KSD 140 Connection

I’m happy to share that at its February meeting, the Board of Education voted to abate more than $3 million in local property taxes. This step was made possible through two Property Tax Relief Grants awarded by the State of Illinois and brings the total tax relief provided to our community to approximately $12.4 million since 2024. The decision reflects the district’s continued commitment to reducing the financial impact on taxpayers while maintaining strong educational opportunities for our students.

Please mark your calendars for an upcoming parent information night focused on supporting families and keeping students safe. The district, in partnership with the Tinley Park Police Department, will host Safe Kids: Supporting Parents in Navigating Today’s Online and Social Challenges on Wednesday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Prairie View Middle School. This parents-only presentation will cover topics such as online safety, cyberbullying, vaping and substance use prevention, juvenile law, and underage drinking. Parents may submit questions or topics by Monday, March 9, so the presentation reflects the needs of our community.

Creating a safe and supportive environment for students takes all of us. We also encourage families to complete the Illinois 5Essentials Survey by March 13. Your feedback helps guide our work and strengthen our schools.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

At its February meeting, the Kirby School District 140 Board of Education voted to abate more than​ ​$3 million in local property taxes. This decision follows the district’s successful receipt of two Property Tax Relief Grants from the State of Illinois, which allows local tax reductions while maintaining funding levels with state dollars. In total, the district has provided $12.4 million in property tax relief to District 140 residents since 2024.

“By abating local property taxes, we can continue supporting our schools while also being mindful of the taxpayers who make our work possible,” said Board President Tom Martelli.

The Board remains focused on maintaining strong educational programming while making responsible financial decisions that support both students and the community.

“We recognize that property taxes represent a significant expense for many families and local businesses,” Martelli said. “Our priority is to continue providing high-quality learning opportunities for students while managing district finances in a way that helps lessen the financial strain on​ ​taxpayers.”

D140 students and staff are invited to celebrate Read Across America Week by participating in our theme days, March 3 - 6.

• Tuesday, March 3: Reading is relaxing!
  Wear your pajamas, onesies, or the color blue.
• Wednesday, March 4: Dress for success!
  Wear your very best outfit or the color red.
• Thursday, March 5: You got this! Reading is no sweat!
  Wear your favorite sweats or the color green.
• Friday, March 6: School Spirit Friday!
  Wear your best school gear or school colors.

Join us at Prairie View Middle School on Wednesday, March 11, at 6:30 pm for Safe Kids: Supporting Parents in Navigating Today’s Online and Social Challenges, an informative presentation by the Tinley Park Police Department.

This parents-only event provides essential information on cyberbullying, online enticement, internet safety, tobacco, vaping, and marijuana prevention, juvenile law, and the dangers of underage drinking.

Parents are invited to submit questions or topics of interest by Monday, March 9, so our presenters can tailor the presentation to attendees' interests and come prepared with answers to the questions.

Prairie View Middle School is located at 8500 W. 175th Street, Tinley Park.

Over the coming weeks, D140 students, staff, and parents will have the opportunity to weigh in on school climate and learning conditions by taking the annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey.

Please take the Illinois 5Essentials parent survey by March 13.

This survey assesses a school’s culture and climate and provides insight into strengths and weaknesses on the five key factors that research shows are predictive of school success - effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environment, and ambitious instruction.

Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child. We must get a 20% parent response rate for our results to be reported.

Thanks for your support!

At the February 19 Board of Education meeting, Prairie View Middle School proudly presented “Where Every Student Belongs: Clubs, Leadership, and Connection at Prairie View”, highlighting the many extracurricular opportunities that help students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form meaningful connections beyond the classroom.

Principal Mrs. Baskovich and Assistant Principal Mr. Conley opened the presentation by emphasizing the importance of belonging as a foundation for student success. They shared how Prairie View intentionally creates spaces where students can explore interests, discover strengths, and find connection through a wide variety of clubs and activities.

Students then took the lead in showcasing the diverse opportunities available at Prairie View. Through photos, video highlights, and student voice, Board members learned about Maker Monday, where students engage in hands on creative activities in the Media Center; Rubik’s Cube Club, a student led initiative where experienced cubers teach peers problem solving and perseverance; Baking Club, which provides students with real world skills and collaborative learning experiences; Friendship Connection, an inclusion initiative that brings students together to build friendships and strengthen empathy; eSports Club, offering structured team based digital competition that emphasizes communication and sportsmanship; National Junior Honor Society, where students develop leadership through meaningful service projects; Student Council, which empowers students to represent their peers and shape school culture through leadership and event planning; Art Club, a creative space where students express ideas and explore imagination in a supportive environment; and Fitness Club, the school’s before school wellness initiative promoting healthy habits and positive daily routines.

Throughout the presentation, students shared what these opportunities mean to them personally, from building confidence and leadership skills to forming friendships and feeling a stronger sense of belonging within the Prairie View community.

The presentation concluded with a reminder that clubs and extracurricular activities are not simply additions to the school day. They are intentional pathways for connection, growth, and engagement. Prairie View’s commitment to ensuring that every student has a place to belong continues to shape a positive and inclusive school culture.

Way to go, Eagles!

During District 140’s annual middle school food drive challenge, the Patriots edged out the Eagles in a week-long effort to support the Tinley Park Food Pantry. Together, students donated an impressive 1,040.35 pounds of canned and boxed goods, with Grissom contributing 652.75 pounds and Prairie View adding 387.6 pounds.

Student Council sponsors Ms. McClafferty, Ms. Stiglic, Ms.Earley, and Ms. Grella would like to thank everyone who contributed to this year's food drive. It was great to see both middle schools participate in an event that gives back to the community.

Donations were sent to the Tinley Park Food Pantry, primarily serving the Tinley Park and Orland Hills communities.

• Saturday, February 21 - IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Summit Junior High, Frankfort
• Monday, March 2 - Teacher Institute Day - Staff Only - No student attendance
• Tuesday, March 3 - Declamation SWIC Competition - 5:30 p.m. at Prairie View Middle School, Tinley Park
• Tuesday, March 3 through Friday, March 6 - Read Across America Spirit Week
• Wednesday, March 4 - Music in Our Schools - Concert Band and Chorus Performance - 7:30 p.m. at Prairie View Middle School
• Monday, March 9 - Mathletes SWIC Competition - 4:30 p.m. at Conrady Junior High, Hickory Hills
• Tuesday, March 10 - Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble Perform at the Andrew Jazz Concert - 7:00 p.m. at Andrew High School in the Performing Arts Center (PAC), Tinley Park
• Wednesday, March 11 - ILMEA Large Ensemble Festival - 8:30 a.m. at Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais
• Wednesday, March 11 - Safe Kids: Supporting Parents in Navigating Today’s Online and Social Challenges - 6:30 p.m. at Prairie View Middle School - Presented by the T.P. Police Department
• Friday, March 13 - Illinois 5Essentials Survey Closes - Please take the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey by March 13. We must get a 20% parent response rate for our results to be reported.
• Saturday, March 14 - IGSMA Band District Contest - The Cadet Band performs at 9:20 a.m., the Concert Band performs at 10:40 a.m., and the Symphonic Band performs at noon. There is a $2.00 entrance fee. The contest will take place at Central Middle School in Tinley Park
• Monday, March 16 - SWIC Honor Band Rehearsal - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Jerling Junior High, Orland Park
• Wednesday, March 18 - SWIC Honor Band Rehearsal/Performance - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Jerling Junior High, Orland Park. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 18 - Committee of the Whole Board of Education Meeting - 5:00 p.m. at the Administration Building
• Wednesday, March 18 - Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 p.m. at the Administration Building
• Thursday, March 19 - Third Quarter Report Cards Issued via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
• Friday, March 20 through Friday, March 27 - Spring Break - No School

Kirby School District 140

16931 S. Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-6462

Website: ksd140.org

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