Bobcat Bulletin

This month, our Bobcats are focusing on problem-solving and resilience. We want our students to know that things won’t always come easily, and that’s okay. We learn and grow when we stick with something, try a different approach, and keep going.

For our October Family Challenge, take a walk together and spend some time noticing the nature around you. Look for something that has had to adapt, change, or overcome a challenge.

As you walk, talk about what you notice. What challenges might plants, trees, or animals face? How do they adapt? What can we learn from nature about handling challenges in our own lives?

Share it with us!
If you can, snap a picture from your walk and send it our way. We’d love to share some of our Bobcat families taking on the challenge together!

The picture is optional. The conversation is what matters most.

Challenge Accepted!
Believe. Challenge. Achieve.

Every child brings unique experiences, talents, and dreams into our schools.

Thank you for trusting us with your child's story. By working together, we can better support each student's growth and help every child feel connected to their school community.

Remember: You Matter. We All Belong.

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.

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, 2026.

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

• Bannes Elementary

• Fernway Elementary

• Keller Elementary

• McAuliffe Elementary

• Millennium Elementary

• Grissom Middle School

• Prairie View Middle School

We hope that by encouraging participation in this event, more students will choose to walk or bike to school regularly.

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!”

Please sign up today to chair events, run hot lunch days, plan new initiatives, and more!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegLh_x0FY0Fi6rHLVNumnCBKWrX-GktzaXYzeWN3jc1_XYSg/viewform?usp=dialog

Any questions or to get involved, please reach out to the Bannes PTO at BannesPTO@gmail.com

Taffy Apples Order forms are coming out this week, presented by a new vendor, Affy Tapple! You will find a variety of affordable caramel apple options, as well as caramel dip! Please make your selections, and send your form with cash or check payable to the Bannes PTO by 13 October.

Apple Pick Up will take place on 21 October from 6:00-7:30 PM: You will receive a notification to pick up your order from the school - this is the only pick up day!

Monster Mash Planning is underway for our annual spooky season bash! We are in need of parent volunteers to assist with set up and tear down, as well as running stations for the evening and bringing the magic alive!

Sign Up to Volunteer for the Monster Mash Here:

Pre-Order forms will roll out in the coming weeks for Mash tickets: order ahead and get right to the fun! Monster Mash will take place on Friday 23 October from 6:00-8:00PM so mark your calendars today and begin the countdown to a spooktacular time!

Any questions or to get involved, please reach out to the Bannes PTO at BannesPTO@gmail.com