KSD140 Connection
August 2025
DISTRICT NEWS
Superintendent's Message
Welcome back! The energy in our buildings since the start of school has been nothing short of inspiring, and our staff is working hard to make sure every student feels welcomed, encouraged, and ready to learn.
As always, we remain committed to our mission: Every Child, Every Day. That means meeting each student where they are, challenging them to grow, and supporting them every step of the way,
In addition to our focus on teaching and learning, we’re making significant investments in our facilities to ensure the best possible learning environments for our students and staff.
Fernway Park School Renovation Update
Construction on a $20 million renovation began in June and is expected to be completed in time for the 2026–27 school year. It includes major infrastructure upgrades to support HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and data systems, as well as a new gymnasium and updates to the commons, media center, main entrance, school office, restrooms, and select classrooms. Students and staff will continue to safely learn and work in the current building without disruption during the school day.
Keller Elementary School Addition
The Board of Education recently approved construction on a $3.6 million addition to Keller, scheduled to begin in September 2025 and be completed by August 2026. The initial phase includes eight new classrooms and additional student and staff restrooms. Bidding for a second phase is planned for winter 2026, with construction starting in spring. It involves relocating Keller’s existing playground and adding a dedicated blacktop space for recess and bus rider arrival/dismissal. As with Fernway, there will be no disruption to the school day during construction.
New Classroom Furniture
Students at Bannes, Keller, and McAuliffe now have brand-new desks and chairs to enhance comfort and engagement. Millennium and Fernway are scheduled to receive new furniture next year.
Thank you for your continued support as we start this exciting year together. With strong teaching, engaged families, and a focus on improved facilities, Kirby 140 is ready for a fantastic year ahead!
Sincerely,
Dan Callaghan
Superintendent
Stay Connected with ParentSquare!
KSD 140 uses ParentSquare for email, text, and voice messaging. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourages greater engagement and connection with the district. Families can choose their language preference and indicate how and when they want to receive information (email, text, and/or app notifications).
We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified.
Please visit ParentSquare.com to register or download the free app for iOS and Android devices.
STUDENT AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT
D140 Board of Ed Recognizes New Staff at August Meeting
We want to extend a heartfelt welcome to our newest team members, including Kristina Aimone, Enas Alereifej, Jakya Allen, Karen Allen, Natalie Anderson, Sophia Ashour, Rana Assad, Nancy Benda, Isabella Bigos, Bryan Bishop, Erin Ceglarz, Breanna Cosentino, Nura Damisi, Hanin Darawad, Alyssa Donnelly, Jackie Fletcher, Kara Gallagher, Gabriella Gianakas, Regina Gianotti, Courtney Grider, Noha Habib, Nusrean Haddad, Rania Hahn, Amani Hasan, Leana Hasan, Mary Kate Hayes, Hannah Hoffmann, Isabella Hull, Lorena Jaber, Michael Jamraz, Jeanne Jerantowski, Moyusar Kheireddin, Caroline Krotiak, David Laird, Hailey Lively, Kira Longawa, Meaghan Maldonado, Eveleen Mansour, Julie Martinez, Nicole Mashek, Kelly McDonough, Dana Messina, Vanessa Miller, Mariam Mina, Jim Nast, Holly O’Flaherty, Hannah O’Neill, Nicole Owens, Colleen Palermo, Terri Peterson, Erica Philbin, Jennifer Roat, Jean Sakanis, Aliya Salem, Amie Sawatski, Megan Sellberg, Kristy Sempevivo-Smith, Sara Shenouda, Shannon Stefans, Leah Stoecker, Kathleen Tesmond, Maurice Usher, Jessica Valente, Elizabeth VanKleek, Veronika Velychko, Maryam Yafaie, Richard Young, Mary Yuktonis, Hannah Zajac, and Sade Zavala.
Welcome to our school family! May your year be filled with meaningful connections, exciting challenges, and countless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our students.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
2025 National Night Out
It was wonderful seeing so many D140 families at Tinley Park’s National Night Out! Thanks to the Village of Tinley Park and the Village of Tinley Park Public Safety for an amazing evening.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Monday, September 1 - Labor Day - No School
- Friday, September 5 - D140 Band Performs Pregame Show with VJA Marching Band at VJA Football Game - 7 p.m. at Andrew High School
- Thursday, September 11 - Patriot Day - D140 students and staff are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue in observance of Patriot Day.
- Monday, September 15 - Teacher Institute Day - No school for students
- Wednesday, September 17 - Beginning Band Registration at Grissom Middle School from 5-8 p.m. Visit ksd140.org/band for more information.
- Thursday, September 18 - Beginning Band Registration at Grissom Middle School from 5-8 p.m. Visit ksd140.org/band for more information.
- Thursday, September 18 - Board of Education Meeting - 7 p.m. at the Administration Center
Kirby School District 140
16931 S. Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-532-6462
Website: ksd140.org
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