Christa McAuliffe Chronicle

Hello McAuliffe Families,

It is hard to believe that we are already heading into October! The first several weeks of school have flown by, and it has been wonderful to see our students settle into their routines and get down to the important work of learning. There is a great energy throughout the building, and I am excited about the start our Challengers have made.

Recently, I had the opportunity to share a little bit of McAuliffe's story with our Board of Education. Preparing for that presentation gave me a chance to step back and reflect on just how much our students accomplished last year and, more importantly, where we are headed next. I wanted to share that story with you as well because our families have played an important role in it.

Watch: Our McAuliffe Story

I am incredibly proud of the growth highlighted in the video, but what excites me most isn't any single number. Those numbers represent students reading, learning, persevering through challenging work, and becoming more capable learners. Our students accomplished a lot last year, and our challenge now is to keep building on that foundation.

That happens one day at a time. Being at school, arriving ready to learn, and staying engaged in the work each day gives students opportunities to build knowledge, strengthen skills, ask questions, make connections, and tackle increasingly challenging work. As we move further into the year, we want our Challengers to do more than simply find the right answer. We want them to become curious enough to ask great questions and confident enough to wrestle with difficult ideas.

There is plenty of additional information and important dates below. Please take a few minutes to review everything happening at McAuliffe this month.

Challenging Potential: Stay Curious

Last month, we focused on the small habits that help students become more independent and successful learners. This month, we are taking the next step by focusing on curiosity and deeper thinking.

Sometimes the best way we can help children think more deeply is simply by giving them the space to do the thinking themselves. At school, our teachers are creating opportunities for students to explain how they know, make predictions, ask questions, and think beyond their first answer.

This month's family challenge: The next time your child asks you a question that you could easily answer, resist the urge to answer it right away. Instead, ask, "What do you think?" Then try following their thinking with, "What makes you think that?" or "How could we find out?"

That's it! Give it a try a few times this month and see where the conversation takes you.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us and for helping our Challengers discover just how much they are capable of accomplishing.

Mr. Hanley

Now that we’re into October, students and staff are settling into several learning, reporting, and technology updates across District 140.

Here are a few changes families may notice:

• More consistency in curriculum and assessments across schools

• Updated ELA and Math assessments in grades 3–8

• An enhanced GATE program for grades 3–5

• Trimester report cards

• Online gradebook access for grades 3–5

• New laptops for sixth-grade students

• Google Meet replacing Zoom

• ClassLink replacing Clever

These updates support consistent, high-quality learning experiences for all students. For more information, please revisit the District’s August 12 Back-to-School Updates: Learning, Reporting, and Technology message.

Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 21, to show they care about safe and supportive schools and communities. This is the day when everyone can come together and send one large ORANGE message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

During Red Ribbon Week, schools across the nation join together to promote a drug-free lifestyle and encourage students to make positive, healthy choices. It is an ideal way for communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse.

• Monday, October 26: “Red-y to Be Drug Free”

Wear red to kick off Red Ribbon Week.

“Let’s start strong and show our commitment to living drug-free!”

• Tuesday, October 27: “Team Up in Our Colors”

Wear school colors to show we stand united.

“When we stand together in school spirit, we’re stronger than drugs!”

• Wednesday, October 28: “Wake Up Drug Free”

Wear pajamas or the color blue.

“Dream big, live drug-free!”

• Thursday, October 29: “Bright Futures Ahead”

Wear neon, bright colors, or sparkly school gear.

“Your future shines when you say no to drugs!”

• Friday, October 30: “Say BOO to Drugs”

Wear a Halloween costume, school spirit wear, or school colors.

“Scare away drugs this Halloween - be drug-free and proud!”

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.

Wednesday, October 7
Walk & Roll to School Day

Monday, October 12
No School, Columbus Day

Wednesday, October 14 | 5:15 p.m.
PTO Meeting

Thursday, October 15 | 7:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting

Wednesday, October 21
Unity Day, Wear Orange

Friday, October 23 | 6:00–7:15 p.m.
PTO Trunk or Treat

Monday, October 26–Friday, October 30
Red Ribbon Week

Friday, October 30
Halloween Parade, 9:00 a.m.
Classroom Parties, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Half Day of Student Attendance

The Halloween parade will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Additional Halloween information will be shared closer to the date.

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/