March 2025

Prairie View 6/7 Grade Girls’ Volleyball Celebrate Championship Season
The Board of Education recognized members of the Prairie View 6/7th grade girls' volleyball team for their outstanding season. The team showcased outstanding skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork, finishing with a 15-4 record and capturing both the SWIC South Division and Tournament Championship. 

Coached by William Cornfield, the Prairie View Eagles roster includes: Tessa B., Mackenzie G., Brooke S., Sadie L., Liliana S., Grace M., Julianna W., Sydney B., Noelle L., Journei T., Gianna M., and Audrey D.

Mackenzie G. and Audrey D. made the SWIC All-Conference Team, and Mackenzie G. was awarded the tournament MVP.

Way to go, Eagles!

D140 Polar Plunge Team Raises Over $51,000 for Special Olympics Illinois
The Board also recognized the D140 Polar Plunge team. Led by educators Kristy Peacock, Chrisie DeCarlo, Ashley Krizik, and committee members Angela Zakes, Megan Dignan, Cassidy Campbell, and Joanna Boblak, D140’s eighty-three participants raised more than $51,000 for Special Olympics Illinois. 
The team earned top honors for individual and team contributions and was celebrated for surpassing $250,000 in Polar Plunge fundraising over the history of the district’s participation in the event.

Quick-Thinking Staff Members Aid Student in Need
The Board of Education proudly recognized bus driver Chuck Mangialardi and paraeducator Mary Jean Gramont for their swift and compassionate response to a student experiencing a medical issue. Following district protocols, they acted immediately, ensuring the student received prompt attention while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Their quick thinking and dedication exemplify the care and commitment we value in our school community. Thank you for putting student safety first!

February 2025

Mohammad J. Receives 2025 Outstanding Student Technology Award

At its February 20 meeting, the D140 school board honored Grissom seventh-grader Mohammad J. for receiving the 2025 Outstanding Student Technology Award from the Infinitec Southwest Assistive Technology Coalition. Mohammad's exceptional progress and skills in utilizing assistive technology have set him apart, and we are thrilled to celebrate his achievements. He will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony on March 6 at Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest.

Grissom Boys’ Volleyball
Members of the 6/7th grade Grissom Boys’ Volleyball team were recognized for their outstanding achievements. The team finished the season with an overall record of 13-1 to become the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) regular season and tournament champions.

Coached by Mr. George Chicvara, the Grissom Patriots roster includes Gavin B., Vinny B., Luke B., Brennan C., Josh G., Micha G., Logan I., Marty K., Eddie L., Finn M., Moe M., Broden R., Liam R., and Tyler S.

Gavin B., Finn M., and Liam R. were awarded All-Conference honors. The tournament MVP was Gavin B. 

Way to go, Patriots!

Meritorious Budget Award
The Board also recognized D140's Business Department for winning the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for the twentieth consecutive year. The entire team - Michael Andreshak, Jenna Khalil, Tiffany Mullarkey, and Nancy Rittenbacher - was honored for their contributions.

The MBA promotes and recognizes excellence in school budget presentation and enhances school business officials’ skills in developing, analyzing, and presenting a school system budget. After a rigorous review by professional auditors, the award is bestowed only on school districts meeting or exceeding the program’s stringent criteria. Less than one percent of schools nationwide received this honor last year.

January 2025

At the January 17 board meeting, the District 140 school board celebrated the accomplishments of Spelling Bee champion, Jillian C., along with finalists Layla S. and Gabriella G. Jillian, a fifth-grader from McAuliffe Elementary School, claimed the top spot by spelling "respiratory" correctly. Layla, also a fifth-grader at McAuliffe Elementary, earned second place, while third-place honors went to Grissom Middle School's eighth-grader Gabriella G.
 

November 2024

Four District 140 students were recognized at the November Board of Education meeting for their winning submissions in the Tinley Park Fire Prevention Poster Contest. This year's theme was "Smoke alarms: Make them work!"  

Congratulations to Connor H. (McAuliffe), Yusra M. (Keller), Bella J. (Bannes), and Emmalee D. (McAuliffe).

October 2024

The Kirby School District 140 Board of Education recognized several outstanding student and staff achievements at its October 17 meeting. Grissom and Prairie View middle schools were honored for their innovation, leadership, and educational excellence in integrating technology into the classroom. 

Additionally, the Board recognized the Grissom girls’ cross-country team for winning the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) Championship, showcasing their dedication and teamwork in both the championship and open races. The Grissom girls' softball team was also celebrated for clinching a SWIC Championship title, marking an impressive 14-0 perfect season of outstanding athletic performance. Both teams displayed extraordinary teamwork and sportsmanship throughout their seasons.

The Grissom Middle School girls’ cross-country team is coached by Katie Ryan and Dianne Raslavicz and includes Vivan B., Brooklyn D., Payton D., Brianna D., Megan D., Aaliyah E., Emma F., Magda G., Grace G., Rowan G., Ellen H., Vera H., Riegan K., Kate K., Layla K., Rowan M., Rosie M., Kassandra M., Adeline M., Camryn P., Eleanor R., Emily R., London R., Samantha R., Heidi S., Sydney S., Alie S., Olivia S., Lanie S., Mackenzie T., and Madelyn V. 

Coached by Jan O’Neil, the school team roster includes Sadeel A., Kim B., Cece C., Elizabeth C., Peyton G., Olivia H., Maddie H., Avery H., Emily L., Mackenzie L., Becca M., Lily M., Mackenzie P., Anna S., Vivian S., Reagan W. and team managers Sawyer R. and Carlie M.

August 2024

We want to extend a heartfelt welcome to our newest team members, including Katelyn Antonopoulos, Riham Assad, Jade Addison, Hailey Balzer, Julie Berry,  Melissa Brousil, Anne Chobot, Vivian Cui, Kathy Eckert, Beth Farr, Carrie, Fazekas, Corrie Feltman, Brianna Fitts, Nicholas Forlenza, Katherine Fricano, Mary Kate Green, Allie Harris, Leana Hasan, Rima Hatamleh, Cassie Hosman, Cameron Kavanaugh, Laura Karczewski, Laura Koehler, Sabrina LaFlame, Anne Lasecki, Gianna Lemus, Amanda Lindenberg, Katherine Luebke, Ashley Mefford, Margaret Mesch, Dana Messina, Madeline Monahan, Lisa O’Donovan, Karla Otte, Katelynn, Schouten, and Amanda Welch.

Welcome to our school family! May your year be filled with meaningful connections, exciting challenges, and countless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our students.

July 2024

D140’s Special Olympics State team was recognized at the July Board of Education meeting for their outstanding performance at the Summer State Games held June 7 - 8 at Illinois State University.

Ten student-athletes competed in the standing long jump, shot put, softball throw, 50-meter run, and 100-meter run. The team brought home one gold medal, three silver medals, three bronze medals, a fifth-place ribbon, a sixth-place ribbon, and three participation ribbons. 

Congratulations to Jeremiah A., Samir A., Caitlin C., Benjamin C., Erin D., Dylan F., Gabe J., Timmy O., Rickson R-D., and Jake Y. 

A big THANKS goes out to Special Olympic Coordinator Ashley Krizik and everyone who came out to support the team!