We’re excited to announce that we've adopted a new form of school-to-home communication called ParentSquare. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with D140. All District and principal communications will now be sent via ParentSquare. Detailed information can be found on our website.

Last week, we notified families that the District is undertaking a strategic planning process designed to engage all stakeholders – including parents, teachers, administrators, staff, students, and community residents – in developing a shared future vision for the District. Involvement of stakeholders from every corner of the community will result in a long-term framework for decision-making that builds upon the common values held by the community. Completion of the process is set for the fall of the 2023-24 school year.

During February, all stakeholders will have the opportunity to voice their opinions through interviews, focus groups, and/or an online survey. If you would like to participate in a parent focus group on Tuesday, February 7, between 4:15 - 6:00 pm, please complete this form by Thursday, February 2, 2023.

Additional information and updates will be posted to the Strategic Plan section of our website throughout the process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

Although we have had a mild winter so far, I would like to take a moment to review our school closing notification process. When making a decision to close school due to inclement weather, student safety is always our number one concern. After evaluating National Weather Service forecasts, receiving input from our operations and transportation personnel, and consulting with our partner schools, we make the call as to whether or not we think students and staff can travel safely to and from school. In the event that KSD 140 needs to close school, families will receive a notification from ParentSquare, our electronic messaging system, and an alert will be posted on our district/school websites. KSD 140 also communicates school closure information through Facebook, Twitter, and the Emergency Closing Center (ECC). If the District keeps school open, but a parent or guardian determines conditions are not safe for their child to travel to or from school, the parent or guardian has the right to keep their child home.

As always, I am so grateful and honored for the opportunity to work with you to ensure our students are receiving the very best education. Working together, I look forward to the continued success of our children.

Respectfully,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

Among the District’s top priorities is the development of a strategic plan. This plan will include a common vision for the District and identify the direction for the future of our schools.

District 140 is partnering with Hazard, Young, Attea, and Associates (HYA), to develop this strategic plan using a three-phase process that includes conducting research, developing the plan, and identifying implementation steps.

• The first phase focuses on documenting the current state and desired future position of our school district.
• The second phase is the creation of a framework for broad direction and priorities for the future outlined in a formal strategic plan document.
• The final phase is the identification of specific steps that will be taken to implement the plan and execute the identified objectives in the strategic plan.

During the first phase, HYA will conduct Board interviews and focus groups with students, parents, employees, and community members across all corners of the District. Next, they will administer an online survey to collect additional input from our stakeholders about the direction of the District. The online survey will be made available during the month of February.

The involvement of stakeholders from every corner of the community will result in a long-term framework for decision-making that builds upon the common values held by the community. Completion of the process is set for the fall of the 2023-24 school year.

Updates will be posted to the Strategic Plan section of our website throughout the process.

Members of the Prairie View Girls’ Basketball team were recognized at the January Board of Education meeting for their SWIC Tournament Championship win. Coached by 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 finished its season with a 13-1 record. Way to go, Eagles!

The Board also recognized McAuliffe Elementary teacher Janelle Kuhn as one of 127 teachers across the state of Illinois to certify and one of the 336 teachers to recertify as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) in 2022.

National Board Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment of a teacher’s pedagogical skills and content knowledge. The certification process generally takes one to three years to complete.

Congratulations to all!