Patriot Pulse
December 1st Edition
Hello Grissom Families,
Welcome to December and the latest edition of the Patriot Pulse! We are back in action after a brief pause for parent-teacher conferences and the Thanksgiving observance. We express our gratitude to all the families who participated in conferences last week. We value the support and collaboration of all Grissom families as we work together to best meet the needs of our students.
December is always an exciting, action-packed month leading up to Winter break, and we have much to anticipate in the coming weeks.
Throughout December, our school-wide SEL lessons will focus on healthy relationships. During weekly Patriot Time and advisory lessons, students will explore and discuss the importance and benefits of developing healthy, respectful relationships with both peers and adults. We encourage families to engage with their children, asking and discussing what they are learning during these lessons.
Our Boys Volleyball and Girls Basketball teams are currently in the midst of post-season tournament play. Grissom is hosting the SWIC Girls Basketball tournament now and through December 9th. Best of luck to all our teams as they wrap up their seasons!
December is also Winter concert season! Please see below for dates and times to come and enjoy the performances of our talented musicians and singers.
Throughout the district, we will be holding a Countdown to Winter break starting December 11. Each day will feature a different theme, and we encourage all students, staff, and families to join in the fun!
We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy winter season!
With warm regards,
Mr. Michael Rumbaugh - Principal
GRISSOM TEACHER NAMED CHICAGO BEARS CLASSROOM LEGEND
Representatives of the Chicago Bears visited Grissom Middle School on Thursday, November 30 to honor teacher Laura Garrity as a Chicago Bears Classroom Legend. Garrity was surprised by the announcement at a schoolwide assembly in front of a packed gymnasium of students and staff from Grissom Middle School and McAuliffe Elementary School.
“Along with our partners at CDW, the Chicago Bears have a program called the Chicago Bears Classroom Legends, and each year, hundreds of nominations come through for teachers, and principals and administrators who are going above and beyond in their community and their classrooms,” stated Emily Rooney, Community Engagement Strategist for the Chicago Bears. “Today, one of your teachers is being honored as a Chicago Bears Classroom Legend.”
Students and staff cheered as Garrity’s name was announced, and Rooney continued the presentation by reading from the nomination letter sent in by McAuliffe parent Ashley Lythberg.
“I cannot think of a more deserving teacher of this recognition than Laura Garrity,” wrote Lythberg. “Her true love for her students and her passion for teaching and mentoring the youth in the community is unmatched. The District and the community are beyond lucky to have her.“
Team mascot Staley Da Bear and Rooney presented Garrity with tickets to a Bears home game, a custom Bears jersey and painted football, and a $1,000 check for her classroom.
“I am beyond honored this morning,” stated Garrity. “It is a pleasure to call every student in this room, my student, and I look forward to seeing you grow. I hope you know I am always here for you.”
Garrity has been with Kirby School District 140 for over ten years as a teacher at Grissom and Prairie View Middle Schools and McAuliffe Elementary School. She currently teaches Art to sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students at Grissom.
Emergency Closing Notifications and eLearning Plan Review
As temperatures drop and winter weather begins, we’d like to take a moment to review our Emergency Closing notification protocols and eLearning Day plan.
If emergency days are needed due to snow or extreme cold, families will receive notification via a phone/email/text message, and an alert will be posted on our District website. KSD 140 also communicates school closure information through the District’s social media accounts and the Emergency Closing Center (ECC). Detailed school closing information can be found here.
If an emergency closing day is needed, the District may elect to use an eLearning Day instead of a traditional “snow day” that has to be made up at the end of the school year. Please refer to our eLearning Day Overview to review specifics of the plan, including school hours and access to D140’s digital platforms.
Now would be a great time to ensure your contact information is up-to-date. Please log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to check your contact information and make any necessary changes.
Arrival and Dismissal
Students can arrive to school grounds as soon as 8:25 AM. Usually, traffic is not heavy at this time, so it might be a better option for those who want to avoid a long car line. In case of cold or inclement weather, we allow students to enter the building immediately and wait in our commons until the 8:35 AM bell.
Student Support
Student support is open to any student who wants to complete schoolwork in a supervised, quiet setting - our Media Center.
Before-school support is offered Monday - Friday starting at 8:00 A.M. Students attending can be dropped off at Grissom's main entrance. Students will not be able to enter the building before 8:00 A.M.
After-school support is offered Monday - Thursday until 4:05 P.M. An activity bus is available to take regular bus riders home at that time, if needed.
After School Activity Bus
An after-school activity bus will be available ONLY for students who are already receive bus service starting September 5th. Students who attend after-school activities that last no later than 4:05 P.M. can take the bus home.
KSD 140 Band & Chorus Events
- December 3rd
Jazz Band & Chorus
5:30 PM at Tinley Park Holiday Market - December 6th
Concert and Symphonic Bands Winter Concert
7:30 PM at Prairie View
- December 12th
Chorus Concert
7:30 PM at Grissom
- December 13th
Cadet & Jazz Bands Winter Concert
7:30 PM at Grissom
Great Grissom Events!
Veteran's Day Assembly
8th Grade Field Trip - Bridge Teen Center
Fall Fest Dance
Upcoming Events:
- November 29th - December 9th
SWIC Girls Basketball Tournament - Hosted by Grissom
SWIC Boys Volleyball Tournament - at Tinley Central
- December 11th - 22nd
Countdown to Winter Break
See calendar above for details of each day's theme
- December 14th
Board of Education Meeting
6:30 PM - Administration Building - December 22nd
Half Day - 12 PM Student Dismissal - December 23rd - January 8th
No Student Attendance - Winter Break
Save Around Coupon Book Fundraiser Returns
Thank you for supporting the Grissom PTO!
Upcoming Hot Lunch Dates
- Tuesday, December 5th - Winston's
- Tuesday, December 12th - Skillet House
- Friday, December 15th - Nick's BBQ
Volunteer!
Support our PTO by volunteering to distribute hot lunch! Click one or both the links below to sign up.
November Students of the Month!
Keep in Touch!
#KirbyONE40 #EveryChildEveryDay
Respectfully,
Mr. Michael Rumbaugh - Principal
Mrs. Julie Simpson - Assistant Principal
Virgil I. Grissom Middle School
Principal Michael Rumbaugh- mirumbaugh@ksd140.org
Website: ksd140.org/grissom
Location: 17000 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL, 60477
Phone: 708-429-3030