KSD111 Monthly Newsletter
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Dear Families,
Fall weather is keeping us guessing! One day, I’m reaching for a sweater; the next, the sun is shining and the warm temperatures are holding on a little longer. No matter the temperature, however, the calendar tells us fall is officially here.
Speaking of the calendar, October is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month across our district. Earlier this month, on October 6th, we officially launched our 2026–2027 after-school programs operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays at eight of our ten campus sites. Designed to support the whole child, the primary purpose of these after-school offerings is to expose our students to a diverse range of enriching activities outside of the typical school day, creating safe, engaging spaces for continuous learning and play while directly increasing access, student engagement, and a strong sense of belonging across all grade levels.
Many of these programs grew from proposals submitted by school staff during the 2025–26 school year. Specifically, students can choose from a variety of activities, including board games and chess club, how to be a DJ instruction, and academic tutoring. We are also excited to partner with the Kankakee Valley Park District (KVPD) to offer the Trailblazers Program for students in grades K–3. Trailblazers is a recreation and enrichment program. Led by KVPD recreation professionals and youth program staff, it gives students opportunities to be creative, active, and social through structured games, team-building, physical activity, free-choice recreation, arts and crafts, enrichment projects, and, when conditions allow, outdoor and nature-based activities. Homework time or general homework assistance may also be available when students bring the needed materials, but KVPD does not guarantee tutoring or instructional support. Students may also be introduced to other KVPD opportunities, including athletics, aquatics, skating, nature programs, camps, and community events. If your child was unable to sign up for a fall offering, please contact your child’s principal to learn about spring opportunities.
On Tuesday, October 13, members of my leadership team and I will present our boundary configurations and new grade-band recommendations to the Board of Education. These recommendations would take effect beginning in the 2027–28 school year. You are welcome to attend in person or watch on our YouTube channel.
Also, on October 20, I will deliver our first State of the District presentation from 9:00–11:00 a.m. Although we could not invite everyone to attend in person, we will record the event. We encourage you to watch the recording at a convenient time for you.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. We look forward to a wonderful fall together!
Remember, Hope Starts Here, but More Importantly Hope Starts with You!
Educationally Yours,
Dr. Teresa A. Lance
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in KSD 111
Honoring Our History, Cultures, and Community
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The observation originally began in 1968 as "Hispanic Heritage Week" under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. September 15 is uniquely significant because it marks the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Día de la Raza falls on October 12.
Embracing Our Diverse Student Body
At Kankakee School District 111, our celebrations reflect the vibrant diversity of our school community. We are proud to serve a rich and multicultural student body whose birth countries and family heritage span across the globe.
Within our district, our students represent Spanish-speaking countries and regions around the world, including Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Chile, Spain, the Bahamas, and Peru.
As ONE Community, ONE District, and ONE Vision, KSD 111 remains dedicated to honoring these unique stories, fostering cultural pride, and ensuring every student feels valued, safe, and empowered to succeed.
Respectfully,
Multilingual Department
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People Services is committed to ensuring our paraprofessionals have the training, tools, and support they need to make a difference in our classrooms. Through an ongoing initiative led by Dr. Morgan Harris, with support from Instructional Programs and Student Support and Diverse Programs, new paraprofessionals will receive training before beginning their classroom assignments, with additional professional development opportunities offered throughout the year.
At the same time, People Services continues to work diligently to recruit and hire staff to meet the district’s needs. By investing in our people, we strengthen our classrooms and better support every Kay!
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Early Childhood Education: Growing Together!
Great things are happening in KSD 111 Early Childhood Education! As we continue Growing Together — Students • Families • Staff • Community, our focus remains on providing joyful, developmentally appropriate experiences while building the academic and social-emotional foundation our youngest Kays need for future success.
Our Academic Priorities
This year, our instructional priorities center on early literacy and language development, mathematics, social-emotional development, purposeful play, and student engagement. Teachers are intentionally using rich conversations, open-ended questions, small-group instruction, purposeful learning centers, math talk, and hands-on experiences to move children forward.
Our goal is not simply to prepare children for the next grade—it is to develop confident communicators, thinkers, problem-solvers, and learners who are ready to successfully transition to kindergarten and beyond.
How Do We Measure Growth? Meet the DRDP!
Early Childhood uses the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), an observation-based assessment designed for young children. Rather than relying on a traditional paper-and-pencil test, teachers observe children during authentic classroom experiences, play, conversations, routines, small groups, and learning activities.
The DRDP helps us understand where each child is developmentally and monitor growth in important areas such as language and literacy, mathematics/cognition, approaches to learning, and social-emotional development. Teachers use this information to plan instruction, differentiate learning experiences, identify areas needing additional support, and celebrate children's progress throughout the year.
Families, Mark Your Calendars!
October 9 — Family Workshop & Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Join us for a day of family learning, interactive activities, cultural celebration, and lunch as we celebrate the diversity that makes our Early Childhood community special.
October 14 — NEW! Daddy Drop-In Day
We are excited to introduce our first Daddy Drop-In Day! Dads, grandfathers, stepdads, uncles, adult brothers, mentors, and other important male role models are invited into our classrooms to learn, play, read, create, and connect alongside their children.
We are looking forward to seeing our families and continuing to grow together!
Growing Together — Students • Families • Staff • Community
Rooted in Purpose. Rising in Excellence.
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SAFETY & SECURITY TEAM SPOTLIGHT — EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
As we continue through the school year, we want to recognize the outstanding work taking place throughout our Safety & Security Department. Special kudos to Seyborn Billings for his quick response, sound judgment, and compassionate action in assisting a young man who was experiencing a difficult situation. Seyborn demonstrated that school security is about more than maintaining a safe environment—it is also about recognizing when a student needs help and being willing to step in and make a difference. We also proudly recognize Marniyah McCarter for the exceptional relationships she continues to build with our students. Marniyah has a special ability to motivate students, hold them accountable, keep them on track, and show them genuine care—all at the same time. The bonds she develops with students remind us that some of our greatest tools in school safety are trust, communication, consistency, and positive relationships. Seyborn and Marniyah, outstanding work—keep making a difference!
To every member of our Safety & Security team, we commend you for the tremendous job you have done to date this school year. Your professionalism, vigilance, teamwork, patience, and commitment to our students, staff, and schools do not go unnoticed. Every hallway interaction, student conversation, incident response, building check, and helping hand contributes to a safer and more supportive learning environment. Remember, we are not simply securing buildings—we are building relationships, setting examples, providing guidance, and helping create an environment where students can learn, grow, and succeed. Continue supporting one another, remain professional and consistent, and take pride in the important work you perform every day. Keep up the great work—One Team, One Mission, and One Commitment to Safety!
— Director & Assistant Director of Safety & Security
Kankakee School District 111
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The Public & Community Relations Department is working hard to capture and share the hope happening throughout KSD111! Through photos, videos, and storytelling, our team is highlighting the people, programs, and moments that make our district special. This year, we’re having fun with a new series, Kankakee Is Home, featuring KSD alumni who chose to stay in the community and serve locally in public service. We’re also continuing our Moments That Matter series, with a special focus on celebrating our amazing students and the experiences that help them learn, grow, and thrive.
Ryan Pietraszewski and Brian Prairie continue to serve as the district’s photographers and videographers, capturing the everyday excellence happening across our district. Through the AIM High student worker program, they are also helping train five student workers in photography, videography, and media production, providing valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to develop real-world skills. From sharing student success stories to celebrating the people who make Kankakee home, our team is proud to help tell the story of KSD111 and bring Hope in Action to life!
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Mark Twain Primary School proudly serves students in Pre-K through 3rd grade, providing a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive.
Our school offers unique learning opportunities, including:
Dual Language Program (K–3): Developing bilingualism, biliteracy, and an appreciation for diverse cultures.
College and Career Academy (CCA): Introducing our second-grade students to college and career pathways through hands-on learning and career exploration.
Living and Learning Programs: Two specialized programs providing individualized instruction and support to meet students' diverse learning needs.
Academic Excellence: Building strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Whole-Child Development: Promoting social-emotional learning, positive relationships, and a safe, supportive school culture.
At Mark Twain, we believe every child deserves to feel valued, challenged, and supported. Our dedicated staff works collaboratively with families to develop confident learners, celebrate student achievements, and prepare every child for future success.
Together We Make the Difference!
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Stay up to date on everything happening across KSD111 by visiting our district website and checking ParentSquare regularly! Be sure to view the district calendar for important dates, events, and upcoming activities.
To find your child’s school-specific calendar, simply select their school from the menu at the top of our website. Stay informed, stay connected, and never miss a moment that matters!
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KTown Bookstore is Open!
Need Kays gear or school spirit items? Stop by the KTown Bookstore, conveniently located at the front of Kankakee High School.
Kankakee High School
1200 W. Jeffery St.
Kankakee, IL 60901
When you arrive, look for the entrance at the front of the building with the KTown logo and "Bookstore" displayed on the window.
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Join Kankakee School District 111 for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday, October 16, as we come together to celebrate our stories, cultures, and contributions.
Friday, October 16, 2026
6:00–8:30 PM
Lincoln Cultural Center
240 Warren Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901
Bring your family and community spirit as we celebrate the rich cultures and traditions that help make our Kankakee community special.
We hope to see you there!
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KSD families and community members are encouraged to attend and stay connected
with the work of Kankakee School District 111.
All meetings begin at 7:00 PM
October 13 — Mark Twain Elementary
November 9 — Avis Huff
December 14 — Taft Elementary
We encourage families, staff, and community members to attend Board of Education meetings and
stay informed about our district and schools.
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Parents & Guardians – We encourage you to download the ParentSquare app! This will be our district’s main platform for communication with families and teachers.
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The Kays Mart Food Pantry is open and here for you!
Families across Kankakee County are welcome to stop by and pick up essential food items—completely free of charge.
Open Tuesday–Thursday
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Avis Huff Student Support Services Center
Please use Door 8 (located in the back)
If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, we’re here.
No cost, no judgment—just care for our community.
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Some Kays leave our halls and go on to serve their community in incredible ways. And sometimes, they get the chance to come back to where it all started.
Meet Mitchell Ledbetter, aka Broke Dusty, a KSD alumnus and current Kankakee USPS employee who took time out of his day to return to KJHS and spend some time with students; including making a special visit to his son.
From walking these halls as a student to serving the community he calls home, Mitchell is a reminder that being a Kay doesn’t end when you graduate.
It’s about where you go, who you become, and the ways you continue to show up for your community.
Serving Where It Started.
Hope Starts Here. Hope Starts with YOU.
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