KSD 140 Connection
August 2026
The start of a new school year always brings a renewed sense of energy and possibility. Across District 140, our staff has been preparing classrooms, updating learning spaces, and our schools are once again filling with the excitement that comes with a fresh start.
While each school year brings new opportunities, our commitment remains the same: providing high-quality learning experiences that help every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally. This year, families will see several new curriculum updates designed to strengthen teaching and learning across our schools.
Just as important as what students learn is how they feel when they walk through our doors each day. That focus is reflected in the District Advisory Council's You Matter. We All Belong. initiative, a yearlong conversation about belonging in District 140. Throughout the year, you'll see brief monthly messages highlighting the small but meaningful actions that help every member of our school community feel welcomed, connected, and valued.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the many ways you contribute to our school community. We are excited to welcome our students back and begin another great year together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dan Callaghan
Superintendent
Introducing You Matter. We All Belong.
What does belonging look like in D140?
This year, we'll be exploring that question together through You Matter. We All Belong., a yearlong communication initiative developed by KSD 140's District Advisory Council in collaboration with our building-based advisory councils.
Throughout the year, you'll receive a brief monthly message focused on one aspect of belonging. These messages are meant to spark reflection and highlight the everyday actions that help every student, colleague, and family member feel welcomed, valued, and connected.
At its heart, You Matter. We All Belong. celebrates the work that already happens across our schools every day. It's about continuing to build strong relationships, creating welcoming classrooms, listening with empathy, celebrating different perspectives, and ensuring every member of our community knows they belong.
Each month's theme will build on the last as we continue strengthening a shared culture of belonging across D140. Together, through small but meaningful actions, we can help ensure every member of our school community feels connected, supported, and valued.
Thank you for the countless ways you help make D140 a place where everyone feels they belong.
Remember: You Matter. We All Belong.
With appreciation,
The Kirby School District 140 District Advisory Council
What's New for 2026-27?
Families will notice several teaching, reporting, and technology updates across District 140 this school year, including:
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
New laptops for sixth-grade students
Google Meet replacing Zoom
ClassLink replacing Clever
These updates support our continued focus on consistent, high-quality learning experiences for every student. For more information about these changes and what they mean for your child, please refer to the District 140 Back-to-School Updates: Learning, Reporting, and Technology email sent to families on August 12.
2026-27 School Year Calendar
As we begin the new school year, we encourage families to keep a copy of the district calendar handy. The calendar highlights important dates throughout the school year, including holidays, Institute Days, early dismissal days, and other key dates for students and families.
Stay Connected with ParentSquare
KSD 140 uses ParentSquare for email, text, and voice messaging. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourages greater engagement and connection with the district. Families can choose their language preference and indicate how and when they want to receive information (email, text, and/or app notifications).
We encourage parents to access their accounts by visiting ParentSquare and REGISTERING using the email or phone number listed in Infinite Campus.
For even greater convenience, please download the ParentSquare app (available free for iOS and Android devices).
2026 National Night Out
- Monday, August 24 - Middle School Open Houses from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
- Tuesday, August 25 - Fernway Elementary Open House from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
- Monday, September 7 - Labor Day - No School
- Friday, September 11 - Patriot Day - D140 students and staff are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue
- Friday, September 11 - D140 Band Performs Pregame Show with VJA Marching Band at VJA Football Game - 7 pm at Andrew High School
- Wednesday, September 16 - Beginning Band Registration at Grissom Middle School from 5-8 pm. Visit our band page for more information.
- Thursday, September 17 - Beginning Band Registration at Grissom Middle School from 5-8 pm. Visit our band page for more information.
- Wednesday, September 23 - Board of Education Meeting - 7 pm at the Administration Center
Kirby School District 140
16931 S. Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-532-6462
Website: ksd140.org