As Summer Academy begins this week, we invite you to take a walk down memory lane. Enjoy a look back at some of our favorite moments from the school year filled with learning, growth, and connection.
Summer is in full swing, and that means it's the perfect time to clean out those closets. As you get ready for the new school year, gather up any gently used SD 161 spirit wear and drop it off at the Flossmoor Library between July 7-August 23. Items will be sorted and prepped for the Spirit Wear Swap. Then come back to shop the free swap at the Back to School Bash on Friday, August 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Flossmoor Park.
📣 IMPORTANT REMINDER
All families must register and/or prove residency before class assignments are issued in August.
Once sections become full, late registrants may be placed at another school in the district.
✅ Register now to secure your child’s spot!
Begin your registration by visiting www.sd161.org
Flossmoor School District 161 Registration Open for 2025-26! 📣 Whether new to the district or returning, it's time to register your student for the upcoming school year! 🆕 New Students (Grades K–8) Step 1: Complete the New Student Contact Form. https://www.sd161.org/page/new-student-registration2 Step 2: Review the enrollment checklist (birth certificate, health records, etc.). Step 3: Submit registration forms and proof of residency via email to newstudent2526@sd161.org. Need Help? Contact the District Office at (708) 647-7000. 🔁 Returning Students Step 1: Log in to Skyward Family Access to complete registration. Step 2: Submit residency documents if requested by the school. Need Help? Contact your child’s school for assistance.
Welcome, Mr. Ford, to Western Avenue!
The Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education is pleased to announce Mr. Mario Ford as the next principal at Western Avenue School. Out of an initial pool of 65 candidates, the stakeholder committee, comprising 20 individuals including teachers, parents, administrators, and School Board members, interviewed seven [7] applicants in Round 1 before proceeding with the top two [2] candidates for Round 2. Mr. Ford was unanimously approved at the Board of Education meeting on June 9, 2025.
With regard to the appointment of the new principal, District 161 Superintendent, Dr. Dana Smith, stated, “I am excited for Mr. Ford to join Western Avenue School! He is a strong leader who will make a positive impact on the school community because of his commitment to children and his high expectations for the performance of the school.”
Mr. Mario Ford brings two [2] years of administrative experience as an Assistant Principal at Parker Junior High, one [1] year as a Dean of Culture, and multiple years teaching ELA, elementary school, and coaching basketball. Mr. Ford believes that his varied experiences have prepared him for the role as leader of Western Avenue School. Mr. Ford received his Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Jacksonville State University and his Master of Arts in Teaching, Middle Level Education from National Louis University. He is currently completing a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois - Chicago. Mr. Ford is looking forward to getting to know the students, staff, and families of Western Avenue School!
David Linnear stated, “As President of the Board of Education, I am proud to welcome Mr. Ford to Western Avenue Elementary School. His vision, experience, and passion for equity and excellence align with the values of our district. We are confident he will be a strong and inspiring leader for our students, families, and staff.”
What a great first week it's been at Summer Academy. Ms. Loyd wants to gently remind everyone that Fridays are always off. Wishing our students and families a restful day tomorrow. See you Monday.
Midweek milestone! We’re seeing confidence grow, creativity shine, and curiosity take the lead.
Students are leaning into challenges and supporting each other as they LEVEL UP their thinking.
Stay tuned for more moments from the week. You won’t want to miss how far these learners go!
Flossmoor School District 161 Registration Now Open for 2025-26! 📣
Whether new to the district or returning, it's time to register your student for the upcoming school year!
🆕 New Students (Grades K–8)
Step 1: Complete the New Student Contact Form. https://www.sd161.org/page/new-student-registration2
Step 2: Review the enrollment checklist (birth certificate, health records, etc.).
Step 3: Submit registration forms and proof of residency via email to newstudent2526@sd161.org.
Need Help? Contact the District Office at (708) 647-7000.
🔁 Returning Students
Step 1: Log in to Skyward Family Access to complete registration.
Step 2: Submit residency documents if requested by the school.
Need Help? Contact your child’s school for assistance.
Day 2 of Summer Academy, and our students are already hitting their stride!
They’re tackling new challenges, building on yesterday’s progress, and showing us what it means to LEVEL UP!
Thanks to all for a fabulous Day 2!
It’s officially Day 1 of Summer Academy — and we’re ready to LEVEL UP!
Students are arriving soon, breakfast will be served, and the learning adventures will begin.
📌 A few reminders:
✅ Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
✅ Breakfast is available each morning
✅ There is no on-site registration — only pre-registered students may attend
❌ Parents and guardians will not be allowed to enter the building
Let’s get off to a strong start! We’re excited about a summer of growth, learning, and fun.
It’s almost time to LEVEL UP!
Summer Academy kicks off tomorrow, and we’re ready to help our students grow their skills, stretch their thinking, and have some fun along the way.
✅ Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
✅ Drop-off and pick-up details were shared with families
❌ Registration is closed, and walk-ins are not allowed
Let’s get ready to start strong and LEVEL UP! See you in the morning!
Boredom already? Say no more. The Flossmoor Public Library has a calendar full of fun just waiting for your SD 161 child. Crafts, games, stories, and more happen every week. Check it out and make some library magic happen.
https://flossmoor.librarycalendar.com/events/month?age_groups%5B3%5D=3&age_groups%5B2%5D=2
Get your answers for the beginning of Summer Academy by looking through the parent presentation. https://5il.co/3ihqt
We look forward to seeing your student on Monday!
Level Up at Summer Academy starting Monday!
We are excited to welcome our students to Summer Academy, which begins this Monday, June 9, 2025. Get ready to level up your learning in a fun and supportive environment.
Here are a few important reminders to help you prepare for the first day:
Summer Academy runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Please drop off students at Parker Junior High using the School Street entrance.
Pick-up will occur at 11:30 a.m., and students are dismissed from door J. Please use the school street entrance to the parking lot.
Please note that registration for Summer Academy is now closed. We are unable to accept any new students on Monday, and parents will not be able to enter the building to register. Thank you for understanding as we work to ensure a smooth and safe start for all of our enrolled students.
We can’t wait to see all our students ready to grow, explore, and level up this summer!
There were miles of smiles at the District 161 End of the Year Party last night. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such a special celebration. We wish all our students, staff, and families a wonderful last day of school. Have a safe, relaxing, and fun summer.
Join us today for the Flossmoor School District 161 End-of-Year Party! Enjoy music, games, and delicious food available for purchase. Rain or shine — we’ll see you at Parker Junior High from 5 to 7 p.m.!
Join us this THURSDAY for the Flossmoor School District 161 End-of-Year Party!
Enjoy music, games, and delicious food available for purchase.
Rain or shine — we’ll see you at Parker Junior High from 5 to 7 p.m.!
Reminder: There will be no school on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. As we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday. We invite you to join members of the Parker Junior High band at the Veterans Memorial, located at 18161 Morris Avenue in Homewood, for a ceremony honoring our fallen heroes. The ceremony will begin at 10:15 a.m.
Reminder: There will be no school on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
As we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.
We invite you to join members of the Parker Junior High band at the Veterans Memorial, located at 18161 Morris Avenue in Homewood, for a ceremony honoring our fallen heroes. The ceremony will begin at 10:15 a.m.
We hope to see you at the Flossmoor School District 161 End of the Year party at Parker Junior High on Thursday, May 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.
*The event will happen rain or shine!
