KSD140 Connection

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and express my gratitude to our amazing students, families, and staff for their hard work across the district. Together, we are making significant progress to support our students and school communities. I’m truly excited about the direction our district is heading and feel privileged to work alongside so many dedicated and talented individuals.

The strong collaboration between home and school is critical to our students' success. Attending parent-teacher conferences is an excellent opportunity to enhance this partnership. On Monday, November 4, parents will receive an email with instructions for signing up for conferences through our ParentSquare platform. You’ll have the option to choose either virtual or in-person conference slots. The sign-up window will remain open until November 21.

Below, you’ll find more information on D140's Red Ribbon Week, school bus safety tips, scheduling for parent-teacher conferences, special recognition of students and staff in October, community connection events, and key dates to keep in mind.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

During Red Ribbon Week, schools nationwide join together to promote a drug-free lifestyle and encourage students to make positive, healthy choices. It is an ideal way for communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse.

• Monday, October 21: “Proud to be drug-free!”
  See how much red you can wear from head to toe.
• Tuesday, October 22: “Outshine drugs!”
  Wear neon or the color yellow.
• Wednesday, October 23: “Give drugs the boot!”
  Wear a western outfit, a flannel, or the color green. Yee haw!
• Thursday, October 24: “Put drugs to sleep!”
  Wear pajamas or the color blue.
• Friday, October 25: “Our school chooses to be drug-free!”
  Wear your school shirt or school colors.

From October 21-25, we celebrate National School Bus Safety Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of school bus safety. This week is an excellent opportunity to remind students, parents, and drivers of their critical role in ensuring a safe journey to and from school.

Check out these safety tips from D140’s Transportation Department!

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held in all KSD 140 elementary and middle schools on Monday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Both VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON conference time slots are available.

• VIRTUAL Schedule - Monday, November 25 from 1 - 4 p.m.
• IN-PERSON Schedule - Monday, November 25, from 5 - 8 p.m. and Tuesday, November 26 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Beginning Monday, November 4 at 9:00 a.m., appointment sign-up links for Parent-Teacher Conferences will be posted in ParentSquare and emailed to parents/guardians. These links will be open Monday, November 4, through Thursday, November 21.

For additional details, please refer to the Parent-Teacher Conference section of our website.

Thank you for your support as we work together to create a cooperative home-school partnership.

The Kirby School District 140 Board of Education recognized several outstanding student and staff achievements at its October 17 meeting. Grissom and Prairie View middle schools were honored for their innovation, leadership, and educational excellence in integrating technology into the classroom.

Additionally, the Board recognized the Grissom girls’ cross-country team for winning the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) Championship, showcasing their dedication and teamwork in both the championship and open races. The Grissom girls' softball team was also celebrated for clinching a SWIC Championship title, marking an impressive 14-0 perfect season of outstanding athletic performance. Both teams displayed extraordinary teamwork and sportsmanship throughout their seasons.

The Grissom Middle School girls’ cross-country team is coached by Katie Ryan and Dianne Raslavicz and includes Vivan B., Brooklyn D., Payton D., Brianna D., Megan D., Aaliyah E., Emma F., Magda G., Grace G., Rowan G., Ellen H., Vera H., Riegan K., Kate K., Layla K., Rowan M., Rosie M., Kassandra M., Adeline M., Camryn P., Eleanor R., Emily R., London R., Samantha R., Heidi S., Sydney S., Alie S., Olivia S., Lanie S., Mackenzie T., and Madelyn V.

Coached by Jan O’Neil, the school team roster includes Sadeel A., Kim B., Cece C., Elizabeth C., Peyton G., Olivia H., Maddie H., Avery H., Emily L., Mackenzie L., Becca M., Lily M., Mackenzie P., Anna S., Vivian S., Reagan W. and team managers Sawyer R. and Carlie M.

This fall, librarians from the Tinley Park Public Library will give book talk presentations on Monarch and Bluestem Award books to students in D140 elementary schools.

The Monarch Award is given annually to an author and/or illustrator of a book voted as their favorite by participating K-3 children in Illinois. The award is sponsored by the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) and is designed to encourage Illinois students to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors, and illustrators. The award is named in honor of the Monarch Butterfly, Illinois' state insect.

The Bluestem Award is designed for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list. The award is named in honor of Big Bluestem, which is the state prairie grass.

• Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25 - Red Ribbon Week
• Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25 - School Bus Safety Week
• Friday, October 25 - Last Day of the First Quarter
• Wednesday, October 30 - VJA Class of 2029 Open House - Victor J. Andrew High School located at 9001 W. 171st Street, Tinley Park, from 6 - 8 pm
• Thursday, October 31 - Half Day - Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 a.m., and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 noon
• Monday, November 4 - Parent-Teacher Conference Appointment Scheduling Opens - Visit ksd140.org for more information
• Tuesday, November 5 - No School - Presidential Election Day
• Friday, November 8 - Report Cards Issued
• Saturday, November 16 - ILMEA Jr. Honor Jazz Band Festival - Hinsdale Central High School, Hinsdale
• Thursday, November 21 - Board of Education Meeting - Administration Center located at 16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 22 - Half Day - Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 a.m., and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 noon
• Saturday, November 23 - ILMEA Jr. Honor Band, Chorus & Orchestra Festival - Unity Junior High School, Cicero
• Monday, November 25 - No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 1 - 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 26 - No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 8 am - 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 - No School - Fall Break

Kirby School District 140

16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-6462

Website: ksd140.org

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