Patriot Pulse
November Edition
Hello Grissom Families,
Happy November!
We’ve had an exciting month of learning and fun at Grissom Middle School! This past Friday, students and staff recognized Red Ribbon Week by promoting the importance of living a drug-free life and showing their school spirit with themed dress-up days. We closed out the month with our PBIS incentive, Club GMS, where students who demonstrated exemplary behavior throughout the month earned a well-deserved dance party. The day also included a school-wide PBIS assembly celebrating our positive school community.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Looking ahead, we’re excited to connect with families during Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 23rd and 24th. Conference sign-ups open November 2nd, so be sure to reserve a time to meet with teachers and discuss your child’s progress.
Veterans' Day Assembly
This coming Friday, November 6th, we will be recognizing our veterans amongst our Grissom families and community with our Veterans' Day breakfast and assembly. Parents and relatives of current Grissom students who have served in the armed forces are invited to attend. See below for information on how to sign-up to attend the event.
Summative Designation
We’re also pleased to share that the Illinois State Board of Education recently released annual summative designations for the 2025–26 school year, and Grissom received an Approaching Exemplary designation. This recognition reflects our strong performance in student achievement, growth, school climate, attendance, and English Learner progress across all student groups.
While receiving an Approaching Exemplary designation is exciting and worthy of celebration, it also helps us in addressing areas to make continued progress and improvement. We will focus more intently on improving students’ overall regular attendance at school through communication and partnership with our families. Year-to-year, our students’ growth and achievement in core subject areas continues to improve as measured through IAR and ISA performance. We will continue to prioritize learning standards and best instructional practices maintain this progress.
Please read below for additional reminders and upcoming events in this month’s Pulse.
We wish all of our families a wonderful November and a very Happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
Mr. Michael Rumbaugh
Principal
The Words We Use Shape Culture
Children learn about kindness and respect by watching the adults around them.
The conversations we have at home and at school help shape how children see themselves and others. When we model empathy, encouragement, and respectful communication, we help build a stronger school community.
Thank you for partnering with us in creating a culture where every child feels valued.
Remember: You Matter. We All Belong.
Veteran's Day Event - November 6th, 2026 at Grissom
Grissom’s Student Council will be hosting a Veteran’s Day assembly and breakfast from 8:15 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. on Friday, November 6th. We would like to invite parents and relatives of our students who have served in the Armed Forces to attend the program. If you are interested in attending, please complete the attached Google Form by Tuesday, November 3rd.
We look forward to honoring our community members who have served our country.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Jennie Stiglic at jstiglic@ksd140.org or Korri McClafferty at kmcclafferty@ksd140.org.
We look forward to seeing you on November 6th!
Student Council's Patriotic Spirit Week
Monday, November 2nd
"Fit for Duty" Wear your workout gear or athletic gear to train like hero!
Tuesday, November 3rd - No School
"Hat's Off to Heroes" - Wear a military, patriotic, or favorite hat throughout the day as you enjoy the school day off!
Wednesday, November 4th
“Blend in to Stand Out”: Wear camo gear, camo pants, or Earth tones!
Thursday, November 5th
“Purple Heart Pride”: Honor our brave wounded warriors by wearing purple throughout the day.
Friday, November 6th
“Red, White, and YOU” - Veterans Day Assembly - Wear red white and blue to salute or heroes and honored guests.
Parent-Teacher Conference Appointment Sign-Up Links Available November 2 - 19
Families can begin scheduling Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, November 2, at 9:00 am. Appointment sign-up links will be shared through ParentSquare and will remain available through Thursday, November 19.
Conferences will be offered both virtually through Google Meet and in person:
Google Meet: Monday, November 23, from 1 - 4 pm
In person: Monday, November 23, from 5 - 8 pm and Tuesday, November 24, from 8 am - 3 pm
For more information, visit the Parent-Teacher Conference section of the District website.
First Trimester Reports Issued Friday, November 20
First-trimester report cards will be available on Friday, November 20. Families will receive them directly through ParentSquare and can also view them in their Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
How to Access Student Report Cards in Infinite Campus:
Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Select Documents in the menu.
Click 26-27 School Name under Report Card, and a pop-up window displaying your student’s report card will open in a new browser. If you cannot view your student’s report card, please ensure pop-up windows are enabled in your web browser.
If you need assistance accessing your portal or viewing grades, please contact your school office.
Parent-Teacher Conferences and Fall Break - November 23 - 27
During our Fall Break, there is NO SCHOOL Monday, November 23, through Friday, November 27.
Parent-teacher conferences are on Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24. School resumes on Monday, November 30.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Yearbook Orders!
See below for information on how to order a yearbook for the 2026-27 school year.
Grissom's Fire Prevention Poster Winners!
Congratulations to Nabiha and Layan for being recognized as Grissom's Fire Prevention Poster winners! These students received recognition from the Tinley Park Fire Department for creating posters that best promoted Safe Charging of at-home devices. Awesome creativity and communication of an important message!
October Students & Staff of the Month!
We want to give a BIG shoutout to our October Students & Staff of the Month!
These Patriots are recognized for demonstrating kindness, responsibility, and enthusiasm at school each and every day!
Congratulations to our students Jailah, Luke, Bridget, Mariusz, Seela, Krystian, Jillian, Maverick, Madison, Cody, Litzia, and Declan!
Congratulations, as well, to Mrs. Korczyk & Ms. Loranger!
PTO: Volunteers Needed! Hot Lunch Days
Grissom Families,
Hot lunch starts this month and we can’t wait!
We can’t run this program without you! Sign up to volunteer below!
Key Dates in November 2026
IMPORTANT November dates to mark on your calendar:
Tuesday, November 3rd
No School - Election Day
Friday, November 6th
Veteran's Day Assembly - During school hours
Friday, November 13th
End of First Trimester
Thursday, November 19th
Board of Education Meeting - 7 PM - Admin Building
Friday, November 20th
Half Day - 12 PM Student Dismissal
First Trimester Report Cards Released
Monday, November 23rd & Tuesday, November 24th
Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 23rd - 27th
Fall Break - No School
November 30th
Classes Resume
Health and Wellness
D140 prioritizes comprehensive strategies to support students' mental, emotional, and physical health. Please click Health Information to review our resources. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
Keep in Touch!
#KirbyONE40 #EveryChildEveryDay
Respectfully,
Mr. Michael Rumbaugh - Principal
Mrs. Theresa Blackwell - Assistant Principal
Virgil I. Grissom Middle School
Principal Michael Rumbaugh- mirumbaugh@ksd140.org
Website: ksd140.org/grissom
Location: 17000 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL, 60477
Phone: 708-429-3030