MCAULIFFE MESSENGER
February 5, 2024
Dear McAuliffe Families,
We hope that the month of February has started off well for all of you. We are busy with learning and other activities every day here at McAuliffe.
Our focus remains to cultivate a positive climate and create the best learning environment possible. High quality instruction and student learning are always our highest priorities. Everything that we do is designed to help students learn in all areas and be successful. The partnership between school and home is a key ingredient for student success. With that said, we hope that your students are feeling safe and supported.
It is hard to believe that we have passed the half way point of the year! Students are settled in routines and understand our school- wide expectations. Teachers have worked hard to create meaningful learning opportunities and teach behavior expectations. Consistency and predictability are key factors for student success, as well as a calm learning environment to better focus on learning.
We’re fortunate to work with your students every day. Thank you for allowing us to play a role in their development.
Sincerely,
Dr. Szczasny
Ms. Folliard
Congratulations to our 5th grade beginning band members!
Over the next several weeks, D140 students, staff, and parents will be given the opportunity to weigh in on school climate and learning conditions by taking the 2024 Illinois 5Essentials Survey.
This survey assesses a school’s culture and climate and provides insight into strengths and weaknesses on the five key factors that research shows are predictive of school success - effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environment, and ambitious instruction. School and district leaders use their 5Essentials data to better inform their school improvement plans and help identify key strengths and areas for growth.
The parent survey is open until March 29, 2024, and only takes 10 minutes to complete. D140 staff and fourth through eighth-grade students will also be asked to take the research-based survey at school to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their school’s learning environment.
For more information about the Illinois 5Essentials Survey or to view previous years’ reports, please visit https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois.
D140 parents are invited to an Empowering Parents: Safeguarding Our Kids Online and Offline presentation at Grissom Middle School on Wednesday, February 21, at 6:30 pm.
This parents-only event equips parents with knowledge of the ever-changing digital landscape, emphasizing the need for their guidance in addressing cyberbullying, ensuring internet safety, and tackling the risks associated with smoking and vaping.
A question and answer session with Tinley Park Police officers Detective Rzeszutko, Detective Van Schouwen, and School Resource Officer Sonny London will round out the evening.
Grissom Middle School is located at 17000 S. 80th Avenue, Tinley Park.
NO SCHOOL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH IN HONOR OF PRESIDENTS' DAY
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.
YouTube Access
Effective now and moving forward, the YouTube application and website will no longer be accessible to students on district-issued iPads. Teachers will still be able to access content from YouTube and share it with students by other means if it fits a curricular need. Should you have any questions about this change in access to the YouTube platform, feel free to email Dr. Szczasny at aszczasny@ksd140.org
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
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