Flossmoor School District 161

Thank you, Flossmoor School District 161, for making this #solareclipse2024 enriching and fun. We observed an increase in wind speed and a drop in temperatures during the eclipse!

Solar eclipse happening today. Flossmoor School District 161 has been working to hard to prepare special lessons and activities related to the eclipse. The district has also made sure students K-8 have access to glasses so they can safely view this twice in a lifetime event. Visit https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/travel-inspiration/your-2024-illinois-solar-eclipse-guide/ for a complete guide to the 2024 eclipse!

Read more about our Parker Junior High National History Day qualifiers here! In addition to thanking Mrs. ODwyer, Flossmoor School District 161 would like to also thank Sarah Rudenga, Emily Nicotra, Huda Hussein, and Katherine Garland for supporting this project and propelling our students toward success! https://www.hfchronicle.com/2024/04/04/parker-students-qualify-for-national-history-day-competition/

Flossmoor School District 161 proudly hosted the 4th annual Diversity Dinner, bringing together parents, families, and staff for an evening of connection and delicious food. Thanks to Catherine Ross-Cook, our incredible event facilitator from Homewood Flossmoor High School, for guiding us through meaningful conversations on diversity. Special appreciation goes out to Amabel Crawford, Deborah Dunwoody, and Karen French for their dedication to coordinating this meaningful event. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all our staff and families who joined us, making the evening truly unforgettable. Here's to embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity together!

The Flossmoor School District 161 Diversity Dinner is happening tonight! We look forward to seeing all our families who have registered for this event. See you tonight!

We hope you had an excellent first day back to school after break. All of our buildings were buzzing with activity. As you get back into the swing of your routine, don't forget to consider signing up for Summer Academy. Registration is open until May 3. Details can be found by visiting sd161.org.

Please take part in the 5 Essentials Parent Survey and provide valuable feedback that will be utilized for School Improvement. The survey window will close on March 29, 2024. You can access the survey by clicking the link below. https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/?target_name=parent Thank you on behalf of everyone at Flossmoor School District 161

Flossmoor School District 161 is pleased to share with you the achievements of eight exceptional students. On March 16th, 2024, the students below participated in the 34th Annual IMSA Junior High Math Contest. This was the first time Flossmoor School District 161 students participated in the contest. These scholars exhibited their passion for mathematics to the fullest. Congratulations to the following students: • George Airey (Western Ave), Connor Boyko (Parker Junior High), Kristiana-Faith Brown (Parker Junior High), Elliott Chan (Parker Junior High), Avery Cheung (Western Ave), Isaac Hernandez (Parker Junior High), Jackson Symowicz (Western Ave), and Josiah Turpeau (Parker Junior High) won 2nd place in the team portion of the contest. • Jackson Symowicz and Kristiana-Faith Brown also won 4th place in the Creative Thinking portion of the contest. Flossmoor School District 161 would like to thank Ms. Emma Hanzelin, the ACE teacher for Western Avenue Elementary School, for her invaluable support and guidance of our students!

Let's write an EQUATION for Math Night success: Serena Hills edition! When you ADD the dedicated Serena Hills staff to the super fun Serena Hills families, then SUBTRACT distractions, and MULTIPLY loads of fun, you get a night filled with mathematical wonders! There's never a shortage of engaging activities in Flossmoor School District 161, and Math Night at Serena Hills Elementary was no exception.

"Maybe" you missed it, but Western Avenue School stole the spotlight last week with its enchanting production of Annie Kids! As parents and families settled into their seats, whispers of "I Think I'm Going to Like it Here" filled the gymnasium. The directors felt like they were dancing down "Easy Street" as they took the final bow after the second performance. Flossmoor School District 161 extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff who made this magical production possible. Mrs. Valerie Pasqua, Assistant Directors Ms. Emma Hanzelin, and Ms. Amanda Watson gifted our students with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for nurturing our students' talents and reminding them, "You're never Fully Dressed Without a Smile."

At Flossmoor Hills, it's clear our staff and students are all about books! Just take a peek at their book fair – it's buzzing with excitement. You'll see shelves stacked high with all sorts of reads, tempting everyone to dive in and get lost in a good book! As a reminder, Spring Break begins March 25th, and classes resume April 1 (no fooling!)

Spring break for Flossmoor School District 161 from March 25-29. Classes resume on April 1

Please devote a few minutes today to discussing school communications. The survey closes on March 25th! https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt

Early Entrance applications for the 2024-25 school year are due by April 1, 2024. Additional information about early entrance can be found here: https://www.sd161.org/o/flossmoor-sd161/page/early-entrance Please contact the Department of Learning and Instruction at 708-647-7017 if you have any questions.

Students in Flossmoor School District 161 often engage in projects that encourage kindness, empathy, and friendship. On this #throwbackthursday, we draw your attention to a buddy bracelet project at Western Avenue School in February. #KindnessCounts #cooltobekind

Our students were hard at work last week constructing traps throughout the District in hopes of catching the elusive leprechaun just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Despite the clever efforts, that mischievous trickster managed to elude capture once again this year. However, in a surprising turn of events, he left behind a DIY trail mix bar for the Parker Junior High staff. Please share your inventive leprechaun traps below. 📸: Dr Smith

Support the Parker Junior High PTO and order your pie by 7pm tonight. You'll pick up your order in time for the holiday!

#ICYMI The Flossmoor Board of Education meeting was filled with recognition for staff and students! The Parker Junior High boys' basketball team and coaching staff were recognized for their phenomenal basketball season. The Board of Education also recognized staff members who received the Those Who Excel Award. The Illinois State Board of Education has presented the Those Who Excel program since 1970 to commend educators who have made noteworthy contributions to our elementary and junior high schools. Congratulations to all! • Dr. Gina Isabelli, Principal of Western Avenue School, is celebrated with the Special Recognition Award. • Gayle Dickerson, Student Support Personnel at Flossmoor Hills Elementary School, is acknowledged with the Meritorious Service Award. • Lesa Waishwell, a Western Avenue Elementary School teacher, is honored with the Special Recognition Award. • The Instructional Coaching Team from all buildings is recognized with the Meritorious Service Award. This team includes Nancy Larocca, Jennifer McLean, Amy Gehrt, Christina Bollenbacher, Tiffaney Washington, Stephanie Levy, and Alyssa Zajack. Lastly, the Board of Education awarded the third quarter recipients of the #ThoseWhoExcel award to Mr. Scott Stachacz, Director of Building and Grounds, who has served SD 161 for 10 years, and Mr. Dave Fox, Custodian Supervisor, who has served SD 161 for 17 years. The district thanks Mr. Stachacz and Mr. Fox for their exceptional service to our school community. Add your own message of congratulations to the comments below!

As a reminder, Tuesday, March 19, is an E-Learning Day. The E-Learning Day schedules for K-8 can be found by clicking the link. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZK1xJ3UmTekTBZAkpGLdp0SXcrp6gF3F/view  

Three great districts and one outstanding survey! Help us answer the question, "How are we doing with communication?" All staff, parents/guardians, and community members are invited to take a 15-minute confidential online survey now-March 25: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt