Counselor's Corner

Students pose proudly in front of school

Kirby School District 140 is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered. We recognize that the health and well-being of our students are fundamental to their success both in and out of the classroom. 

To ensure transparency and provide a clear understanding of our District's stance on important issues, all relevant school board policies, including those related to student health and well-being, are available at Board Policies via BoardDocs. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review these policies to understand our District’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.

Kirby School District 140 believes one of its primary responsibilities is establishing a safe learning environment for all students. The School District will require and support immediate attention to any behaviors that threaten students' well-being and affect the students' educational environment.

Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. For detailed information, please refer to Kirby School District 140’s Board Policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can happen in person or online and may include:

  • Verbal bullying (name-calling, teasing, threats)
  • Social bullying (spreading rumors, exclusion)
  • Physical bullying (hitting, pushing, damaging belongings)
  • Cyberbullying (texts, social media, online messages)

Bullying behavior is not tolerated and should be reported.

What Should Students Do?

If you are being bullied or see someone else being bullied, help is available.

Students are encouraged to:

  • Tell a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, administrator, parent)
  • Report concerns using Safe2Help Illinois

Reporting Concerns Using Safe2Help Illinois

Safe2Help Illinois is a free, confidential way for students to report concerns about school safety, including bullying, threats, or when someone may need help.

Reports are monitored 24/7 by trained professionals and shared with school officials when action is needed.

How to Submit a Report:

All reports of bullying are taken seriously and handled in accordance with district policies and procedures. The school works with students and families to investigate concerns, provide support, and promote positive behavior. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your school.
 

District 140 prioritizes comprehensive strategies to support students’ mental, emotional, and physical health in partnership with families. Below you’ll find suicide prevention information and trusted resources available to parents and caregivers.

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Free 24/7 confidential support & crisis resources

  • Text: 988 
  • Call: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Free, 24/7, confidential live volunteer Crisis Counselor. 

  • Text HOME to 741741

Safe2Help Illinois: Free 24/7, confidential program for Illinois students to report school safety concerns like bullying, self-harm, or violence

Ann Marie’s Law

District 140 complies with Illinois law by meeting the requirements of Ann Marie's Law. The law, signed in 2015, mandates that all Illinois public schools provide age-appropriate suicide and depression awareness and prevention education programs for students in grades kindergarten through 12. 

In addition, the District encourages parents who are concerned about their children to access the following resources for support.

Social workers are also available at each school, if you believe your child may need additional help. Please see school contact information below.

Orland Township Immunization Clinics and Health Fair

Orland Township is home to four school districts and over 10,000 school-aged children. Immunization Clinics are held monthly at the Orland Township office located at 14807 S. Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park. Vaccines are available only to Orland Township residents 18 and under who are uninsured, underinsured (insurance plan does not include vaccine coverage; policy must be shown), Medicaid-eligible XIX (19), or are Native American or Alaska Native. Orland Township's Children's Health Fair, which is offered in the month of July, gives parents the peace of mind that their child will start the first day of school with dental, physical, immunizations and vision testing properly completed by the Township doctors and nurses.

Click here to view dates and detailed information regarding Orland Township's Immunization Clinics and Children's Health Fair.

Additional Resources:

This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.