MCAULIFFE MESSENGER
January 9, 2024
Dear McAuliffe Families,
Welcome back, everyone! We hope you had a fantastic winter break filled with laughter and joy. It's awesome to have our school buzzing with energy again as we enter the second half of the school year.
We once again ask for your continued cooperation with arrival and dismissal routines. With the inclement weather it is becoming even more dangerous for our students. Please do not drop off students prior to 7:45AM since we will not have staff outside. Beginning tomorrow, only buses will be allowed in the front drive for drop off. Only drivers who have made prior arrangements with the office will be allowed in the front drive between 7:45 and 7:55. All other drivers will have to follow the drop off procedure shown below. Anyone arriving after 7:55 is late for school and will need to be signed into the office by a parent or guardian. Additionally, do not let children out of cars on 174th street, either park your car and walk your child to the entrance or join the drop off line. Staff members will be at these locations to help ensure the safety of everyone.
Thank you for putting the safety of all McAuliffe students first!
Sincerely,
Dr. Szczasny
Ms. Folliard
MAP TESTING
As MAP testing begins this week, parents can play a pivotal role in preparing their children for success. Encouraging a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast can ensure kids are alert and energized. Offering emotional support and expressing confidence in their abilities can alleviate test-related stress. Engaging in open conversations about the importance of the test without adding undue pressure is key. MAP test results will help teachers understand where students excel and where they might need more support. These tests are geared towards each grade level and will give us valuable insights to guide teaching methods. Your child's teacher will communicate their testing schedule to you.
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.
NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, JANUARY 15 IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
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 the resources to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to your Social/Emotional leaders at McAuliffe:
School Counselor
Cassidy Campbell
School Social Worker
Jennifer Brower
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
KEEP IN TOUCH!
We encourage you to visit ksd140.org throughout the school year for key events and information pertaining to our school and the District. As always, please don't hesitate to contact us if you need assistance. We are always here for you.
Respectfully,
Dr. Annette L. Szczasny
Principal
Ms. Kelly Folliard
Assistant Principal