Helen Keller Headlines
August 2022
Principal's Note
October 2022
We had a busy September filled with lots of fun and learning. It was so great to see everyone getting into the swing of things in their classes. In walking around the building I frequently see a lot of engaged learners actively participating. That of course brings lots of smiles and laughter which helps to create a very pleasant environment in our hallways. The end of the month brings some special awards and celebrations that will continue to happen throughout the year. At the end of each month we will have two Cougars per grade level that are selected as the Cougars of the month. We also have a Caring Cougar Raffle where our students earn tickets by being kind and caring throughout the school day. Check out below to see which of our amazing students got each for the month of September.
October brings a lot of fun events and learning as well. Throughout the month we are recognizing Bullying Prevention Month with a special celebration on the 19th for Unity Day. There will be a poster contest as well so pay attention to communication from your classroom teachers (special thanks to Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Hegji for helping to organize). On Oct. 12th, we will celebrate Walk and Roll to School day, we encourage all of our students to walk or ride to school that day instead of getting a ride. We also celebrate Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 24th - 28th) and have our Pumpkin Chase/Ghostbuster run on the 25th with a rain date on the 26th. Finally, we end the month with Halloween which is a half day of student attendance.
Finally, I did want to mention a few reminders:
- Pickup and drop off is going well, please continue to follow the established procedures and always keep in mind that safety is the #1 priority.
- I will ask that pets are not brought during pick up or drop off times, this includes dogs that are leashed. Thank you for understanding!
- With the weather starting to cool down, please make sure to send your students with appropriate clothing, they will continue to go outside for recess.
- With intramural sports beginning, students that are attending sporting events need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hanley
Cougars of the Month
Below are our September Cougars of the Month, they were selected by their grade level teachers for being exceptional students throughout the month. Awesome job everyone!
Caring Cougar Raffle Award Winners
These ten students were lucky winners in our raffle. Students received tickets for being kind and caring throughout the school day. We had a LOT of tickets in the raffle this month, nice job Cougars!
September Memories
National Walk & Roll to School Day - Wednesday, October 12
Gather your family, put on your walking shoes or biking gear, and celebrate National Walk & Roll to School Day with us on Wednesday, October 12, 2022!
D140 families are encouraged to walk or bike to school together using our Safe Routes to School guides:
The school with the most student participation will earn special recognition and school-wide popcorn day!
Our hope is that more students will choose to walk or bike to school on a regular basis.
For information regarding pedestrian and bike safety, please check out these tips from the Tinley Park Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
Celebrate Unity Day by Wearing Orange on October 19!
When we stand together, no one stands alone!
Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 19, to show they care about safe and supportive schools and communities. This is the day when everyone can come together and send one large ORANGE message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
KSD 140 Celebrates Red Ribbon Week October 24-28
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.
Monday, October 24: “From Head to Toe, I am Drug-Free!”
Wear your crazy hat, sunglasses, and socks, or wear blue.
Tuesday, October 25: “I Have the Power to be Drug-Free!”
Dress like a superhero or wear red.
Wednesday, October 26: “Life is a Journey!”
Dress as a tacky tourist or wear yellow.
Thursday, October 27: “Combat Drugs!”
Dress in camo or wear green.
Friday, October 28: “Alcohol is Not Classy!”
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS wear SCHOOL colors and MIDDLE SCHOOLS wear CLASS colors.
All Elementary Schools - Wear your school colors.
Grissom Middle School - Wear your grade level color.
6th Grade - White / 7th Grade - Blue / 8th Grade - RedPrairie View Middle School - Wear your grade level color.
6th Grade - White / 7th Grade - Gold / 8th Grade - Black
Key Dates in October 2022
Important October dates to mark on your calendar
- October: Bullying Prevention Month
Oct. 2nd: Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 3rd: Severe Weather Drill
Oct. 4th: Fall Picture Day
Oct. 10th: Columbus Day (No School)
Oct. 12th: Walk and Roll to School Day
Oct. 13th: Bus Evacuation Drill and PTO meeting (6 p.m.)
Oct. 19th: Unity Day (Wear Orange)
Oct. 20th: Board of Education Meeting
Oct. 21st: Trunk or Treat
Oct. 24th - 28th: Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 25th: Pumpkin Chase/Ghostbuster Run
Oct. 28th: End of 1st Quarter
Oct. 31st: Halloween (Half day, early dismissal)
Social Emotional Wellness
Times may be uncertain, but rest assured, we are here for you and your family. As we forge ahead together, please know we have resources to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to your Social/Emotional leaders at Keller:
School Counselor
Erin Kennedy nee Duncan
School Social Worker
Maureen Hegji
Crisis & Support Hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
24/7 free & confidential support & crisis resources
Crisis Textline: text HOME to 741741
24/7 text message support for those in crisis.
Between Friends: 1-800-603-HELP (1-800-603-4357)
24/7 domestic violence crisis line
Call 4 Calm: Text “TALK” or “HABLAR” to 552-020
Free Emotional Support Text Line
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 1-888-293-2080
24/7 Chicago rape hotline for survivors of sexual violence & their significant others
Illinois Warm Line: 1-866-359-7953
Peer & Family mental health support by phone, weekdays M-F 9 AM-5 PM
NAMI Chicago local resources & referral helpline: 312-563-0445
Compassionate support & personalized referrals M-F 9 AM-5 PM, Sat 9-1
If you or someone you love is experiencing an immediate, life-threatening mental health crisis, call 911, clearly state that the individual is experiencing a mental health emergency, and ask that a Critical Incident Team officer responds to the situation. A Critical Incident Team officer is trained in handling psychiatric emergencies.
Helen Keller Elementary School
Email: jhanley@ksd140.org
Website: www.ksd140.org/keller
Location: 7846 West 163rd Street, Tinley Park, IL, USA
Phone: 708.532.2144
Facebook: facebook.com/helenkellercougars
Twitter: @kellercougars @PrincipalHanley