Update Center

August 31, 2020 Update

Welcome to the 2020-21 School Year

Dear D140 families,

I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome our students and their families to the 2020-21 school year! One that is quickly shaping up to be a year like no other!

I need to begin by thanking our families for their commitment to their children’s education. The responsibility of educating our students falls first on D140 teachers and support staff to create virtual classrooms, online lessons, and engaging activities. But to complete those activities, parental guidance will be needed. We understand what we are asking of you and are deeply appreciative of your partnership.

Remote Learning of this type in our District is new for everyone - students, parents, and teachers. My team has worked tirelessly to come up with a plan that is sustainable and will meet the needs of all of our students. We are planning a gradual release model over the next few weeks, spending time helping students and families acclimate to our online learning platforms and applications, and providing assistance to families and staff as they request it. 

Getting to this day has been a difficult task to say the least, and we are just beginning this journey together.  Rest assured that the teachers and staff are doing everything they can to make this year the best it can be. We are in this together, and we will find success together. 

Thank you and be healthy!

Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

August 27, 2020 Update

August 27, 2020 Update 

Student Classroom Assignments/Schedules Released Via Infinite Campus today at 3 pm! 

THANK YOU for your patience! Student Classroom Assignments/Schedules will be live in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal beginning at 3 pm. Please follow the steps below to access your student classroom assignments/schedules for the 2020-21 school year.

• Go to ksd140.org/infinite-campus
• Click the Infinite Campus PARENT Portal Link
• Login with your Parent Username and Password 
• Select Schedule in the left-hand navigation 

If you forgot your Infinite Campus Parent Portal username or password, please click the “forgot username” or “forgot password” link, and follow the prompts. If you need further assistance, please contact your school office.

Please note: There has been a change to our normal Middle School scheduling process and schedules may look a little different this year. There is one team per grade level comprised of six teachers.  There is also an all grade full-remote team for those students who had always chosen full remote learning.

Back to School Bundle Distribution - August 31 from 9 am - 2 pm and 5 - 7 pm

D140 is providing every student with grade-level specific materials for the first semester of the school year. Drive-thru bundle pick up is Monday, August 31 from 9 am - 2 pm and 5 - 7 pm. Please display the FIRST and LAST names of EACH of your students, their GRADE LEVEL, and if you are picking up a SUPPLY KIT, on a sheet of paper visible through the passenger side window. If you cannot attend bundle pick-up, please contact your building principal to arrange another day/time.

What is Setting Up for Success - Remote Orientation Week? When will my student meet their teacher(s)?

We can’t wait to officially welcome our students to the 2020-21 school year on Tuesday, September 1! During Setting Up for Success - Remote Orientation Week, students and teachers will work together during normal school hours to establish virtual classroom rules and expectations. Assistance will be given with login procedures for the platforms and applications that will be used during the 2020-21 school year. Students are expected to follow their normal school schedule and attend a full day of classes. Specific instructions and information will be included with your student’s Back to School Bundle.

Save the Date! D140 is hosting virtual Back to School Nights next week! 

• Elementary Back to School Night -  Tuesday, September 1 from 6 - 7:30 pm. 
• Middle School Back to School Night - Wednesday, September 2 from 6 - 7:00 pm 

D140 Meal Resources

Beginning Tuesday, September 1, D140 transportation personnel will deliver daily meals to all students who qualify for our free lunch program. Parents/guardians should expect to receive meals daily between 8:00  - 10:00 am.  Please share this information with District 140 students and families who could benefit from meal resources. Questions? Please contact our Director of Business Services, Michael Andreshak, at 708-532-6462.

Please visit our District website if you need more information about our Remote Learning Plan. 

For an updated, one-page summary of KSD 140’s school year calendar, please click 2020-21 School Calendar

August 19, 2020 Update

8-19-2020 Update - Remote Learning Plan

Dear Kirby School District 140 Families,

In light of our recent move to districtwide Remote Learning, we wanted to provide you with a plan update. Please review our Remote Learning Plan and reach out to your building principal if you need clarification or have any questions. 

As always, we appreciate our community’s commitment to our students, our staff, and our schools. Thank you for your continued patience and support. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

August 18, 2020 Update

D140's Return to School Plan Update

Dear D140 Families and Staff,

Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released updated guidance regarding the reopening of schools. The new safety measures outlined in this document included many requirements that would make our planned Hybrid Learning option unsustainable. In consultation with the Board of Education, we have determined that Kirby School District 140 students will begin the first quarter of the school year learning remotely. The first quarter ends October 30, 2020, at which point, we will reassess State guidance as it applies to in-person learning. 

This was not an easy decision to make. To say that we are disappointed with this outcome is an understatement. Throughout this entire process, we have listened to our stakeholders and considered our families’ needs. We have spent countless hours crafting plans and schedules that would have allowed our families a choice of learning options for their student(s). These new guidelines make returning to school in-person, even on an abbreviated Hybrid schedule, untenable.

I’ve attached the IDPH’s guidance with the most challenging aspects highlighted in yellow. As you can see, in light of the State’s new requirements for quarantining, testing, and contact tracing, it would be nearly impossible for in-person students and staff to maintain consistent attendance rates. Families’ schedules would constantly be shifting in response to student and staff quarantine protocols.

I anticipate that many of you will have questions about returning to school remotely. We are asking for your patience yet again as we pivot in response to changing health and safety requirements from the State. Details regarding our Full Remote Plan will be communicated within the next couple of days. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We appreciate your support.

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

August 13, 2020 Update

KSD 140's Return to School Plan Update

Dear D140 Families and Staff,

Over the past couple of weeks, Kirby School District 140’s Return to School task force has been working with all stakeholders to refine plans for the upcoming school year. I want to update you on our progress and notify you of a few changes. Please carefully review the information below.

Transitioning Back to School

Beginning August 25, all staff will be on-site to work collaboratively in preparation for the start of the school year. Details regarding our August 31 supply pick up and September 1 first day of school will be communicated to families by their school principal during the week of August 24.

• August 25: Teacher Institute day/no student attendance
• August 26: Teacher planning day/no student attendance
• August 27: Teacher planning day/no student attendance
• August 28: Teacher planning day/no student attendance
• August 31: Meet your teacher/supply/log in pick up day
• September 1: First official student attendance day

Classroom Assignments / Student Schedules / Transportation Information

As planned, both Hybrid and Remote Learning students will return to school for the first day of instruction on Tuesday, September 1. Specific classroom assignments, middle school schedules, and transportation information will be released to families via our new Infinite Campus Parent Portal as soon as it is available. Again, we are asking for your patience as significant detailed planning of student schedules and movement throughout our buildings is required to ensure a safe and efficient educational day for our students and staff. Taking into consideration the numerous factors affecting operations, functions, and routines of the school day, it is likely that student classroom assignments, schedules, and transportation information will not be released until sometime during the week of August 24. 

Changes to our Remote Learning Option

The most significant change in our plan will affect our Kindergarten through eighth-grade Remote Learning students. Based on community and staff input, we’ve adjusted the start and end time of our Remote Learning day to mirror our in-person Hybrid instructional times. Remote elementary students will attend school from 7:55 am - 2:25 pm, while middle school Remote students will attend from 8:45 am - 3:15 pm. This expanded learning day will allow remote learners more live access to their teachers, built-in breaks from screen-time, and increased opportunities for collaboration. As with our Hybrid learners, grading and attendance procedures will be in place for our students learning remotely.

Our curriculum, technology, and professional development teams have been working diligently to create a program that will deliver the best possible academic experience for our remote learners. We will remain flexible and continue to develop our plan in response to student, family, and staff feedback. 

Half-Days

Half-Days, originally scheduled into our school calendar to accommodate staff development opportunities, will be eliminated. Staff will meet in small blocks of time as needed on Wednesdays throughout the school year. A full day of student and staff attendance will be expected on all previously scheduled Half-Days. 

Snow Days

Traditional “snow days” will not be utilized during the 2020-21 school year. If we experience inclement weather during the school year and traveling to or from school for in-person Hybrid learning is deemed unsafe, all D140 students will learn remotely at home. Families will receive notification of the switch to remote-only learning via phone, email, and text messaging. Information will also be posted on our website and our social media platforms. 

School Supplies

We’ve received numerous questions from families about school supplies. School Supply lists have not changed. We are working to ensure that Hybrid and Remote students utilize the same supplies as much as possible.
Hybrid students will use the same supplies at home and at school. Teachers will work with students to identify which supplies may need to travel back and forth between home and school. These supplies should be kept in a large pencil case or Ziploc bag in your student’s backpack. 

Hybrid Students and Face Masks

Face masks are required of anyone in a D140 school or on a D140 bus/bus stop. We encourage you to begin having your child practice wearing a mask. Social stories about mask-wearing and social distancing are available on the District website. Print copies are available in the school offices. Face masks that tie behind the head or loop over the ears, are acceptable. Please make sure that mask designs are school-appropriate. Face shields are not allowed at this time.

Our Board of Education policies requiring face coverings on school premises can be found by clicking the links below:

• Staff -  Policy 400.05.21 
• Students - Policy 500.48

SWIC Fall Sports and School-Sponsored Clubs & Activities

Based on several concerns related to safety, scheduling, and transportation, D140 and other area schools have decided to postpone the Fall 2020 SWIC season, namely Cross Country, Girls Softball, and Boys Softball, for the present time. The status of the Fall 2020 season will be reassessed in October, and the SWIC Winter and Spring athletic seasons and competitions will also be evaluated at this time.

The start of all fall school-sponsored clubs & activities has also been postponed and will be reassessed as the year progresses.

Band

Plans are still underway to keep our young musicians involved and engaged in D140’s Band program. Our goal is for before-school band practice to resume in-person on Monday, September 21 following guidelines established by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Remote Learning band students will participate via Zoom or Google Meet.

We are currently evaluating Hybrid and Remote Learning band student schedules to determine how to provide lessons during the school day effectively. At this time, Hybrid band students will be pulled out for in-person instruction during their school day following ISBE, IDPH, and CDC guidelines. Remote band student lessons will be scheduled via Zoom or Google Meet. We will be contacting our band students and their families as soon as we have more information to share. 

Teamwork and Communication

We understand that any and all changes to our school routines greatly affect our families and staff. Please know that our School Board, Administration, Teachers Association, and Paraeducators Association are committed to working together to provide the safest and best possible learning experience for all our students. We appreciate your continued patience and support. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

July 29, 2020 Update

KSD 140's Return to School Plan - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) - Updated 7-29-2020

Dear Kirby School District 140 Families,

To help answer questions you may have regarding learning options for your child(ren) in the fall, we’ve created an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) document for you to review. The questions and answers in this document are organized by topic of interest and updated to reflect our developing plans and additional guidance from the State.

Please click KSD 140’s Return to School Plan - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) to get the latest information. This document can also be viewed under the Return to School Plan & Resources link found at https://www.ksd140.org/updates

Once you’ve had time to review this information, we are requesting that each family fill out a Learning Option Commitment form indicating the learning choice that they’ve selected for their child(ren). Your responses will be utilized to plan for transportation and staffing. It is imperative that all families fill out the form by noon on Friday, July 31, 2020.

Families understandably have a lot of questions about what school will look like this fall. I appreciate your flexibility and patience as we refine our plan in the upcoming weeks based on the specific choices our families have made regarding student learning options. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your building principal or me with any additional questions or concerns. 
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

July 24, 2020 Update

KSD 140's Return to School Plan - 2020-21 School Year 

Dear Kirby School District 140 Families,

Last night, the Board of Education approved Kirby School District 140’s Return to School Plan. This plan creates learning opportunities designed to meet the needs of our families and follow guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

Our Return to School Plan SUMMARY provides families with a quick look at two learning options for educating their child(ren) in KSD 140 during the upcoming school year.

Students can participate in either:

• Hybrid Learning (a combination of in-person/remote learning)
• Full-Time Remote Learning (5 hours of instructional activities each day)

KSD140’s RETURN TO SCHOOL PLAN FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR, complete with detailed plan components and FAQ’s, is published on our website for families and staff to review. We are asking parents and guardians to carefully consider their options and choose the one best suited to their family’s needs. All students, no matter which option they are participating in, will be provided with a district-issued iPad.  

Once you’ve had time to digest the plan, we are requesting that each family fill out our GOOGLE FORM indicating the learning choice that they’ve selected for their child(ren). The responses will be utilized to plan for transportation and staffing. It is imperative that all families fill out the form by noon on Friday, July 31, 2020.

Please be aware that an increase in infections could result in school closures, in which case students would shift from hybrid model learning to state-mandated remote learning. Rest assured, we will plan and prepare for changes throughout the 2020-21 school year.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your building principal or me with any questions or concerns. I know these are unprecedented times, and I appreciate your patience and flexibility as we prepare for a year like no other. Please know the safety of our students and staff remains my utmost concern.

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

July 14, 2020 Update

Return to School Planning Update

Dear Kirby School District 140 Families,

Thank you for participating in our Return to School family survey! We received more than 1,200 parent responses. Please know we will be using the data collected in our planning process.

Based on feedback received from the Board of Education at their July 9th committee meeting, our reopening task force discussions will be centered around developing plans according to the amended Illinois State Board of Education guidelines for in-person and remote learning. Review the presentation and survey results from last week’s meeting. Moving forward, we remain aware of the potential for new information and are developing plans with flexibility in mind. 

Our District Task Force and subcommittees are focused on the complex educational, social-emotional, and operational components of returning to school this fall. We hope to have a plan to share with our school communities within the next two weeks.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to ensure a safe and healthy start to the 2020-21 school year!

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent

June 30, 2020 Update

D140 School Year 2020-21 Planning Survey

Help us plan for the 2020-21 school year by taking this survey!

After receiving guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regarding the 2020-21 school year, D140 would like to gather family feedback to help with our fall planning. Your input will be used to help guide discussions and decisions surrounding teaching and learning, safety, health, operations, and communications. 

The three potential back-to-school models released by the ISBE include in-person learning, remote learning, and a blended model (a combination of in-person and remote learning). Each model that includes in-person learning would require wearing face coverings, observing social distancing when possible, cleaning protocols, and other health guidelines as determined by the State of Illinois. 

The remote learning model requires that staff and students engage in five (5) hours of synchronous (live, web-based instruction) and asynchronous (independent learning activities) instruction each day. Grading and attendance procedures will be observed. Information gathered from this survey will help us plan for these potential scenarios. 

Click here to start the survey. 

Please submit one survey per household by Tuesday, July 7. Your time and feedback are greatly appreciated! 

June 26, 2020 Update

D140 Update - June 26, 2020

Dear D140 families and staff,

I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. Earlier this week, the Illinois State Board of Education released guidance for schools on the 2020-21 school year. 

This 60-page document has been much anticipated and will go a long way toward answering critical questions all of us share about what the 2020-21 school year will look like in terms of in-person learning, scheduling, transportation, wearing masks, social distancing, and other measures intended to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Right now, we don’t have all the answers to those questions as this document was released to school districts at the same time it was released to the public. Therefore, we kindly ask for your patience as our staff thoroughly reviews this detailed guidance and implements the suggestions into our district’s own transition plan.

Our district’s Reopening Task Force committee has been discussing options and will be seeking input from our school communities through surveys and meetings in the upcoming weeks. Please make sure the contact information you provided at registration is correct in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Click here to log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you have yet to register, please check your email for your portal activation information or contact your school office for help. Communication will be critical in the upcoming weeks, and we want to make sure that we can provide you with information and updates you need to start the 2020-21 school year. 

Thank you again for your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we work together to navigate a situation that none of us could have imagined.

I will be in touch soon. In the meantime, stay safe and enjoy your summer.
 
Sincerely, 

Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent

June 10, 2020 Update

Online Registration/Fee Payment Discount Deadline is June 12th

In order to qualify for a discount on registration fees, you must log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and register your student and pay your fees by June 12! (Directions for creating your personalized portal account were sent to you via email. Please make sure you have completed those steps.) 

Payment plans are available. Families paying fees on or after June 13 will be charged the regular Student Fee amount.

If you have any questions regarding online registration or fee payments, please don’t hesitate to call your school office. 

Steps for completing your ONLINE REGISTRATION and FEE PAYMENT for the 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR!

• STEP 1 - Complete Online Registration
  • To access Online Registration, you will need to scroll down and select "More" in the left index of your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. From the options that appear in the window, select "Online Registration" to open your application.
  • Please follow the directions as you go through the application. Once you are finished, please remember to select the red "Submit" button to complete the process. Only one parent/guardian per household should complete the registration.
• STEP 2 - Pay Fees
  • To pay your fees, select Fees from the left index and follow the prompts. Full or partial payment of Student Fees must be made by June 12 in order to receive an Early Registration Discount. Payment plans are available through our Business Office by contacting tmullarkey@ksd140.org. Families paying fees on or after June 13 will be charged the regular Student Fee amount.

June 9, 2020 Update

PV’s Diploma Delivery Postponed Until Thursday, June 11th

Due to the severe weather expected this evening and to ensure the safety of our staff, students, and families, today’s Prairie View diploma delivery has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 11th beginning at 5 pm. 

As always, thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding. The Class of 2020 will never be forgotten. They truly are a resilient and remarkable group.

We look forward to seeing our graduates and celebrating with our families on Thursday, June 11th.

June 8, 2020 Update

United in Support of Our Students and Our Community

Dear Kirby School District 140 Community,

This week, we conclude the celebrations of our Class of 2020 with personalized diploma deliveries throughout the community. Look for Kirby School District 140 buses and our middle school staff celebrating Grissom and Prairie View graduates in your neighborhood on Monday and Tuesday beginning at 5 pm. This simple act of coming together for a common cause, in this case to celebrate our graduates, speaks volumes as to who we are as a community. 

In light of recent events throughout the country, we feel that it is necessary to address the reality of inequality and racism in our world. As educators, we understand the power that education has to transform and affect change. We believe that through education we can empower the fight against racism and inequality in society. As a District, we seek to address these issues and are dedicated to providing an educational experience that strives for inclusion, equity, and awareness in our classrooms, our community, and our country. 

We stand united with our neighboring school districts in the belief that each and every child deserves a quality education that is rooted in the principles of respect and acceptance. We must be committed to anti-racism, open to self-reflection, and pledge to be agents of change in our community. 
 
Please know that our commitment to your children is unwavering. We are dedicated to working with all partners in our community to make sure that each and every student has a safe place to learn and grow in KSD140 schools. 

Thomas J. Martelli, Board of Education President
Dr. Shawn M. Olson, Superintendent
 

June 1, 2020 Update

D140 8th Grade Diploma Deliveries Postponed; Buildings Closed June 2nd

Dear D140 families and staff,

Grissom and Prairie View’s eighth grade graduation diploma deliveries scheduled for this week have been postponed and rescheduled beginning at 5 pm on Monday, June 8th (Grissom)  and Tuesday, June 9th (Prairie View).

We still plan to release Grissom’s graduation video this evening at 5 pm. Prairie View’s graduation video will be released on Tuesday, June 2nd at 5 pm. Parents will be emailed the video links, and students should check their Team Google Classroom page for the graduation video posting. Congratulations graduates!

Additionally, all District 140 buildings will be closed to staff, students, families, and the public on June 2nd. Staff members who had planned to work at our schools or administrative building on Tuesday, June 2nd should work remotely. 

Our eighth iPad drop off, eighth grade library book drop off, and Prairie View’s student belongings pick up have also been rescheduled for next week - June 8th, 9th, and 10th from 9 am until 2 pm.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work together to keep our community safe.

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

May 31, 2020 Update

D140 Buildings Closed on Monday, June 1st

All District 140 buildings will be closed to staff, students, families, and the public on Monday, June 1st.

Staff members who had planned to work at our schools or administrative facilities on Monday, June 1st should work remotely.

Eighth grade iPad drop off,  library book drop off, and student belongings pick up (Prairie View only)  will take place on June 2nd and June 3rd from 9 am until 2 pm.

A decision about Grissom’s eighth grade graduation diploma delivery will be made tomorrow morning. We will notify our eighth grade families if there will be any changes made to that event.

May 28, 2020 Update

May 28, 2020 Superintendent’s Update - Thank You for Your Partnership!

Dear D140 Parents/Guardians,

As we all look forward to the last day of eLearning tomorrow, I wanted to personally thank you for working with us to navigate the unforeseen and unchartered end to the 19-20 school year. Your extraordinary support of our eLearning program has been nothing short of amazing. We tried to provide eLearning lessons that adhered to state standards while being mindful that parents were juggling work and family responsibilities in addition to educating their children at home. As a parent and an at-home teacher, you more than rose to the occasion. Thank you for your patience and flexibility. We appreciate your partnership over the past few months.

As soon as I have any information about what the 20-21 school year will look like, I will reach out to you. It is my sincere wish that you and your children have a safe and healthy summer!

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

May 20, 2020 Update

Parent Portal Activation and Online Registration/Fee Payment for Returning Students

On May 20, D140 families were emailed login instructions for their Infinite Campus Parent Portal, our new online student information system. This system will allow our families to register returning students and pay student fees online. In order to qualify for the discount on fees, you must register your student and pay your fees on or before Friday, June 12. Please follow the instructions in the email you received to activate your new Parent Portal and register your student and pay your fees for the 2020-21 school year. 

If you have any questions regarding online registration or fee payments, please don’t hesitate to call your school office. 

Steps for completing your ONLINE REGISTRATION and FEE PAYMENT for the 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR!

STEP 1 - Complete Online Registration

• To access Online Registration,you will need to scroll down and select "More" in the left index of your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. From the options that appear in the window, select "Online Registration" to open your application.
• Please follow the directions as you go through the application. Once you are finished, please remember to select the red "Submit" button to complete the process. Only one parent/guardian per household should complete the registration.

STEP 2 - Pay Fees

• To pay your fees, select Fees from the left index and follow the prompts. Full or partial payment of Student Fees must be made by June 12 in order to receive an Early Registration Discount. Payment plans are available. Please contact tmullarkey@ksd140.org or call (708) 342-5513. Families paying fees on or after June 13 will be charged the regular Student Fee amount. 

May 19, 2020 Update

Returning Student Registration Information

Good evening, this is Dr. Shawn Olson, Superintendent of Kirby School District 140, calling with important information for our families regarding student registration for the 2020-21 school year. 

Tomorrow morning, we’ll be emailing families login instructions for their Infinite Campus Parent Portal, our new online student information system. This system will allow our families to register returning students and pay student fees online. In order to qualify for the discount on fees, you must register your student and pay your fees on or before Friday, June 12. Please follow the instructions in the email you receive tomorrow to activate your new Parent Portal and register your student and pay your fees for the 2020-21 school year. 

If you have any questions regarding online registration or fee payments, please don’t hesitate to call your school office.

Thanks and have a great evening!

May 15, 2020 Update

End-of-the-Year Activities and Events Update

Dear D140 Families and Staff:

Good afternoon, I hope this email finds you and your families safe and healthy.

We’ve been working diligently on final plans for the end-of-the-year, and I would like to share some specific details with you. 

Important Dates:

• May 15 - May 29: Remote eLearning days continue for all grades.
• May 20: Online registration begins. Look for an email from KSD 140 with login instructions for Infinite Campus, our new online student information system. 
• May 25: Memorial Day holiday
• May 29: Last day of school for all students.
• June 1 - 2: Let’s celebrate our 8th grade graduates! Video and final farewell details will be communicated separately to our 8th grade families.
• June 1 - 3: 
  • Eighth grade ONLY iPads are available for purchase ($75) or return to D140. Library books on loan to eighth grade students should be returned as well at this time. Details regarding iPad purchase/return and library book collections will be communicated separately to our eighth grade families prior to the end of the year.
  • Professional development for staff, finalizing the end of the year and planning for the fall.
• June 3 -  Elementary report cards will be posted to Seesaw. Middle school fourth quarter information will be available on Parent Connect.
• June 16: First day of (virtual) Extended School Year (ESY) and (virtual) Reading and Math Tutoring for students who receive Special Education services.  Please contact Doreen Reiner (dreiner@ksd140.org) if you still need to register your child for summer special education services.

We are not collecting iPads or library books prior to the end of the school year from Kindergarten through seventh grade families. Students may keep their iPads and library books at home over the summer and return them when school reopens in the fall. Look for an email from your K - 7th grade principal regarding OPTIONAL summer iPad activities.

As always, I am impressed with the strength and resiliency of our D140 students, staff, families. Thank you for your patience throughout these difficult past few months. Your commitment to your student’s eLearning, and your support of our District is deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent

May 4, 2020 Update

Teacher Appreciation Week, 8th Grade Graduates, Registration

Dear D140 Families and Staff:

May 4th through May 8th is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we want to thank our D140 staff for their unfailing commitment to helping our students succeed. This year, especially, you’ve truly gone above and beyond. We’d also like to thank our teaching partners at home. To the parents, grandparents, and siblings who are helping our students with remote eLearning … thank you. Juggling work and family responsibilities while educating children at home, can be extremely taxing. We recognize and appreciate all that you are doing! We are grateful for your support and vow to continue to evolve our eLearning program to meet the unique and changing needs of our families. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you or your student needs educational, financial, or social-emotional support or assistance.

Our administrators and parent groups have been working together to come up with ideas to celebrate our eighth grade graduates. Signs have been ordered and will be delivered by staff members over the next couple of weeks. On Saturday evening, the Illinois State Board of Education released guidelines for alternatives to a traditional graduation ceremony. Additional plans to celebrate our eighth graders are in the works. 

Registration for next year will take place online in mid-to-late May. The window for fee discounts will be extended and payment plans will be available. We are in the process of transitioning to Infinite Campus, a more robust student information system, and will provide families with registration guidance via email and text as soon as our new system goes live. We are again asking for your patience as we adapt and adjust our procedures during these unprecedented times.

Lastly, I just want to again express my appreciation for our staff and families. You continually amaze me! Thank you for your flexibility, partnership, and support. 

Stay healthy!

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent

April 17, 2020
 

In-School Learning Suspended; eLearning Continues

Dear District 140 Families and Staff:

I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. Today Governor Pritzker suspended in-school learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. And while in-person learning will not be possible, I assure you our entire staff remains committed to engaging with all students through our remote eLearning program. This program has been a learning experience for us all and will continue to evolve as we explore ways to safely provide more student-teacher interaction and meet the social emotional needs of our students. 

Like you, we are saddened by the reality that many of our end-of-the-year activities will not be able to take place. Today’s announcement will result in significant and multiple scheduling changes in our District. Our schools are developing plans for how end-of-the-year events, such graduation, will be handled. Please be patient as we work as quickly as possible to get information to you over the next several weeks.

We know this is not how any of us anticipated the 2020 school year to end. Our hearts go out to the amazing members of the Class of 2020 and to our staff members who are concluding their careers with us this school year. The contributions our students and staff have made to our school community over the years have made a lasting impact on who we are as a school district. They will forever be cherished. 

Thank you for reaching out to me with calls and emails, and thank you for supporting our staff as we all adapt to a new normal. Throughout this ordeal, the resilience of our students, staff, and community has been nothing short of impressive.

Stay safe and stay healthy!

Sincerely,

Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

April 2, 2020

April 2, 2020 eLearning Update - New Program Begins April 6

Dear Kirby School District 140 Families,

I hope this message finds you safe and healthy at home this afternoon.

Following the guidelines established by the Illinois State Board of Education, District 140 administrators and teachers have worked collaboratively this week to revise our existing eLearning plan to address the long term need for remote learning. Our new eLearning program will begin on Monday, April 6. Please click eLearning Program Overview with FAQ’s to view the entire plan.

Allow me to provide a few highlights before you dive into the full plan.

• First and foremost, our priority is to provide continuous learning for our students while meeting their social and emotional needs. 
• New content will be delivered daily to students via Seesaw and Google Classroom platforms with the understanding that learning will be student-paced each week with respect to the needs of families.
• On Monday, April 6, we will ask parents of elementary students to help prepare their children for eLearning by logging in to seesaw.com. Classroom teachers will email login directions with Seesaw QR codes and TEXT codes to families no later than April 6, the first day of eLearning. Our elementary teachers will use the Seesaw platform to post daily assignments, answer student and parent questions, and interact with children. 
• Our middle school students will access daily assignments beginning April 6 via Google Classroom using the same accounts they’ve been using all year. Parents can view assignments through their student’s account and can email teachers directly if they have questions. 

While I know this is not the school year any of us envisioned, I want to assure you that our Kirby School District 140 teachers, paraeducators, and support staff are fully engaged and willing to take on this new challenge. We appreciate the patience, flexibility, and support each of you has shown. We will get through this together. 

Respectfully,

Dr. Kristine Roth
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
 

April 1, 2020

Stay-at-Home Order and Remote Learning Extended

Dear District 140 Families and Staff,

I hope this message finds you safe and well. Yesterday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker extended the “stay-at home” order and announced that remote learning in Illinois will be extended through April 30.

During this time, on-site learning will remain suspended, but our schools’ commitment to learning and education will continue for all students - just through a different format.

We want to assure you that we have been working collaboratively with our teachers this week to align curriculum and student attendance procedures so that our new eLearning program can begin on Monday, April 6. Please check your email on Thursday afternoon for information from our Curriculum Department regarding Seesaw and Google Classroom. We will begin posting assignments to these platforms starting Monday, April 6. It is imperative that you read the information that you receive on Thursday so that your student can begin their eLearning assignments on Monday, April 6th.

I know this is not the school year that any of us imagined, but I want to thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we deal with this unprecedented situation. 

It’s important we continue to work together to support our students. Thank you.

Stay healthy! 

Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent

March 30, 2020

Message From Special Services

Today we enter into our students’ second week of eLearning with an anticipated return date of April 8, 2020. We are in the midst of a frightening time of unknowns. A significant unknown is when this time will end and when the students will return to school, if the date of April 8 is extended. As parents of students who receive special education services, I wanted to reach out to you today to mention some things that we do know and must remember in this chaotic time.

• Your child’s teacher will continue to provide eLearning plans for your student. 
• Your child’s therapists or social worker will contact you by Wednesday and begin to provide activities that target PT, OT, speech, hearing, and social work areas.
• Your questions will always be answered and your concerns will always be heard. 
• For most, this unprecedented time results in more family time. Research has shown the following benefits family time has on child development:
  • Spending time as a family engaged in fun activities improves the parent-child bond and communication within the family.
  • Improved communication within families correlates with student academic gains.
  • Spending time as a family reduces the incidence of emotional and behavioral problems in children as young as age three and benefits extend through adolescence. (U.S. Department of Human Health and Services).

The research is related to spending time together as a family, NOT spending time together as a family doing eLearning. Daily fun, family engagement activities that distract from everyone’s stress is the priority eLearning assignment, not completion of the activities. Have dance parties (PT, OT, PE), sing 80’s songs (social studies, music), talk about what happened or what will happen in the movies with subtitles turned on (reading, LA, speech, hearing), model and talk about appropriate responses when family members yell at you for talking during the movie (social work), bake something as a family (OT, PT, math, science), have fun thinking of more! The students are feeling the same stress and upheaval as us. When your child completes some of the eLearning for the day, celebrate them and you! We are all getting through this together!

When we return to school, teachers will assess individual and whole class levels and tailor  instruction, as they always do when beginning new units and after expected breaks. Special Education teachers, therapists and parents will work together to identify individual students’ needs at that time and make a plan to continue their progress and address regression. Waiting is hard and can be anxiety-provoking.  Please feel free to reach out to teachers, therapists, or Special Services with your questions and concerns.

Be Well,
Mary Dwyer
Director of Special Education
mdwyer@ksd140.org

March 29, 2020

March 29, 2020 eLearning Update

Good evening!

I would normally start by saying I hope you enjoyed your spring break, but given the circumstances, maybe a welcome back is more appropriate.  

During the week of March 30th, we will continue with the eLearning plan that we started with on March 16th. Please visit ksd140.org/elearning for updates to our enhanced learning plan.

As you are well aware, schools will remain closed through Tuesday, April 7th. In anticipation that we may remain closed longer, the Curriculum department, in collaboration with our teachers, is developing a more sustainable standards-based eLearning experience for the students. There will be more information coming out this week about what the expectations will be for students as we continue this journey.

So to summarize, this week, we will continue the enhanced learning plan with which your students are familiar. A new plan will be conveyed to you later in the week in anticipation of being closed longer than April 7th. 

Finally, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support, flexibility, and understanding during this turbulent and ever-changing ordeal. We will get through this together.

Stay Healthy!

Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent

March 23, 2020

Device Survey for Kindergarten through Grade 2 Students

District 140 is searching for new ways to engage our youngest students while they are at home during the COVID-19 school closings. With this in mind, we are asking our kindergarten through second grade parents/guardians to complete a quick three-minute survey so we can assess what type of devices their students have access to while learning at home. 

If you are a parent/guardian of a kindergarten through grade 2 student, please take a moment to complete this device survey. Our curriculum team is designing a new eLearning structure that will begin on Monday, April 6, and it is imperative that we hear from you.

Survey responses are due no later than Wednesday, March 25 at 2 pm.

As always, thank you for your support as we work together to keep our students engaged in learning for the duration of these school closures.

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

March 21, 2020

March 21, 2020 Update

Dear District 140 Students, Families, and Staff:

On Friday, March 20, Governor Pritzker issued an executive order requiring residents to “stay at home” effective from 5:00 pm on Saturday, March 21 through Tuesday, April 7. In light of this announcement, all District 140 buildings and grounds will remain closed. I encourage you to comply with the Governor’s order and spend time at home with your families.

Spring Break is March 23 through March 27. During this time, District administrators and staff will be reassessing our resources and options for providing additional learning opportunities for our students. We are asking for your patience and flexibility as our program continues to evolve. We will share more information as soon as it is available.

During the week of March 30 through April 3, students should continue eLearning at home. Please watch for our Week 2 eLearning packets to be posted online at ksd140.org/elearning. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at eLearning@ksd140.org with any questions.

These are unprecedented times and the D140 community has responded with patience and flexibility. Thank you for your support. As this situation evolves, we will continue to communicate in a timely and transparent manner. We will get through this together.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
 

March 18, 2020

eLearning Update - 03/18/2020

Dear District 140 families and staff.

First of all, thank you for demonstrating patience, flexibility, and understanding during these statewide school closures. I hope everyone is safe at home today!  I wanted to clarify a few items related to our engaged Learning, or eLearning, plan.

• eLearning lessons may be used at home for the remainder of this week and again on Monday, March 30. Spring Break falls between March 23 - 27. I hope you are able to enjoy that time as a family. 
• We are not requiring eLearning lessons to be returned, submitted, and/or graded. You can access our eLearning packets through our website at ksd140.org/elearning. Questions can be directed to elearning@ksd140.org.
• If the mandatory school closures continue past March 30, we will have to reevaluate our eLearning plans as they relate to our community and student needs. We will communicate with you as soon as we have information to share.

Again, please don’t hesitate to contact us at elearning@ksd140.org with any questions or concerns.

Respectfully,

Dr. Kristine Roth
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
 

March 16, 2020

eLearning Update - 03/16/2020

KSD 140 is committed to providing engaged learning, or voluntary eLearning, for all Pre-K through eighth grade students during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) precautionary school closures. Our program will continue to evolve as we strive to meet the needs of our students and follow the guidance of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) during these unprecedented times. The goal is to provide meaningful independent activities for students to continue practicing at home.

We have created a choice board for students to use. A choice board is a graphic organizer that allows students to select digital and/or non-electronic activities they would like to complete.  These items should be considered additional practice of skills already learned within the classroom. Under the continuity of learning plan, these items will not be collected or graded. You may begin this choice board at your convenience.

Due to changes in guidance from ISBE, updated voluntary eLearning lessons were created on March 16th. Please use these lessons instead of the ones that were distributed to students on March 13th. Please visit ksd140.org/elearning to view and download these new eLearning lessons.

It is important to note that we will continue to add choice boards and resources as the needs arise. 

If you are unable to access the internet, printed materials will be provided upon request by contacting our eLearning team at elearning@ksd140.org. The continuity of learning plan does not require use of current textbooks.  
Some students who receive special education services will be provided with individualized lessons as an alternative to the eLearning platform.

We appreciate the time and effort our outstanding D140 teachers, administrators, and support staff put in to creating these plans!

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at elearning@ksd140.org with any questions or concerns.

Respectfully,
Dr. Kristine Roth
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
 

March 16, 2020

Coronavirus Update - School Closure Information and eLearning Opportunities

Thank you for your extraordinary support over the past several days, as we have worked together to protect our community during the growing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. As you are aware, Governor Pritzker has declared mandatory school closures for all buildings serving Pre-K through 12th grade students.  

At this time, District 140 will remain closed through Monday, March 30th. Currently, we anticipate reopening on Tuesday, March 31st.

KSD 140 is committed to providing ENGAGED Learning, or eLearning, for all Pre-K through eighth grade students during this statewide school closure. The goal of our eLearning team is to provide continuous learning opportunities to students through online resources and/or printed materials. Our program will continue to evolve over time as we strive to meet the needs of our students and follow guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). 

Due to changes in guidance from ISBE, updated eLearning lessons were created on March 16th. Please use these lessons instead of the ones that were distributed to students on March 13th. Visit ksd140.org/elearning for the latest information.

To supplement these services, we encourage you to engage your children in other free, online educational activities. The Illinois State Board of Education has compiled a library of resources at www.isbe.net/keeplearning.  

We are navigating continually evolving developments and are working diligently to keep you informed. The District will post updates to ksd140.org/updates as soon as we have information to share. We will also continue communicating with families via email and with phone calls when necessary. 

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your building principal. 

Bannes: dcallaghan@ksd140.org
Fernway: shutchinson@ksd140.org
Keller: jgreene@ksd140.org
McAuliffe: aszczasny@ksd140.org
Millennium: jcosentino@ksd140.org
Grissom: dbroadwell@ksd140.org 
Prairie View: mmaurer@ksd140.org

Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to keep our school community healthy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn Olson
Superintendent

March 13, 2020

Coronavirus Update - March 13th Phone Call from Dr. Shawn Olson

Good afternoon, this is Shawn Olson, Superintendent of Kirby School District 140 calling with important information for our families regarding the evolving Coronavirus situation. At this time, the District has not - I repeat NOT - been informed of any known cases of Coronavirus impacting our schools. However, out of an abundance of caution and as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) illness in our community, District 140 will be closing our schools beginning Monday, March 16th. We will remain closed through the end of Spring Break Friday, March 27th. 

In preparation for the POSSIBILITY of using eLearning Days, students in grades three through eight brought home their iPads today. Students in Pre-K through second grade were given paper packets for a work at home option. Again, this is just a POSSIBILITY. District 140 is still awaiting state approval to use eLearning Days. iPads and paper packets were sent home only as a proactive measure in the event of a lengthy school closure. Nothing needs to be done with these iPads or packets at this time. We will provide details on POSSIBLE eLearning Days in a future update. 

We are dedicated to providing accurate and timely information. Misinformation spreads quickly in situations like these, and we hope that you will join us in ensuring our community is properly informed. We will continue to keep our website updated as new information becomes available as well as send emails directly to students, families, and staff.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work together to keep our school community healthy.
 

March 12, 2020

Coronavirus Update - Events Postponed at Three D140 Schools

Grissom's March 13th St. Baldrick’s Event Postponed

Due to the social distancing practices being enacted by businesses and educational institutions throughout the state, D140 has decided to postpone tomorrow’s St. Baldrick’s event at Grissom Middle School. This event will be rescheduled at a later date.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we work together to keep our school community healthy.
 

Keller's March 12th Spring Music Night Postponed

Due to the social distancing practices being enacted by businesses and educational institutions throughout the state, D140 has decided to postpone this evening’s Spring Music Night at Keller Elementary School. This event will be rescheduled at a later date.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we work together to keep our school community healthy. 
 

Fernway's March 12th STEAM Night and March 13th Dudes & Donuts Postponed

Due to the social distancing practices being enacted by businesses and educational institutions throughout the state, D140 has decided to postpone this evening’s STEAM Night at Fernway Elementary School. Tomorrow’s Dudes and Donuts breakfast has also been postponed. These events will be rescheduled at a later date.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we work together to keep our school community healthy. 
 

March 11, 2020

Coronavirus Update - 3/11/2020

D140 is committed to the health and safety of our students, families, and staff. With that in mind, we’d like to update our school community on the actions being taken by the District in regard to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

District 140 continues to follow the guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for schools. The IDPH’s recommendations remain that schools hold classes and events as usual and follow routine cleaning and disinfecting procedures. No special measures are necessary.

The IDPH also recommends the best way to protect against coronavirus is by taking the same everyday precautions against getting sick in general. These include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information on COVID-19, please view the IDPH’s Frequently Asked Questions.

With Spring Break fast approaching, we have had many questions about students and staff members traveling both domestically and internationally during this time. District 140 is following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance that students and staff who have traveled to a location with sustained widespread transmission (CDC Travel Warning of Level 3) should not attend school for 14 days after their return to the United States. Student absences are excused.

As superintendent, I cannot require individuals to report travel to areas with widespread and sustained transmission of COVID-19. I urge all families and staff traveling to CDC Level 3 Travel Warning areas to voluntarily self-report this information to us and follow the CDC's recommendations for self-quarantine. To self-report, please fill out our D140 Travel Register to indicate your travel plans. This information will be kept confidential.  

Should a case of coronavirus be diagnosed, the IDPH and the CDC are responsible for monitoring and notifying personnel in areas that the individual has frequented. Public school officials typically receive the information directly from the family, physician and IDPH, or some combination of the three. In the event a student or community member is diagnosed with coronavirus, the school district will work directly with the IDPH and the CDC to notify staff, students, and community members. If it becomes necessary for the District to close a school or schools, the duration of the closure will be determined in consultation with local, county, and state health officials.

The District continues to monitor absence rates and has found them to be in line with what is typical for this time of year. Our nurses remain vigilant in monitoring the student body, especially in cases where students exhibit symptoms associated with the virus.  

D140 custodians and bus personnel continue to follow the recommended processes for cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces in our buildings and on our school buses.

We will continue to closely monitor recommendations regarding coronavirus and will update you should there be any significant changes in recommendations for schools. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to keep our school community healthy.

Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent

February 28, 2020

Illinois Department of Public Health: Coronavirus Information

In light of the global concerns about Coronavirus, District 140 wants to share with you information that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has published for schools throughout the state.

The good news is that currently the health risk to the general public from Coronavirus remains low, not just in Illinois but throughout the United States. Currently, the IDPH says it recommends schools hold classes and events as usual and follow routine cleaning and disinfecting procedures. No special measures are necessary.

It also says that the best way to protect against Coronavirus is by taking the same everyday precautions against getting sick in general, including:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

To see the complete recommendations to schools from IDPH, please click here. You can also access the IDPH’s Frequently Asked Questions on Coronavirus here.

Our nurses will remain vigilant in monitoring the student body, especially in cases where students exhibit symptoms associated with the virus. The nurses are in frequent contact with the Cook County Health Department to receive the latest guidance.

D140 custodians will continue to follow the recommended processes for cleaning and disinfecting with products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

District 140 will continue to closely monitor recommendations regarding Coronavirus and will update you should there be any significant changes in recommendations for schools. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to keep our school community healthy.

Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent