Flossmoor School District 161

Flossmoor School District 161 will join the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in the eleventh statewide survey of school climate and learning conditions. The survey provides a unique opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to have a voice in improving their schools. From January 30, 2024, through March 29, 2024, students and teachers will be asked to take a 30-minute research-based survey to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their school’s learning environment. The parent survey supplement will also be administered during the same survey window. These surveys will serve as an opportunity for schools to reflect on progress since the last statewide implementation. https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois/5e/2023/ Thank you for your participation!

Happy Black History Month! Flossmoor School District 161 is excited to kick off the month with gratitude and honor for the rich tapestry of Black heritage, resilience, and achievements. Throughout February, we invite our school community to join us in commemorating the invaluable contributions of Black individuals to history, culture, and progress. Let's explore, learn, and amplify the voices and stories that shape our collective narrative together. Stay tuned as we highlight the events, projects, and activities throughout the month at each school in our district.

Meet the biggest fans of all of our Flossmoor School District 161 super spellers. Good luck students. District Spelling 🐝 happening now!

Good luck to all students participating in the Flossmoor School District 161 District Spelling Bee. Tonight! 6 pm Hosted at Parker Junior High G-O-O-D-L-U-C-K

Did you know Flossmoor Baseball and Softball is open to all School District 161 students ages 4 and up? Visit Flossmoorbbsb.com for registration and contact information. The benefits of this team building sport last a lifetime! Play ball!

Dr. Smith was over at Flossmoor Hills today engaging with students from the Principal Advisory Committee. The students asked thoughtful questions about afterschool activities, academics, and school culture. Thank you to the staff at Flossmoor Hills for the opportunity to connect. #superintendentonthemove

Tonight’s Parent University focusing on Maintaining Strong Connections will now be taking place via Zoom. Please follow the link below to attend. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9583817339?pwd=ZnFmVXVkSE5vMVJzNmVQQUJWWGRydz09

Dr. Smith's district tour continued yesterday with a stop at Parker Junior High. He was a welcome guest at the PJHS student council meeting. He engaged students in thoughtful and meaningful conversations. Thank you to Ms. Chandler, Ms. Kerr, and the fabulous students for the warm welcome!

Parker Junior High staff member Ms. Dewey and some of her students have decided to extend their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service project through the end of January! Simply purchase items from the list below and drop them off in the vestibule at PJH. All donated items will be brought to Anew at the end of the month. Personal care *Hair bonnets                                    *Hair clips                                       *Toothpaste/toothbrushes(adults, children)            *Body wash(teenage girls, boys, women) Cleaning supplies                                *Disinfectant wipes       *Laundry detergent *Dish liquid Gift cards *Walgreens, Walmart, Gas cards, Visa gift cards

Tonight’s Parent University focusing on Building Stress Awareness and Understanding Burnout will now be taking place via Zoom.  The session will take place from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Please follow the link below to attend. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9583817339?pwd=ZnFmVXVkSE5vMVJzNmVQQUJWWGRydz09#success

Parker Junior High was the place to be yesterday! So much activity in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Well done to all of the students, staff, and volunteers.

There wasn't an empty seat in the Serena Hills House yesterday! The community came out in huge numbers despite the freezing temperatures. Thank you for your service to your community.

Flossmoor Hills was alive with energy yesterday making cards for the Veterans who live in the Illinois, Manteno Veterans Home. The hot chocolate was a nice treat to keep us warm on such a chilly day!

The Heather Hill School community worked hand in hand with Destiny Watson of You Matter Two. This project had a waiting list of over 75 volunteers! We enjoyed seeing the lunches being assembled and the blanket construction! Well done!

Western Avenue School was a flurry of activity yesterday. The cold temperatures didn't stop any of the volunteers from making a difference.

We loved seeing all the ways you chose to make yesterday a DAY ON in celebration and recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stay tuned to our social media all day for photos of your outstanding community service!

All Flossmoor District 161 buildings will be closed on Tuesday, January 16th, due to the extremely cold temperatures. Students will participate in their learning activities from home. The school day will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m. Teachers will share coursework and Zoom meeting links through the Canvas Learning Management System. Students in early childhood and kindergarten previously brought home packets and materials to complete. If you have any questions regarding the schedule for the day, please contact your child’s teacher or building principal. We anticipate returning to in-person learning on Wednesday, January 17.

All Flossmoor District 161 buildings will be closed on Friday, January 12th due to inclement weather. Students will participate in their learning activities from home. The school day will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m. Teachers will share coursework and Zoom meeting links through the Canvas Learning Management System. Students in early childhood and kindergarten previously brought home packets and materials to complete. If you have any questions regarding the schedule for the day, please contact your child’s teacher or building principal. As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 15th. We are also anticipating dangerously cold temperatures on Tuesday, January 16th, so please be on the lookout for additional information that will be emailed to all District 161 families and posted on all school websites as needed.

We are excited to return after the winter break. School District 161 Superintendent, Dr. Dana Smith, has organized visits with students at each school post-break. His initial visit took place at Western Avenue Elementary, where he met with the Alpha Pups led by the inspirational Ms. Manaher. Alpha Pups consist of 3rd, 4th, 5th grade students who have applied to serve as peer mentors for those struggling with friendship related issues, test anxiety, and other common challenges. This dedicated group meets weekly to collaborate, share ideas, and address issues faced by their mentees. We applaud Ms. Manaher and the Alpha Pups for their commendable efforts. Keep up the excellent work.

Join members of the girls and boys Homewood Flossmoor High School Wrestling teams on Monday, January 15 from 11am - 1pm for two pop-in opportunities for students grades K-8. Details in the post below!