At Western Avenue, Dr. Ford does more than lead. He builds relationships, supports teachers and staff, celebrates student achievements and helps create a school community where Western Wolves can thrive.
Hear what members of the Western Avenue staff has to say about Dr. Ford:
“Whether he is jumping into problem-solver mode for students and staff or playing ball and giving out endless fist bumps at recess, Dr. Ford leads with genuine kindness. He brings care and dedication to our school community every single day.” Megan Mooney, Reading Specialist
“One of the many things I appreciate about Dr. Ford is his willingness to not only listen to our staff, but also problem solve to work through things. He is often saying, “How can I support you or help you in that?” He’s a sharp dresser too! ” Kelly Diffenderfer, 4th Grade Teacher
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Ford and thanking him for all he does for the Western Avenue School Community.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
We’re still sorting through photos from this fantastic performance, but we couldn’t wait to share a few highlights!
Congratulations to our talented students and everyone who helped bring this wonderful production to life!
The countdown is almost over! Tomorrow, our Flossmoor School District 161 families are invited to join us for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun!
👻 Thursday, October 29
🕟 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
Come dressed in your favorite costume, bring your family, and get ready for some Halloween fun with our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars!
🍬 Please bring one nonperishable food item to donate.
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 🎃
ALL IN for community. ALL IN for fun!
Regular attendance helps students build strong relationships, stay connected with classmates and teachers, and keep learning without missing important instruction.
We know life happens. But whenever possible, making school a priority gives students the best opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Every day in the classroom is a chance to make progress. Let’s work together to help our students be present, engaged, and ready to learn.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
Today we're celebrating our superintendent, Dr. Terrance Sanders, with a special birthday challenge, and we need YOUR help!
Introducing the ALL IN for Kindness Birthday Challenge!
Throughout the week of October 26–30, we're challenging our students, staff, families, and community members to celebrate Dr. Sanders by performing a random act of kindness!
Whether it's a helping hand, a thoughtful note, or a simple smile, every act of kindness makes a difference!
We want to hear from YOU! Did you spread a little kindness or experience someone's thoughtful gesture? Share your stories and photos in the comments, send us a DM, or email swright@sd161.org.
We'll wrap up the week by sharing the kindness this birthday celebration inspired throughout our school community!
Let's show Dr. Sanders what happens when District 161 goes ALL IN for kindness!
Happy Birthday, Dr. Sanders!
Students and families from across Flossmoor School District 161 are invited to join the fun. Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy a chance to connect with friends, meet other families, and celebrate Halloween together.
🍬 Admission: Bring one nonperishable food item to donate, and all students must be accompanied by an adult.
📅 Thursday, October 29
⏰ 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
We can’t wait to see our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars there!
ALL IN for a little Halloween fun! 🎃
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and caregivers to join us for our next Parent University on Wednesday, November 4, at Heather Hill Elementary School.
We are excited to welcome Detective Rich Wistocki, who will share valuable information about the online dangers facing children today and practical strategies families can use to help keep their children safe in an increasingly digital world.
The evening will begin with a Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, followed by Detective Wistocki's presentation.
Evening Schedule:
5:30–6:30 p.m. | BPAC Meeting
6:30–8:00 p.m. | Keeping Your Kids Cyber Safe with Detective Rich Wistocki
Location: Heather Hill Elementary School, 1439 Lawrence Crescent, Flossmoor
Dinner will be provided!
RSVP is required. Please use the link below to reserve your spot.
https://forms.gle/ouB83HyUQb4AM8Us6
We hope you'll join us for this important conversation as we work together to keep our children safe online.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
Heather Hill School is coming together to make a difference for those affected by cancer, and our school community can help in two ways!
💗 Think Pink Penny-Dollar War | October 21–29
Students can earn positive points for their grade level by donating silver coins to their own grade-level container or give other grades negative points by donating pennies or paper bills to their containers. The grade level with the highest total will win their choice of a popcorn or Italian ice treat!
On October 29, everyone is encouraged to wear pink for a schoolwide Think Pink Spirit Day!
💗 Think Pink Care Package Project
Heather Hill is also collecting contributions to help create 100 care packages for cancer patients in Olympia Fields. These thoughtful packages will bring comfort and support to local patients on their cancer journeys.
Funds collected through the Penny-Dollar War will benefit the Cancer Support Center and Project Kennedy, while the care package project will provide meaningful support to local patients.
Thank you to the Heather Hill community for showing what it means to care for others. Together, we can make a difference, one act of kindness at a time! 💗
October is Principal’s Month, and we’re celebrating the outstanding Principal who makes Serena Hills a special place to learn, grow, and belong!
At Serena Hills, Principal Elizabeth Reich does more than lead. She builds relationships, supports teachers and staff, celebrates student achievements, and helps create a school community where Stars can shine. This year marks her 35th year in education!
Hear what staff has to say about Ms. Reich. “We often say Serena Hills is a special place, and we wholeheartedly believe it. Principal Reich is a big part of what makes it so special. Her instructional expertise and ability to see possibilities others might miss have been central to our success over the past few years. Her impact goes far beyond instructional leadership. She recognizes the strengths of teachers and staff and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to our school. She believes unwaveringly that every student can learn at high levels and works to ensure each has the opportunities and support to succeed. She also makes time for joy—and hosts a mean game of “Name That Tune” that brings out everyone’s competitive spirit! She is the principal I hope my children have one day, the instructional leader I hope new teachers learn from, and the leader I aspire to become.” Assistant Principal Laura Rodriguez
“Ms. Reich leads Serena Hills with compassion and a genuine commitment to her students, staff, and families. She has a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. She remembers the little details, takes a personal interest in the lives of those around her, and makes a point to check in when someone is going through a difficult time. These thoughtful gestures speak volumes about the kind of person and leader she is. Her care for our school community goes beyond her role as principal–she makes each person feel that they truly matter.” Julie Huisman
Please join us in celebrating Ms. Reich and thanking her for all she does for the Serena Hills School Community.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Parker Junior High School students have been selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 1 Regional Band, Orchestra and Choir Festival!
Selected through a rigorous audition process that required students to submit audition videos, these musicians earned a place among students from more than 70 junior high schools in the region. What an honor!
OUR ILMEA HONOREES
Mason Thompson
8th Grade | Trumpet
PJH Band
Liesl McGathey
7th Grade | Violin
PJH Orchestra
Olivia Crawford-Jones
7th Grade | Soprano
PJH Chorus
These talented students will represent Parker Junior High at the ILMEA District 1 Band, Orchestra and Chorus Festival on Saturday, November 21, at Unity Junior High School in Cicero.
A special thank-you to our band, orchestra, and chorus directors for their guidance, encouragement, and dedication to our student musicians!
Way to go, Falcons!
At Parker Junior High, Principal Ursula Parris does more than lead. She builds relationships, supports teachers and staff, celebrates student achievements and helps create a school community where Falcons can thrive.
Here’s what Assistant Principal Dandurand had to say about Ms. Parris:
“Principal Parris leads with intention and grace. She is dedicated to student success and understands what it takes to support teachers to make growth happen. It's a pleasure to lead beside her!”
Please join us in celebrating Principal Parris and thanking her for all she does for the Parker Junior High community!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
Watch Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.), guest presenter with the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team, share important information about protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
An informative watch for parents and caregivers as we work together to keep our students safe, both online and offline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK2wUHdM1ks
One way to take action? Take the pledge through PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and commit to helping create a world where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
Whether it’s standing up for someone, including a classmate or speaking out when something isn’t right, small actions can make a difference.
Take the pledge: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/
Let’s be ALL IN for a school community where everyone belongs.
Through hard work, encouragement and a commitment to one another, our Falcons continued to grow both as runners and as teammates. We’re proud of the effort they put in, the progress they made this season.
A big thank-you to coaches Jordan Bratlien, Nakia Parchman, Bailey Golliday, and Katy Garland for their time, encouragement, and dedication to our student-athletes.
Congratulations runners!
