KSD 140 Connection
December 2025
DISTRICT NEWS
Superintendent's Message
With Winter Break stretching out before us, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for our incredible KSD 140 community. Thank you to our staff, students, and families for showing up every day in ways that truly matter. Your kindness, patience, and care make a real difference.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about what we will accomplish together in the new year.
As a reminder, Winter Break begins with a half-day on Friday, December 19, and runs through Monday, January 5. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 6, for all students, while staff will return on January 5 for professional development.
On behalf of the Board of Education and the District 140 administrative team, I would like to wish everyone a peaceful, happy, and healthy holiday season. Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Dan Callaghan
Superintendent
Annual Health/Life Safety Report
In accordance with the Illinois School Code, the South Cook Intermediate Service Center conducted an annual Health/Life Safety inspection of all D140 facilities in late November. This is the sixth consecutive year of being violation-free in all eight of the district’s buildings.
Operations Coordinator Tony Silic and his staff were commended for their extraordinary daily efforts. “The pride taken in maintaining your facilities was well-evidenced,” the report stated. “High expectations, accountability, and administrative support have generated great results.”
We are proud of our outstanding operations and maintenance team and incredibly grateful for the support of our school communities.
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 email, text message, and an alert 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 information on school closures 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 for details on 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.
STUDENT AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT
D140 Musicians Represent at ILMEA Band Festival
Eight of KSD 140's finest musicians participated in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Band Festival on Saturday, November 22, at Unity Junior High School in Cicero, IL.
Symphonic Band members Charlee B., Hayden D., Emma F., Liam L., Adam M., Evan P., Liam V., and Emmett W. were chosen from the thousands of students who auditioned throughout the greater Chicagoland area.
Mr. Szczasny, Mr. Forlenza, and Mr. Hodges couldn't be prouder of our students' performance. Congratulations to our outstanding musicians!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
D140 Chorus and Jazz Ensemble Perform at TP Holiday Market
The combined Grissom and Prairie View choruses and the D140 Jazz Ensemble performed at the Tinley Park Holiday Market on Sunday, December 7. Thanks to the Village of Tinley Park for including us in their fun weekend of family events!
D140 Students Give Back
In November and December, D140 students and staff participated in schoolwide food, clothing, toy drives, and fundraisers supporting the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, Orland Township Food Pantry, Tinley Park Food Pantry, Together We Cope, and Wreaths Across America.
Thanks to our students, staff, and families for their generous contributions and support. #KirbyONE40
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, December 19 - Half-Day Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:10 a.m., and middle schools will dismiss at noon
- Monday, December 22 through Monday, January 5 - No School - Winter Break
- Monday, January 5 - Teacher Institute Day - Staff only - No student attendance
- Tuesday, January 6 - School Resumes
- Wednesday, January 7 - Special Olympics Peer Basketball Game - 6:00 p.m. at Grissom Middle School
- Thursday, January 8 - Eighth-grade Step-Up Day - Prairie View Middle School
- Friday, January 9 - District Spelling Bee - 9:30 a.m. at Administration Building
- Friday, January 9 - Eighth-grade Step-Up Day - Grissom Middle School
- Friday, January 9 - Last day of second quarter
- Sunday, January 11 - Special Olympics Regional Basketball Skills Competition - Evergreen Park High School - Time is TBD
- Monday, January 12 - Special Olympics Peer Basketball Game - 6:00 p.m. at Prairie View Middle School
- Friday, January 16 - Second Quarter Report Cards Issued via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
- Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
- Wednesday, January 21 - Future Freshman Night for Eighth Graders - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Victor J. Andrew High School
- Thursday, January 22 - Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 p.m. at Administration Building
- Wednesday, January 28 - Beginning Band Winter Concert - 7:30 p.m. at Prairie View Middle School
Kirby School District 140
16931 S. Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-532-6462
Website: ksd140.org