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KSD140 Connection
October 2023
Superintendent's Message
In reflecting upon the start of the school year, I'd like to recognize and thank our incredible students, families, and staff for the work being done throughout the District. Together, we're making great strides to benefit our students and school communities. I'm incredibly excited about the District's direction and feel honored to serve alongside many talented and committed individuals. Thank you for all you do!
A key component to our students' success is the partnership between home and school. Attending parent-teacher conferences is a great way to strengthen this partnership. On Wednesday, November 1, parents will receive an email with directions for registering for parent-teacher conferences through our ParentSquare platform. Conference scheduling links will be open from November 1 through November 16.
Please see additional information below regarding D140's Red Ribbon Week, Parent-Teacher Conference scheduling, October's student and staff special recognition, community connection celebrations, and important calendar information.
Respectfully,
Dr. Dan Callaghan
Superintendent
KSD 140 Celebrates Red Ribbon Week October 23-27
During Red Ribbon Week, schools across the nation 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. Students and staff are invited to participate in our theme days!
- Monday, October 23: “From Head to Toe, I am Drug-Free!”
Wear your crazy hat, sunglasses, and socks, or wear blue. - Tuesday, October 24: “I Have the Power to be Drug-Free!”
Dress like a superhero or wear red. - Wednesday, October 25: “Life is a Journey!”
Dress as a tacky tourist or wear yellow. - Thursday, October 26: “Combat Drugs!”
Dress in camo or wear green. - Friday, October 27: “Alcohol is Not Classy!”
Wear your school colors.
Parent-Teacher Conference Appointments Available November 1
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in all KSD 140 elementary and middle schools on Monday, November 20, and Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Both VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON conference time slots are available.
Virtual Schedule:
Monday, November 20: 1 - 4 p.m.
In-Person Schedule:
Monday, November 20: 5 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, November 21: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Beginning Wednesday, November 1, 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 Wednesday, November 1 through Thursday, November 16.
For additional details, please click Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Keller Celebrated for Using Technology to Transform Learning
Keller Elementary School was recognized at the October Board of Education meeting for receiving an Apple Distinguished School designation earlier this month. Keller was selected for this distinction based on its commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to create exemplary learning practices.
"Our school is a warm and welcoming place where students are encouraged to dream big and embrace new challenges together. Through our innovative use of technology, we’re preparing students to excel in a dynamic and ever-changing world," stated Principal James Hanley. "I am honored and proud to be a part of this remarkable school community."
Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized as some of the most innovative in the world. They’re centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments.
Congratulations Cougars!
Grissom Art Club Recognized for T.P.’s Benches on the Avenue Art Project
Congratulations to Kim B., Emilee B., Cece C., Brianna D., Randi J., Aaron J., Chris L., Lily M., Ryan M., Roxanne M., Ben P., Kaylynn S., Kelly T., Isla V., and Josh W.
Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Board Leader Recognition
Four District 140 Board of Education members were recognized at the October meeting for their ongoing commitment to professional development. Congratulations to Thomas Martelli, Carol DeMicheal, Chuck Augustyniak, and John Lutz. We appreciate all that you do!
Tinley Park Librarians Visits D140 Schools
This fall, Tinley Park Public Library librarians 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. Named in honor of Big Bluestem, which is the state prairie grass.
Upcoming Events and Activities
- Monday, October 23 - Friday, October 27 - Red Ribbon Week
- Friday, October 27 - Last Day of First Quarter
- Tuesday, October 31 - Half Day - Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 am and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 noon
- Wednesday, November 1 - Parent-Teacher Conference Appointment Scheduling Opens - Visit ksd140.org for more information
- Saturday, November 4 - ILMEA Honor Band Festival - Unity Junior High School, Cicero, IL
- Wednesday, November 8 - Beginning Band Demo Night - 6:30 - 8 pm at Grissom
- Friday, November 10 - Report Cards Issued
- Saturday, November 11 - ILMEA Honor Jazz Band Festival - Homewood Flossmoor High School, Flossmoor, IL
- Tuesday, November 14 - Orland Township Immunization Clinic - 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Orland Township office, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, IL
- Thursday, November 16 - Board of Education Meeting - 7 pm in the Administration Center located at 16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park
- Monday, November 20 - No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 1 - 8 pm
- Tuesday, November 21 - No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 8 am - 3 pm
- Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24 - No School - Fall Break
Kirby School District 140
16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-532-6462
Website: ksd140.org