KSD140 Connection
December 2022
Happy Holidays!
With Winter Break fast approaching, I‘ve been reflecting on all that has occurred since the start of the school year. To me, the highlight has been getting into classrooms and seeing first-hand the engagement and enjoyment on our students’ faces as they embrace learning. I am grateful for our students, staff, and all we have accomplished together thus far. It is truly a privilege to serve the KSD140 community. In the upcoming weeks, I hope you can rest, rejuvenate, and reflect on what brought you joy in 2022.
We had a fantastic turnout for Parent-Teacher Conferences in November. Our teachers conducted more than 5,000 meetings with parents/guardians to discuss students’ academic performance and experiences at school. Thanks to all who attended! Your participation is a testament to our shared commitment to our students’ well-being and education. We are grateful for your partnership.
As a reminder, D140’s Winter Break begins with a half-day on Thursday, December 22, and runs through Monday, January 9. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 10 for all students. Staff will return to buildings on Monday, January 9 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. I hope you can rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends over the upcoming weeks. Happy New Year!
Respectfully,
Dr. Dan Callaghan
Superintendent
________________________
2022-23 Emergency Closing Notifications and eLearning Plan Review
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 Infinite Campus contact information and preferences are up-to-date. Please log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to check your contact information and make any necessary changes.
________________________
Health Reminders and Updates
Knowing when to keep your child home sick from school helps protect other children from illness. It can also give your child a chance to get extra rest they may need to recover.
- Please do not send your child to school with a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, sore throat, swollen glands, and/or runny nose.
- Individuals experiencing a fever must stay home until fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication).
- Individuals experiencing vomiting or diarrhea must stay home until vomiting or diarrhea has ceased for 24 hours.
- Kirby School District 140 will no longer require individuals who have symptoms of Covid-19 to test and report results. (Updated 12/19/2022)
- Individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are required to isolate for five days from the onset of symptoms, returning when fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication), vomiting or diarrhea have ceased for 24 hours, and all other symptoms are resolving. Individuals returning on Day 6 or after are requested to mask for an additional 5 days or until they obtain a negative test. (Updated 12/19/2022)
- Individuals are still required to wear a mask in school nurses’ offices in Illinois.
________________________
Health/Life Safety Inspection
________________________
PV Girls’ Basketball Team Wins SWIC Tournament Championship
Congratulations to the Prairie View girls' basketball team, who were named the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) tournament champions after defeating Palos South 29-28 on Saturday, December 10. Leighton G. and Aaliyah F. made the SWIC all-conference team, and Aaliyah F. was the SWIC conference's Most Valuable Player.
Coached by Mr. Jeff Mahy, the Prairie View Eagles roster includes Mya B., Alanis E., Mia E., Aaliyah F., Mackenzie G., Leighton G., Veeksha K., Teagan L., Emma L., Julianna L., Lily S., and Gianna S.
The team ended with a 13-1 record. Way to go, Eagles!
Special Olympics Basketball Kicks Off Season
Our KSD 140 Special Olympics Basketball team opened their season against the Junior Lincolnway Special Rec Team on Saturday, December 3. Thanks to all the families, friends, students, and staff who came out to cheer us on. Go team!
Innovative Coaching and Learning at Its Best
Sixth-Grade Apple Coaching at Grissom Middle School
Apple Coaching in Art Class at Prairie View Middle School
Third-Grade Apple Coaching at Bannes Elementary
________________________
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 4. Thanks to the Village of Tinley Park for including us in their fun weekend of family holiday events.
D140 Jazz Band
Tinley Park Holiday Market Performance
D140 Chorus
D140 Student Councils Support Local Residents
During December, Fernway, Keller, McAuliffe, Millennium, and Grissom Student Councils sponsored schoolwide food and clothing drives in support of the Orland Township, Tinley Park Food Pantry, and Together We Cope. These organizations provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to South Suburban residents. Prairie View’s Student Council also sold raffle tickets in support of the Tom Hopkins Memorial Foundation. This Foundation assists local families who have been impacted by cancer.
Thanks to our students, staff, and families for their generous contributions and support. #KirbyONE40
Keller Student Council
McAuliffe Student Council
Millennium Student Council
________________________
Upcoming Events
- Thursday, December 22 - Half Day Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 am, and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 noon.
- Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 9 - Winter Break - No School
- Tuesday, January 10 - School resumes
- Monday, January 16 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
- Thursday, January 19 - Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 pm @ Administration Building
- Friday, January 20 - End of Second Quarter
- Monday, January 23 - Band Parent meeting - 7:00 pm @ Grissom
- Wednesday, January 25 - Beginning Band Winter Concert - 7:30 pm @ Prairie View
- Friday, January 27 - Report cards issued
- Friday, February 3 - Half Day Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 am, and middle schools will be dismissed at 12 noon.
________________________
Kirby School District 140
Email: webmaster@ksd140.org
Website: ksd140.org
Location: 16931 Grissom Drive, T.P.
Phone: 7085326462
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksd140
Twitter: @KirbySD140