KSD 140 Connection

I want to thank our incredible students, families, and staff for the energy and care you bring to our schools every day. Your commitment and teamwork are driving meaningful growth for our students and creating a stronger, more connected school community.

Building on that partnership between home and school is key to student success. One way we continue to strengthen that connection is through Parent-Teacher Conferences. On Monday, November 3, families will receive an email with instructions on how to sign up for conferences through ParentSquare. Families can choose either Zoom or in-person conference times, and the sign-up window will remain open through November 20.

Together, we’re creating schools where every student feels supported and ready to succeed. Thank you for your partnership and for being an essential part of our D140 community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Callaghan

Superintendent

National School Bus Safety Week is an excellent opportunity to remind students, parents, and drivers of the critical role they play in ensuring a safe journey to and from school.

Check out these safety tips from D140’s Transportation team!

Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 22, 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 27: “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 28: “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 29: “Wake Up Drug Free”
  Wear pajamas or wear the color blue.
  Dream big, live drug-free!”
• Thursday, October 30: “Bright Futures Ahead”
  Wear neon, bright colors, or sparkly school gear.
  “Your future shines when you say no to drugs!”
• Friday, October 31: “Say BOO to Drugs”
  Wear a Halloween costume, school spirit wear, or school colors.
  “Scare away drugs this Halloween - be drug-free and proud!”

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in all KSD 140 elementary and middle schools on Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25. Both Zoom and in-person conference time slots are available.

• Zoom schedule - Monday, November 24, from 1 - 4 p.m.
• In-person schedule - Monday, November 24, from 5 - 8 p.m. and Tuesday, November 25, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Beginning Monday, November 3, at 9:00 a.m., appointment sign-up links for Parent-Teacher Conferences will be posted in ParentSquare and emailed to parents/guardians. These links will be open Monday, November 3, through Thursday, November 20.

For additional details, please click Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Thank you for your support as we work together to create a cooperative home-school partnership.

The Board of Education recognized the Prairie View boys' softball team, which capped off a perfect 14-0 season by winning first place in the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) tournament.

Coached by David Zielezinski, the championship roster includes Simon D., Tommy F., Declan H., Connor H., Charlie H., Ari L., Greg L., AJ M., Jack M., Tyler M., Allen M., Nolan R., Charles W-S, Zach W., and Brady W.

Special recognition goes to Simon D., who was named All-Conference, and to Charlie H., who earned MVP honors.

Congratulations Eagles!

The Board also recognized the Grissom girls’ softball team for winning the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) Championship for the second year in a row! The Patriots wrapped up the season with an impressive 13-1 record.

Coached by Jan O’Neil, the championship roster includes Vivian B., Claire C., Olivia H., Maddy H., Layla K., Emily L., Mackenzie L., Amelia M., Becca M., Molly M., Julia P., Anna S., Vivienne S., Emma T., and Reagan W. Team managers are Emma D. and Sofia Y.

Special recognition goes to Maddy H., who earned All-Conference and MVP honors.

Congratulations to the Patriots on a fantastic season!

The Grissom Middle School girls’ cross-country team was also celebrated for winning back-to-back SWIC Conference Championships. The Patriots dominated their conference meet, with Magda G., Kate K., and Lanie S. all finishing in the top ten. Coached by Katie Ryan and Diane Raslavicz, the championship team included Brooklyn D., Magda G., Angel J., Kate K., Sydney S., Olivia S., and Lanie S.

Way to go, Patriots!

The Bannes Elementary team brought energy and creativity to the October Board of Education meeting with a lively, SportsCenter-inspired presentation. Led by Principal Kelly Folliard, staff and students shared how teamwork and collaboration have strengthened their school community.

As part of their 2024-25 Culture and Climate initiative, Bannes staff focused on working together to enhance instruction, build connections across grade levels, and create a more supportive environment for students. Their collaborative approach sparked growth across key areas of the Illinois 5Essentials survey, showing gains in effective leadership, teacher collaboration, family involvement, a supportive environment, and ambitious instruction - all strong signs of a thriving school community.

Principal Folliard shared that this year’s playbook will extend that same collaborative spirit to students. “When collaboration becomes part of how our students learn, we’re not just improving academics, we’re helping every child discover the power of teamwork,” she said.

The presentation closed with the message that captures the heart of Bannes: One Team. One Dream. Every Child. Every Day.

Go Bobcats!

Thank you to the D140 students, families, and staff who participated in our Walk & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 8. Check out these photos from around the district!

This fall, librarians from the Tinley Park Public Library will give book talk presentations on Monarch and Bluestem Award books to students in D140 elementary schools.

The Monarch Award is given annually to an author and/or illustrator of a book voted as their favorite by participating K-3 children in Illinois. The award is sponsored by the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) and is designed to encourage Illinois students to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors, and illustrators. The award is named in honor of the Monarch Butterfly, Illinois' state insect.

The Bluestem Award is designed for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list. The award is named in honor of Big Bluestem, which is the state prairie grass.

• Friday, October 17 - Last Day of the First Quarter
• Monday, October 20 - Friday, October 24 - School Bus Safety Week
• Wednesday, October 22 - Unity Day
• Monday, October 27 - Friday, October 31 - Red Ribbon Week
• Wednesday, October 29 - D140 Chorus Concert with VJA - 7:00 p.m. @ Andrew High School
• Friday, October 31 - Half Day - Early Dismissal - Elementary schools dismiss at 11:10 a.m., and middle schools dismiss at 12 noon
• Friday, October 31 - First Quarter Report Cards Issued via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
• Sunday, November 2 - Daylight Saving Time - Set your clocks back one hour
• Monday, November 3 - Parent-Teacher Conference Appointment Scheduling Opens - Visit ksd140.org for more information
• Tuesday, November 11 - Veterans Day - D140 schools commemorate Veterans Day with special assemblies, patriotic programs, class projects, and tributes to our military veterans.
• Saturday, November 15 - ILMEA Jr. Jazz Festival - 2:00 p.m. @ Argo Community High School
• Thursday, November 20 - Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 p.m. @ Administration Center
• Friday, November 21 - Half Day - Early Dismissal - Elementary schools dismiss at 11:10 a.m., and middle schools dismiss at 12 noon
• Saturday, November 22 - ILMEA Jr. Band Festival - 2:30 p.m. @ Unity Junior High School
• Monday, November 24 - No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 25 - No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28 - No School - Fall Break

Kirby School District 140

16931 S. Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: 708-532-6462

Website: ksd140.org

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