KSD 140 Connection

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to share my sincere gratitude for everyone who makes Kirby School District 140 such a remarkable place to learn and grow.

Here are just a few of the many reasons I’m thankful this season:

Teachers who inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every classroom

Hardworking, kind, and resilient students who make us proud each day

Amazing families who partner with us and show unwavering support

New friendships, ideas, and connections formed throughout the year

Knowledgeable and dedicated support staff who help every student succeed

School board members who embody our mission of Every Child. Every Day.

Generous volunteers who share their time and talents

Immaculate facilities thanks to our outstanding maintenance and custodial teams

Vibrant community that rallies behind our schools

Incredible opportunities to learn and grow together

No major snow yet (fingers crossed!)

Gratitude for the privilege of serving this extraordinary district

On behalf of the Board of Education and everyone at Kirby School District 140, thank you for being such an important part of our school family. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restful, and very Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

Parent-teacher conferences are on Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25. These one-to-one meetings are a great way to ask questions and review your student's academic, social, and behavioral progress in school. If you need to double-check the date and time of the Parent-Teacher Conference you signed up for, click here for step-by-step directions.

During our Fall Break, there is NO SCHOOL Monday, November 24, through Friday, November 28. School resumes on Monday, December 1.

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 school closing information 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.

Six District 140 students were recognized at the November Board of Education meeting for their winning submissions in the Tinley Park Fire Prevention Poster Contest. This year's theme was "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

Congratulations to Hazem A. (Millennium), Emiliano H. (Keller), Julia G. (Millennium), Nora P. (Millennium), Ellie M. (Grissom), and grand-prize winner, Isabella (Bella) C. (McAuliffe).

Three of KSD 140's finest musicians performed at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Jazz Festival this month.

Congratulations to Lukas B. (Grissom), Ryan K. (Prairie View), and Zach S. (Grissom).

At the November Board of Education meeting, Fernway Elementary shared an inspiring look at the learning taking place throughout the school. Principal Hutchinson highlighted how the “Under Construction” theme reflects both the building’s renovation and the school’s intentional work to strengthen instruction and collaboration.

The presentation highlighted two priorities for the year: fostering richer student-learning conversations and expanding staff collaboration. A short video brought these efforts to life, featuring students sharing their thinking, teachers learning alongside one another, and classrooms celebrating meaningful growth.

The update closed with a creative surprise from Fernway’s art students, who designed a special gift for the Board as part of a lesson on creativity and teamwork. Several Fernway “Future Builders” delivered the project in person, wrapping up the presentation with a sense of celebration and appreciation.

Way to go, Falcons!

D140 students, families, and staff commemorated Veterans Day with special assemblies at schools throughout the district. We are grateful for the veterans who joined us and shared their experiences. Together, we honored the millions of American military men and women who have bravely fought to build, improve, and defend our nation's freedom.

A BIG THANKS to our Grissom community for their incredible response to the school’s Treats for Troops initiative. Students, families, and staff came together to gather an astounding 272 pounds of candy to send to our soldiers. We truly appreciate everyone who contributed!

• Saturday, November 22 - ILMEA Honor Band and Chorus Festival - 2:30 pm at Unity Junior High, Cicero, IL
• Monday, November 24 - No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 1:00 - 8:00 pm
• Tuesday, November 25 - No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28 - No School - Fall Break
• Wednesday, December 3 - Concert & Symphonic Bands Winter Concert - 7:30 pm at Prairie View Middle School
• Sunday, December 7 - Tinley Park Holiday Market Chorus and Jazz Ensemble Performance - 1:00 - 2:00 pm at the Oak Park Avenue Train Station, Tinley Park
• Wednesday, December 10 - Cadet and Jazz Bands Winter Concert - 7:30 pm at Grissom Middle School
• Tuesday, December 16 - Grissom and Prairie View Winter Chorus Concert - 7:30 pm at Grissom Middle School
• Thursday, December 18 - Board of Education Meeting - 6:30 pm at Administration Building
• Friday, December 19 - Half-Day Early Dismissal - Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:10 am, and middle schools will dismiss at 12 noon.
• Monday, December 22 through Monday, January 5 - No School - Winter Break
• Monday, January 5 - Teacher Institute Day - No student attendance
• Tuesday, January 6 - School resumes
• Friday, January 9 - District Spelling Bee - 9:30 a.m. at Administration Building
• Friday, January 9 - Last day of second quarter

Kirby School District 140

16931 S. Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-6462

Website: ksd140.org

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