KSD140 Connection
December 2023
Happy Holidays!
With Winter Break fast approaching, I‘ve been reflecting on all that has occurred since the start of the school year. A notable highlight for me has been the opportunity to visit classrooms and witness firsthand the engagement and joy on our students' faces as they embrace learning. I am grateful for our students, staff, and all we have accomplished together thus far. Serving the KSD 140 community is a true privilege. In the weeks ahead, I encourage you to take time to rest, rejuvenate, and reflect on the moments that brought you joy in 2023.
The Parent-Teacher Conferences in November saw a fantastic turnout, with our teachers conducting over 4,000 meetings with parents/guardians to discuss students' academic performance and school experiences. A heartfelt thanks to all who participated! Your engagement is a testament to our shared commitment to the well-being and education of our students, and we are grateful for your partnership.
A friendly reminder that D140's Winter Break begins with a half-day on Friday, December 22, and extends through Monday, January 8. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 9, for all students, while staff will return to buildings on Monday, January 8, for professional development.
On behalf of the Board of Education and the District 140 administrative team, I would like to wish our families and staff a peaceful and healthy holiday season. May you find time to rest, recharge, and spend quality moments with family and friends over the upcoming weeks. Happy New Year!
Respectfully,
Dr. Dan Callaghan
Superintendent
2023-24 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.
Health/Life Safety Inspection
Following the Illinois School Code, the South Cook Intermediate Service Center conducted an annual Health/Life Safety inspection of all D140 facilities in November. This is the fifth consecutive year in which no violations were found.
Operations Coordinator Tony Silic and his staff were commended for the well-maintained buildings that provide excellent learning environments for D140 students and staff. “The pride in your facility, the staff care, and the great work you are doing for the students of your community were clearly evident,” the report stated.
We are proud of our schools and grateful for our outstanding operations and maintenance team. Thank you!
Special Olympics Basketball Kicks Off Season
Our KSD 140 Special Olympics Basketball team opened their season against the Cicero Unity Tigers on Monday, December 11. Thanks to all the families, friends, students, and staff who came out to cheer us on. Go team!
PV Girls’ Basketball Team Wins SWIC Tournament Championship
Congratulations to the Prairie View sixth/seventh-grade girls' basketball team, who were named the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) tournament champions after defeating Jerling 21-20 on Saturday, December 9. Hannah B. and Audrey D. made the SWIC all-conference team.
Coached by Mr. Pat Griffin, the Prairie View Eagles roster includes Dina B., Hannah B., Audrey D., Ellie E., Londyn K., Abigail L., Lila M., Alissa P., Jayleen S., Ameera S., Lamees Z., Jordin Z.
The team ended with an 11-3 record. Great season, Eagles!
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. Read more
D140 Students Give Back During the Holidays
During November and December, D140 students and staff participated in schoolwide food, clothing, and toy drives supporting the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, the Tinley Park Food Pantry, Together We Cope, and the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. Students also wrote letters to naval recruits and collected donations for Wreaths Across America. These donations were used to sponsor wreaths placed on veterans' graves at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
Thanks to our students, staff, and families for their generous contributions and support. #KirbyONE40
D140 Chorus and Jazz Band Perform at Tinley Park Holiday Market
The combined Grissom and Prairie View choruses and the D140 Jazz Band performed at the Tinley Park Holiday Market on Sunday, December 3. Thanks to the Village of Tinley Park for including us in their fun weekend of family holiday events.
Upcoming Events and Activities
- Friday, December 22 - Half Day Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 am, and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 noon.
- Monday, December 25 through Monday, January 8 - No School - Winter Break
- Tuesday, January 9 - School resumes
- Sunday, January 14 - Special Olympics Basketball Tournament @ The Academy at Forest View Jacobs High School in Arlington Heights
- Monday, January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
- Tuesday, January 16 - Eighth-grade Step-Up Day - Grissom Middle School
- Thursday, January 18 - Eighth-grade Step-Up Day - Prairie View Middle School
- Thursday, January 18 - Board of Education Meeting - 7 pm at Administration Building
- Friday, January 19 - End of Second Quarter
- Wednesday, January 24 - Beginning Band Winter Concert - 7:30 pm at Prairie View Middle School
- Friday, January 26 - Report Cards Issued
Kirby School District 140
16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-532-6462
Website: ksd140.org