Today we celebrate Education Support Professionals Day! Behind every successful school day is a team of dedicated staff making sure everything runs smoothly. They drive buses, care for students’ bumps and scrapes, prepare meals, maintain classrooms, and support students in countless ways, often without recognition. Their hard work and dedication keep our schools thriving and our students safe and cared for. Join us in thanking these everyday heroes for all they do to make education possible.
The District is working with Studer Education to help strengthen our systems and support even better experiences and outcomes for our students, staff, and school community. Our survey is open from November 14 to 29, 2025, and we invite parents and guardians to complete one for each child enrolled in District 161. Please check your email for the survey link and take a few moments to share your feedback.
Our friends at Flossmoor Public Library are hosting a Youth Winter Makers Market, and there are still a few spots left! Makers ages 10–18 can apply to make and sell their creations on November 29. The market will be open to the public from 2–4 p.m., so it’s a great chance for young entrepreneurs to showcase their work.
Apply today using the QR code on the flyer or contact the Youth Services Desk at 708-798-3600 for more information.
Apply today using the QR code on the flyer or contact the Youth Services Desk at 708-798-3600 for more information.
Saturday, November 15, is School Board Member Day, and we are proud to recognize the dedicated individuals who guide the vision of Flossmoor School District 161. We are grateful for the time, care, and thoughtful leadership they bring to our schools each and every day. Their commitment strengthens our classrooms, supports our staff, and helps ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Please share your thanks in the comments below for these outstanding community members.
Take the Whitsons School Dining Program Survey!
We’ve had a wonderful day in Flossmoor School District 161, recognizing Veterans Day. Our schools were filled with music, presentations, and heartfelt tributes through performances and slide shows honoring the brave men and women who have served our country.
In addition to celebrating, at a few of our schools, students and staff collected food for the Greater Chicago Food Depository and raised funds for the Disabled Veterans Foundation. Across the district, Veterans were honored not just today but every day, with families joining in and staff members who are Veterans recognized for their service.
It was a truly meaningful day of gratitude and community.
In addition to celebrating, at a few of our schools, students and staff collected food for the Greater Chicago Food Depository and raised funds for the Disabled Veterans Foundation. Across the district, Veterans were honored not just today but every day, with families joining in and staff members who are Veterans recognized for their service.
It was a truly meaningful day of gratitude and community.
Please take a moment to read the Flossmoor School District 161 e-newsletter for the latest updates, stories, and information from across our district. Including information about the Cyber-safety event at PJH, tonight at 6:00 p.m.
https://conta.cc/3X3D5qq
TOMORROW!
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and guardians to a special parent forum, “Keeping Our Kids Cyber Safe,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Parker Junior High School.
Join guest presenter Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) from the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team for an informative session on protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and guardians to a special parent forum, “Keeping Our Kids Cyber Safe,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Parker Junior High School.
Join guest presenter Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) from the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team for an informative session on protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Today we pause to honor all who have served our country. Your courage and sacrifice inspire us every day. A special thank you to our staff members who have served, as well as the parents, guardians, and family members of our SD161 community who are veterans.
Tomorrow our schools will recognize and celebrate our veterans in a variety of meaningful ways. Stay tuned for photos and highlights from across the district.
Tomorrow our schools will recognize and celebrate our veterans in a variety of meaningful ways. Stay tuned for photos and highlights from across the district.
On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, November 8th, 9th, and 10th, 2025, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will apply an herbicide and a fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Avenue, and Parker Junior High. The products to be used for this application are The Andersons Turf Products Fertilizer with Barricade Herbicide and Trimec 992 Broadleaf Herbicide. These products comprise a selective broadleaf herbicide and a lawn fertilizer to control weeds/dandelions in these areas and to fertilize all district lawns.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
A friendly reminder!
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and guardians to a special parent forum, “Keeping Our Kids Cyber Safe,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Parker Junior High School.
Join guest presenter Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) from the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team for an informative session on protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Join guest presenter Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) from the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team for an informative session on protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Spotted! A group of our SD161 students trick-or-treating last night. We hope everyone had a wonderful time and we look forward to seeing you on Monday.
Chief Candy Inspector, Dr. Smith, wishes all who celebrate a safe and Happy Halloween.
Take note of the tips below if you plan to head out this evening to trick-or-treat:
🎃 Be Visible:
Make sure your child wears costumes with reflective tape or bright colors, and they carry a flashlight or glow stick to help them be seen by drivers and others in the dark. If using a mask, ensure it doesn’t obstruct their vision or breathing.
👻 Stick to Sidewalks and Cross at Crosswalks: Encourage your child to walk on the sidewalks and cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Avoid darting between parked cars, and always look both ways before crossing.
Smash those pumpkins sustainably!
Join the Southland Green Committee on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Coyote Run Golf Course parking lot for Flossmoor’s annual Pumpkin Smash event. Instead of tossing your jack-o’-lanterns, give them a second life by turning them into compost that helps our environment.
Let’s break down pumpkins, not the planet—see you Saturday!
Join the Southland Green Committee on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Coyote Run Golf Course parking lot for Flossmoor’s annual Pumpkin Smash event. Instead of tossing your jack-o’-lanterns, give them a second life by turning them into compost that helps our environment.
Let’s break down pumpkins, not the planet—see you Saturday!
Smash those pumpkins sustainably!
Join the Southland Green Committee on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Coyote Run Golf Course parking lot for Flossmoor’s annual Pumpkin Smash event. Instead of tossing your jack-o’-lanterns, give them a second life by turning them into compost that helps our environment.
Let’s break down pumpkins, not the planet—see you Saturday!
Join the Southland Green Committee on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Coyote Run Golf Course parking lot for Flossmoor’s annual Pumpkin Smash event. Instead of tossing your jack-o’-lanterns, give them a second life by turning them into compost that helps our environment.
Let’s break down pumpkins, not the planet—see you Saturday!
Did you know that yesterday was National First Responders Day?
We want to take a moment to recognize and thank the incredible first responders from both the Villages of Flossmoor and Chicago Heights for all they do for our schools and communities.
Whether they’re responding to an emergency, joining us for a Trunk or Treat, or teaching our students about fire safety, we are so grateful for the time, care, and dedication they show every day.
Thank you for always showing up and keeping our communities safe!
Save the Date!
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and guardians to a special parent forum, “Keeping Our Kids Cyber Safe,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Parker Junior High School.
Join guest presenter Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) from the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team for an informative session on protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Last week was National Principals Week, a time to celebrate the outstanding leaders who guide our schools every day. Our principals know that great leadership is a team effort, so they also wanted to recognize their incredible assistant principals.
Together, they make the dream work by leading with heart, teamwork, and a shared commitment to helping every student and staff member succeed. We are grateful for all they do to make our schools shine.
Together, they make the dream work by leading with heart, teamwork, and a shared commitment to helping every student and staff member succeed. We are grateful for all they do to make our schools shine.
Save the Date!
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and guardians to a special parent forum, “Keeping Our Kids Cyber Safe,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Parker Junior High School.
Join guest presenter Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) from the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team for an informative session on protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
Additional details coming soon!
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and guardians to a special parent forum, “Keeping Our Kids Cyber Safe,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Parker Junior High School.
Join guest presenter Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) from the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team for an informative session on protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
Additional details coming soon!
