Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

Hello McAuliffe Families,

It is hard to believe that we are already a full week into the school year! It has been wonderful to see our students settling into their classrooms, reconnecting with friends, building relationships with staff, and getting back into the rhythm of school. We have had a great start, and I am excited about the energy and enthusiasm our Challengers are bringing with them each day.

As we settle into the year, we are beginning to build momentum toward many of the goals we shared in August. Our Two Million Minute Challenge is underway, and students are already putting minutes on the board. More importantly, we are continuing to focus on helping students think deeply about what they are reading and learning. We want our Challengers to ask questions, explain their thinking, make connections, and become increasingly comfortable tackling work that challenges them.

One of the simplest ways families can support that growth is through consistent attendance. Every day at school gives students another opportunity to build knowledge, practice skills, strengthen relationships, and participate in the learning happening in their classroom. We know that illnesses and other circumstances will arise, but when students are healthy and able to attend, being at school consistently matters. Thank you for helping us establish strong attendance habits early in the year.

There is plenty of additional information and upcoming dates below, including our September PTO meeting, Patriot Day, days off from school, and other important reminders. Please take a few minutes to review everything happening at McAuliffe this month.

Challenging Potential: Habits Build Success

Last month, we talked about the importance of belonging and helping every child feel known and connected at McAuliffe. Once that foundation is established, strong habits help students become increasingly capable and independent. Consistent attendance, arriving prepared, reading regularly, following routines, and taking responsibility for materials allow students to spend less energy figuring out what comes next and more energy learning.

At school, we are reinforcing routines that help students begin learning quickly, move safely throughout the building, care for shared spaces, and take increasing responsibility for their own work. These may seem like small things, but repeated day after day, small habits add up to meaningful growth.

Try this at home: Choose one routine your child can begin taking greater ownership of, such as getting ready in the morning, packing their backpack, reading regularly, or organizing school materials. Rather than doing it for them, help them develop a routine they can increasingly manage on their own.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we build a strong start to the school year. We have a lot to look forward to, and I am excited to see how our Challengers continue to grow throughout the months ahead.

Sincerely,
Mr. Hanley

Fifth Grade Beginning Band Registration will be held on Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17, at Grissom Middle School. The schedule is as follows:

Fifth Grade Beginning Band registration schedule for Wednesday, September 16:

• Fernway Park Elementary from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

• Bannes Elementary from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

• Millennium Elementary from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Fifth Grade Beginning Band registration schedule for Thursday, September 17:

• Helen Keller Elementary from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

• McAulffe Elementary from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

• Make-up time from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

If you cannot attend at your school's suggested time, you may attend any of the other schools’ times listed above or the make-up time on Thursday evening. Please arrive at the scheduled start time for these sessions. All sessions take place at Grissom Middle School. If you have any questions regarding Beginning Band Registration, please email your child's band director. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!

McAuliffe will once again be collecting pop tabs throughout the school year to support Ronald McDonald House Charities. This tradition has a special connection to our McAuliffe community. Mrs. Spychalski and her family began this effort as a way to give back to Ronald McDonald House following her son's heart surgery and the support their family received during that time.

Each classroom will have a collection container, and students and families are encouraged to save pop tabs throughout the year and send them to school. We will track each classroom's collection along the way, and the class that collects the most will earn an ice cream sundae party at the end of the year!

Thank you to the Spychalski family for continuing this meaningful tradition and to our McAuliffe families for helping us support an organization that has meant so much to one of our own.

Monday, September 7
No School, Labor Day

Wednesday, September 9 | 5:15 p.m.
PTO Meeting

Friday, September 11
Patriot Day, wear red, white, and blue

Wednesday, September 23 | 7:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting

Help our school earn money for essential programs and supplies by participating in Box Tops for Education! It’s easier than ever—just download the Box Tops app, scan your grocery receipts, and earn cash for our school with every eligible purchase. Every Box Top counts, and together, we can make a big impact.

Download the app today and start scanning! Use this referral code/link for additional bonuses. Thank you for your support!

Email: jhanley@ksd140.org
Website: https://www.ksd140.org/mcauliffe
Location: 8944 W. 174th Street Tinley Park, IL 60487

Phone: 708.429.4565
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcauliffechallengers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcauliffe_challengers/