 66th IAJHSC State Convention, a two-day leadership event held April 11–12 in Springfield, Illinois. The annual convention brings together student leaders from across the state for a weekend filled with inspiration, collaboration, and growth.

Led by sponsors Mrs. Stiglic and Ms. Kujawa, Student Council members include Celia A., Sarah B., Nabiha B., Alexandria (Alex) B., Emilee B., Vivian B., Zachary C., Julie D., Meghan D., Marguerite (Maggie) D., Gabby G., Jacenia G., James (Jimmy) H., Nia J., Addison M., Ryan M., Chinue M., Summer N., and Josh W.

Congratulations to Grissom’s Student Council for this well-earned honor and for their continued commitment to leadership and service!

At the April Board of Education meeting, District 140 Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) presidents were recognized for their contributions to our district and school communities. Their dedication, leadership, and countless volunteer hours have played a vital role in enhancing the educational experience of our students, families, and staff.

From organizing fundraisers to coordinating social events, our PTO presidents, board members, and volunteers have helped foster welcoming school environments while supporting valuable programs, resources, and facility improvements.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible PTO presidents:

• Tracy Cruikshank (Bannes)
• Kaprii Grady (Millennium)
• Janelle Lamont (Grissom)
• Amanda Lill & Julie Vassiliou (Keller)
• Jean Sakanis (McAuliffe)
• Deanna Tuman (Prairie View)
• Kelli Walsh (Fernway)

We deeply appreciate your partnership and dedication to our district!

Bus driver Terry Hemmerich was recognized by the Board of Education for his unwavering commitment to student safety and the caring connection he brings to our school community. Thank you, Mr. Hemmerich, for being a steady, positive presence and a true everyday hero! Your dedication is deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for the kindness, patience, and professionalism you show each and every day.

At the April Board of Education meeting, Educational Technology Facilitators Jamie Chmura and Destiny Mangano shared the video linked above detailing how D140 is thoughtfully integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning across the district.

“Our teachers and students are at the heart of everything we do,” said Chmura. “We equip our educators with the latest tools and training to create dynamic, student-centered learning environments.”

“Our department’s mission is to inspire learning through cutting-edge tools,” stated Mangano. “At Kirby, we bring technology to life in the classroom—because learning should be accessible, interactive, engaging, and full of possibilities.”

“We also believe in the importance of balance,” Chmura added. “We blend digital tools with traditional paper and pencil learning to support all learners, encourage collaboration, and deepen student understanding.”

D140’s approach ensures that students benefit from the best of both worlds—the creativity and efficiency of technology alongside the proven value of traditional methods.

A big thank you to the over 30 students and staff who participated in McAuliffe’s St. Baldrick’s fundraiser on Friday, March 21.

With the support of an incredibly generous McAuliffe community, our school raised more than $18,000 for childhood cancer research.

A special shout-out goes out to:

• McAuliffe students and their families
• McAuliffe staff
• Hair stylists from the community and Wild Flower Salon
• Julia's Legacy of Hope

Thanks to the Tinley Park Fire Department for providing the Fire Safety Smart program to third-graders in Kirby School District 140.

The Fire Safety Smart program is designed to engage third-grade students attending school in the Village of Tinley Park. A Tinley Park Fire Prevention Public Education Officer visits each classroom monthly from October through April. Each month has a specific topic designed to engage students and assist them in understanding hazards and how to prevent them.

Lessons include:

• Match and lighter safety
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Fire behavior
• Exit drills in the home
• Electrical safety
• Scalds and burns
• Severe weather and emergency preparedness

• Wednesday, April 23 - Fifth Grade Beginning Band Spring Concert - 7:30 pm @ Grissom Middle School, Tinley Park, IL
• Saturday, April 26 - IGSMA State Contest - Concert Band Performs at 8:30 am, Cadet Band Performs at 9 am, and Symphonic Band Performs at 9:30 am @ Lockport High School, Lockport, IL. There is a $2.00 cash-only admission fee.
• Saturday, April 26 & Sunday, April 27 - Special Olympic Track and Field Spring Games - 8:00 am - 12:30 pm on Saturday & 9:30 am - 11:30 am on Sunday @ Busey Bank Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium, Joliet, IL
• Wednesday, April 30 - Concert & Symphonic Band Spring Concert - 7:30 pm @ Prairie View Middle School, Tinley Park, IL
• Wednesday, April 30 - Registration Fee Discount Deadline - Families who register their students and pay their fees or set up a payment plan through the Business Office (708-532-6462) by Wednesday, April 30, 2025, will receive an early registration discount.
• Friday, May 2 - Half-Day Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 am, and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 pm
• Friday, May 2 - Eighth Grade Extravaganzas - 4:00 - 7:00 pm @ Grissom and Prairie View Middle Schools
• Tuesday, May 6 - Prairie View Summer Camps Registration Deadline
• Wednesday, May 7 - Cadet & Jazz Band Spring Concert - 7:30 pm @ Grissom Middle School, Tinley Park, IL
• Thursday, May 8 - Grissom Summer Sports Camp Registration Deadline
• Thursday, May 15 - Board of Education - 7:00 pm @ Administration Building
• Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day - No School
• Thursday, May 29 - District Track Meet - 11:30 am @ Victor J. Andrew High School, Tinley Park, IL
• Monday, June 2 - Prairie View Graduation - 7:00 pm @ Victor J. Andrew High School, Tinley Park, IL
• Tuesday, June 3 - Grissom Graduation - 7:00 pm @ Victor J. Andrew High School, Tinley Park, IL
• Thursday, June 5 - Half-Day Early Dismissal and Last Day of School - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 am, and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 pm
• Thursday, June 5 - Report Cards Issued Via Infinite Campus - at 11:15 am

Kirby School District 140

16931 S. Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-6462

Website: ksd140.org

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