Helen Keller Headlines
August 2022
Principal's Note
December 2022
With Thanksgiving just past us, I wanted to take a moment to express some gratitude to the school community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I appreciate everything that this community does on a daily basis to help support us in our mission to educate the children. The age old saying is true, it does take a village. So, thank you.
November was an exciting month, we had lots of learning happening in our classrooms as well as a chance to partner with families at parent-teacher conferences. Thank you to all that attended and participated. We also had a memorable Veterans Day event which the students did an amazing job with and a well attended Reading Night. Thank you to all that attended those and helped to make them possible.
Looking forward to December we have a sprint to the mid year break. We've got some fun events along the way with the annual Toy Drive (see flyer attached below for more info), the PTO sponsored Secret Shop, and our Winter Parties to round out the month. Then everyone gets a well deserved two week break for all their hard work.
I do have one favor to ask, as of late, we have been having students come in with drinks (starbucks, pop, etc.). This is unfortunately becoming a bit of an issues as they have been spilled in class and are making a bit of a mess. If you could please only send your students with water in water bottles that would be greatly appreciated.
As usual we have our Cougars of the month and our Caring Cougar Raffle winners below. I can't say enough about these amazing students and how lucky we are to get the privilege to work with them each day. Looking forward to another great month and then a well deserved rest for everyone!
Sincerely,
Mr. Hanley
Cougars of the Month
Below are our October 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!
November Memories
Key Dates in December 2022
Important December dates to mark on your calendar
Dec. 8th: PTO meeting at 6 p.m.
Dec. 15th: Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m.
Dec. 19th-21st: Santa's Secret Shop
Dec. 22nd: Winter Parties and Half Day of school
Dec. 23rd to Jan. 9th: Winter Break
Jan 10th: Return to School
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