Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

Hello McAuliffe Families,

I hope you and your family have been enjoying a wonderful summer! I also hope you've had the opportunity to slow down, recharge, and spend quality time with the people who matter most. Summer has a way of going by quickly, and before we know it, another exciting school year will be here.

While our students and families have been enjoying a well-deserved break, our staff has been hard at work preparing for the 2026–2027 school year. Throughout the summer, we have been planning, hiring new staff members, preparing classrooms, and getting everything ready to ensure another great year for our Challengers. We are excited to welcome everyone back in just a few short weeks.

As August approaches, we have several important events to help kick off the new school year. Please take a few moments to review the dates below and mark your calendars. We are looking forward to seeing both familiar and new faces as we begin another year together.

One final note—Kirby School District 140 is currently looking for additional lunch supervisors. While all of our positions at McAuliffe have been filled, there are opportunities available at other schools throughout the district. These positions are a great fit for anyone looking for a consistent schedule with just a few hours of work each school day. If you or someone you know may be interested, please let me know, and I would be happy to pass your name along.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and thank you for being such an important part of the McAuliffe community. We can't wait to welcome our Challengers back for another fantastic year!

Upcoming August Dates

Kindergarten Roundup
Monday, August 17 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Our newest Challengers and their families are invited to meet the kindergarten team, explore the building, and begin getting comfortable before the first day of school.

Open House
Tuesday, August 18 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Come meet your child's teacher, drop off school supplies, see the classroom, and reconnect with friends as we kick off the new school year together.

First Day of School
Thursday, August 20
We can't wait to welcome our students back for an exciting year of learning, growth, and new opportunities.

Sincerely,
Mr. Hanley

We are so excited to welcome our newest Challenger kindergarten students and their families!

Please join us for Kindergarten Roundup on Monday, August 17, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to meet their kindergarten teachers, become familiar with the school, and begin feeling comfortable in their new learning environment.

You'll have a chance to ask questions and learn everything you need to know to help your child have a successful first day of school. Starting kindergarten is a big milestone, and we're looking forward to partnering with your family every step of the way.

We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to the McAuliffe family.

See you on August 17!

Elementary classroom assignments, middle school student schedules, and transportation information will be released via Infinite Campus Parent Portals at 8:00 am on Monday, August 3.

If you need assistance with your parent portal, please contact your school office.

Important August dates to mark on your calendar:

• Monday, August 3 - Elementary classroom assignments, middle school student schedules, and transportation information released via Infinite Campus Parent Portals. Please contact your school office if you need assistance with your parent portal login.

• Wednesday, August 5 - Middle School Student/Parent Walkthrough for Students/Parents from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The walkthrough provides an opportunity to purchase locks, gym suits, and spirit wear, and pick up pre-ordered school supply kits.

• Monday, August 17 - Kindergarten Roundup from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Bannes, Fernway, Keller, McAuliffe, and Millennium. This is a special time for families to meet their principal and teachers and learn everything they'll need to know about the first day of school. Please join us!

• Tuesday, August 18 - Open House at Elementary Schools for EC, Preschool, and K-5 families from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. This year, our elementary Open House will take place two days before the first day of school. Be sure to mark your calendar so you don't miss it.

• Tuesday, August 18 - Teacher Institute Day - No School

• Wednesday, August 19 - Teacher Institute Day - No School

• Thursday, August 20 - First Day of School for All Students (EC - 8) - Elementary school students will attend school from 7:55 am to 2:25 pm. Middle school students will attend school from 8:40 am to 3:07 pm.

• Monday, August 24 - Middle School Open House from 6:00 to 7:30 pm

The entire school year calendar can be viewed on our website at 2026-27 School Year Calendar.

2026-27 school supply lists and PTO supply kit ordering information are available on our school supply list page.

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/