KSD 140 Connection

As we settle into the school year and head into fall, staying connected with our families remains an important part of our work in KSD 140. From classroom updates and school events to district news and Board of Education information, we want to make it easy for families to find the information they need.

Stay Connected with ParentSquare

ParentSquare is KSD 140’s primary communication tool for district, school, and classroom updates. Families can receive messages by email, text, or through the ParentSquare app and can select their preferred language and notification settings.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to download the free ParentSquare app for iOS or Android or visit ParentSquare.com. Taking a few minutes to review your account and notification preferences can help ensure you don’t miss important information throughout the year.

Follow KSD 140 Online

Our district website and social media channels are also great ways to stay up to date on what’s happening across our schools. Throughout the year, we share district news, important reminders, upcoming events, student and staff highlights, and stories from our school communities.

Website: ksd140.org

Facebook: @ksd140

Instagram: @kirbysd140

X: @KirbySD140

Board of Education Updates

Families and community members can stay connected to the work of the KSD 140 Board of Education through our Diligent platform. Here, you’ll find meeting agendas, schedules, Board member information, and materials from past and upcoming meetings.

The platform is mobile-friendly and provides one convenient place to follow the Board's work and decisions throughout the school year. Visit the Board of Education section of our website to access Diligent and learn more.

Thank you for staying connected and engaged with KSD 140. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to sharing what's happening across the district this fall.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

A Quick Look at This Year’s Curriculum Updates

Now that the school year is underway, families are beginning to see several of this year’s teaching, reporting, and technology updates in action. These include:

Greater 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 via ParentSquare
Online gradebook access for grades 3-5
Google Meet replacing Zoom
ClassLink replacing Clever

Want a refresher on any of these changes? The District’s August 12 Back-to-School Updates: Learning, Reporting, and Technology message provides more information about what families can expect this year.

Save the Date - National Walk & Roll to School Day is Wednesday, October 7

Gather your family, put on your walking shoes or biking gear, and join us in celebrating National Walk & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 7.

D140 families are encouraged to walk or bike to school together using the walking routes linked below.

We hope you’ll join us in making walking and biking to school a habit worth keeping all year long.

One Team. One Standard. One McAuliffe.

Last year, McAuliffe Elementary united around an ambitious goal and read more than 1.2 million minutes. Along the way, students strengthened their reading habits, demonstrated meaningful academic growth, and showed what is possible when an entire school works together.

At the September Board of Education meeting, Principal Jim Hanley shared a video highlighting the next chapter of McAuliffe’s story. Building on last year’s success and the School Improvement Team's work this summer, the school is establishing a shared standard for teaching, learning, and collective responsibility.

This year, McAuliffe students will be challenged to:

Explain their thinking
Support their ideas with evidence
Listen to different perspectives
Revise their thinking as they learn
Work together to read two million minutes

The Two Million Minute Challenge will continue building a strong reading culture, but the larger goal extends beyond any single number. McAuliffe is working to ensure that every student experiences high expectations, meaningful support, and adults working together to challenge their potential.

One Team. One Standard. One McAuliffe.

D140 Band Performs at Andrew Football Pregame

Over 150 Grissom and Prairie View band members joined the VJA Marching Band to play the 1985 hit "Take On Me" by A-ha, the VJA fight song, and the National Anthem at the Andrew High School varsity football game on Friday, September 11. Afterward, students performed musical chants and cheers from the bleachers and enjoyed watching the VJA Marching Band’s halftime show.

Visit our band page for more events.

McAuliffe Student Artwork Displayed at the Administration Center

We are thrilled to showcase the incredible creativity of our D140 students! The September artwork displayed at our district Administration Center features creations provided by the talented students of McAuliffe Elementary School.

Fire Department Gives Fire Safety Tips to D140 Students

As part of their National Fire Prevention Week campaign, our local fire departments visit KSD 140 elementary schools in September and October to educate our students about all aspects of fire safety and prevention. This year's theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.” The campaign focuses on everyday charging habits that can reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and help keep homes and communities safe.

Wednesday, October 7 - National Walk & Roll to School Day
Monday, October 12 - Columbus Day - No School
Thursday, October 15 - Board of Education Meeting @ 7 pm at the Administration Center, 16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park
Wednesday, October 21 - Unity Day
Wednesday, October 21- D140 Jazz Ensemble Performance @ 7 pm at North & Maple, 18401 N. Creek Drive, Tinley Park
Friday, October 23 - Last Day of the First Quarter - Middle School Enrichment Classes Only
Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30 - Red Ribbon Week
Wednesday, October 28 - Grissom & Prairie View Chorus Perform in VJA Fall Choir Concert @ 7 pm at Andrew High School’s Performing Arts Center, 9001 W 171st Street, Tinley Park
Friday, October 30 - Half Day - Early Dismissal - Elementary schools dismiss at 11:10 am, and middle schools dismiss at 12 noon

Kirby School District 140

16931 S. Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-6462

Website: ksd140.org

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