Flossmoor School District 161

#ICYMI Earlier this week, our fourth and fifth graders, took the stage for a special pajama themed orchestra concert, and it was every bit as adorable as it was impressive. From the first note to the final bow, students showed off their growing musical skills, focus, and confidence, all while performing in their coziest PJs. A big thank you to Mr. Calhoon for nurturing these talents, and giving our students the opportunity to learn, practice, and shine. His passion for encouraging his students shows in each new skill the students develop. A special thank you to Mr. Diller for accompanying the concert on piano.

Looking for a fun way to support your child’s early math learning?
Join our Math Magic Family program at Homewood Science Center!
Families complete short, hands-on math activities together during STEM Saturdays—and every visit earns a raffle entry for a Lakeshore Learning math kit!
Saturdays | 10–11 AM
👶 Ages 3–8 with parent or caregiver
📍 Homewood Science Center
Free. Fun. Meaningful learning.
#MathMagicFamily #EarlyMathMatters #STEMForAll

Looking for some family fun on Friday afternoons? Make a plan to swing by the Homewood Science Center for their Family Friday event from 3:00-6:00 pm.
More information can be found by clicking the link below.
https://www.homewoodsciencecenter.org/event-details/family-friday-2026-01-16-15-00

Happy New Year! #ICYMI We’re proud to celebrate community and culture in Flossmoor School District 161 💚✨ Charleigh and Jayson, along with their parents, had the honor of lighting the 5th candle of Kwanzaa with the Village of Flossmoor. This was a very meaningful moment of unity, pride, and togetherness. Thank you Smith family!

It’s New Year’s Eve. While you’re thinking about what’s next in 2026, take a moment to plan something fun and educational for your family. Save the date and join us for the District STEAM Night, where curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning come together. More details coming soon!

Last night, Dr. Smith, Superintendent of Flossmoor School District 161, and David Linnear, School Board President, were honored to light the candle for the fourth day of Kwanzaa representing Ujamaa (cooperative economics). Ujamaa reminds us of the importance of building, supporting and sustaining our community so that everyone can thrive together. They extend their sincere thanks to the Village of Flossmoor for the invitation to take part in this meaningful celebration.

Looking for a simple and fun way to keep your child’s reading and math skills sharp over Winter Break, encourage independent learning, and earn a chance to win a gift card while still enjoying time off? Take our Winter Break Learning Challenge by clicking the link below!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1saOUpkx9nfQCCl-J9U3SSkQwB4M6M3p1/view

We hope you're enjoying your winter break. Be sure to catch up on all of your District 161 news by clicking the link below!
https://conta.cc/4b3wNiM

Save the date for the 2nd annual District 161 Steam Night! February 12, 2026
6:30-7:30 at Parker Junior High.

Students at Parker Junior High were in for a real treat today. Whitson’s Food Service welcomed Chef Cam Dangerfield to campus to introduce a new chicken sandwich, and the excitement was real when students learned it would soon be added to the menu.

Chef Cam isn’t just any chef; a two-time Food Network champion who has won both Chopped and Cutthroat Kitchen and has appeared on MasterChef. Known for bold flavors and a creative approach to comfort food, Chef Cam shared his passion for cooking and gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how great meals come together.

A big thank-you to Whitson’s for bringing this memorable experience to Parker and for continuing to find fun, engaging ways to connect students with the food they enjoy.

We hope families make plans to swing by the Flossmoor Library on Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. for a lively musical performance for kids. You might even get lucky and walk away with a tasty treat. A great way to start the weekend together.
The Flossmoor Library is located at 1000 Sterling Avenue.

Don't forget! Friday is a School Improvement Day, and all SD161 students have an early dismissal.

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.

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.

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.

Herbicide Application Notification:

On Saturday and Sunday, November 22nd and 23rd, 2025, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will apply herbicide and fertilizer to the field areas at Flossmoor Hills and Parker Junior High School. 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 the district lawns.

If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.

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.

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.