Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at Parker Junior High School for the presentation hosted by the Flossmoor School District 161 Community Engagement Committee and the Department of Learning and Instruction.
Director Amabel Crawford and Curriculum Coordinator, Christina Bollenbacher shared information and answered questions from our community.
We loved seeing such a great turnout, and especially appreciated all of the questions from those in attendance. Your questions and participation are an important part of these conversations.
This is what being ALL IN looks like, asking questions, participating, and staying engaged in the work happening across District 161!





Congratulations to the Parker Junior High Baseball team on their win last night over James Hart.
The Falcons advance in the regional tournament and will face off against Crete, today, at 4:15.
The game will be played at Lion's Club field in Homewood.
Come on out and cheer them on to victory!

EVERY DAY MATTERS.
When students come to school regularly, they have more opportunities to learn, ask questions, make connections, build friendships, participate in activities and be part of all the little moments that make school special.
And the numbers matter, too. Missing just 10% of the school year, about 18 days, is considered chronic absenteeism. Research shows that students who miss school regularly are more likely to experience academic challenges and fall behind.
We know that life happens. Kids get sick. Families face challenges. Sometimes an absence just can’t be avoided.
But when your child is healthy and able to be at school, please help them get there. Those days add up. And so do the opportunities they would otherwise miss.
Every day. Every connection. Every opportunity to learn.
It all matters.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
When students come to school regularly, they have more opportunities to learn, ask questions, make connections, build friendships, participate in activities and be part of all the little moments that make school special.
And the numbers matter, too. Missing just 10% of the school year, about 18 days, is considered chronic absenteeism. Research shows that students who miss school regularly are more likely to experience academic challenges and fall behind.
We know that life happens. Kids get sick. Families face challenges. Sometimes an absence just can’t be avoided.
But when your child is healthy and able to be at school, please help them get there. Those days add up. And so do the opportunities they would otherwise miss.
Every day. Every connection. Every opportunity to learn.
It all matters.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.

Parent Night: Standards-Based Grading
Join us tomorrow evening for a special Parent Night at Parker Junior High focused on standards-based grading and learning in District 161.
Parents and guardians will learn more about how standards-based learning supports student success and get practical tips and resources to support their students at home.
The evening will also include:
• Information about standards-based learning in SD161 schools
• Tips for supporting your student at home
• Student binders
• BPAC sign-up
• A D’s Cookies raffle
• Community resources and local organizations offering support and services
• A special Hispanic Heritage Month celebration sponsored by the SD161 BPAC
Wednesday, September 23
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Parker Junior High School, 2810 School Street
We hope you’ll join us for an informative and family-friendly evening. Let’s celebrate learning together!
Join us tomorrow evening for a special Parent Night at Parker Junior High focused on standards-based grading and learning in District 161.
Parents and guardians will learn more about how standards-based learning supports student success and get practical tips and resources to support their students at home.
The evening will also include:
• Information about standards-based learning in SD161 schools
• Tips for supporting your student at home
• Student binders
• BPAC sign-up
• A D’s Cookies raffle
• Community resources and local organizations offering support and services
• A special Hispanic Heritage Month celebration sponsored by the SD161 BPAC
Wednesday, September 23
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Parker Junior High School, 2810 School Street
We hope you’ll join us for an informative and family-friendly evening. Let’s celebrate learning together!

Join us Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to noon for an engaging morning celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture and community.
The Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library are hosting this special celebration in partnership with the BPAC Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. Families are invited to come together for a morning of learning, connection and celebration.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month together!
The Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library are hosting this special celebration in partnership with the BPAC Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. Families are invited to come together for a morning of learning, connection and celebration.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month together!

⛳️ Good luck, Imani Green!
We’re cheering on Imani Green as she represents Parker Junior High at the State Golf Championship today! This marks Imani’s second consecutive year competing at State, an incredible accomplishment!
Imani will be competing at Metamora Fields Golf Course in Metamora, IL. We’re so proud of you, Imani, and can’t wait to see you represent Flossmoor School District 161 on the state stage!
Good luck, Imani!
Follow results and live scoring here:
https://www.iesa.org/activities/go/



There are two vacancies on the Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education due to the recent resignations of Mrs. Christina Vlietstra and Dr. Carolyn Griggs. Please see the attached document with an update on the process that the Board of Education is using to fill the vacancies.

Our Parker Junior High softball season came to a close yesterday, and we are proud of our girls and all they accomplished this season. They competed with determination, supported one another and represented Parker with pride every step of the way.
At the regional game, Maggie Goesel was recognized with the Sportsmanship Award, a wonderful honor that reflects the way she represented her team throughout the season. Congratulations, Maggie!
A big thank you to our softball coaches for the time, energy and encouragement they gave our athletes all season long, and to our parents and families for cheering the girls on every step of the way. Your support makes a difference!
At the regional game, Maggie Goesel was recognized with the Sportsmanship Award, a wonderful honor that reflects the way she represented her team throughout the season. Congratulations, Maggie!
A big thank you to our softball coaches for the time, energy and encouragement they gave our athletes all season long, and to our parents and families for cheering the girls on every step of the way. Your support makes a difference!


A quick calendar reminder, families!
There are two upcoming days when students will be out of school:
Friday, September 18
Teacher Institute Day
No school for students.
Monday, September 21
Yom Kippur Observed
No school for staff and students. The District Office will also be closed.
Be sure to mark your calendars!
There are two upcoming days when students will be out of school:
Friday, September 18
Teacher Institute Day
No school for students.
Monday, September 21
Yom Kippur Observed
No school for staff and students. The District Office will also be closed.
Be sure to mark your calendars!

National Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, and we’re excited to celebrate with our families and community!
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to noon for an engaging morning celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture and community.
The Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library are hosting this special celebration in partnership with the BPAC Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. Families are invited to come together for a morning of learning, connection and celebration.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month together!
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to noon for an engaging morning celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture and community.
The Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library are hosting this special celebration in partnership with the BPAC Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. Families are invited to come together for a morning of learning, connection and celebration.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month together!

Good luck to our Parker Junior High softball team as they take the field today in the sectional game!
This team has worked hard all season, and we couldn’t be more proud of everything they’ve accomplished. From an undefeated regular season to becoming Regional Champions, these girls have shown what it means to work together, compete and never give up.
Good luck, Falcons! We’re proud of you, on and off the field!
This team has worked hard all season, and we couldn’t be more proud of everything they’ve accomplished. From an undefeated regular season to becoming Regional Champions, these girls have shown what it means to work together, compete and never give up.
Good luck, Falcons! We’re proud of you, on and off the field!

Happy Monday Flossmoor School District 161!
Thank you to everyone that was out along the race course cheering on the Hidden Gem Half Marathon runners. Your enthusiasm made a big impact.
This is going to be a great week!






On Saturday and Sunday, September 12th and 13th, 2026, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will apply an herbicide and fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Ave, and Parker Junior High. The products that will be used for this application are The Andersons Turf Products Fertilizer with Barricade Herbicide, and Trimec 992 Broadleaf Herbicide. These products include a selective broadleaf herbicide and a lawn fertilizer to control weeds/dandelions in these areas and fertilize all district lawns.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz at (708) 647-7005.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz at (708) 647-7005.

Have you had a chance to visit the Obama Presidential Center Museum?
Cora and her mom visited the museum just 4 days after it opened. Imagine their surprise when they ran into PJH principal Ms. Parris!
Have a wonderful Thursday, Flossmoor School District 161.
Cora and her mom visited the museum just 4 days after it opened. Imagine their surprise when they ran into PJH principal Ms. Parris!
Have a wonderful Thursday, Flossmoor School District 161.


We can't wait to see you tomorrow! Back to School Bash, 5- 7 p.m. at Flossmoor Hills School.

Principal McNeil-Dobson and her favorite school mascot are here with your weekly edition of the Flossmoor Hills newsletter.
Take a peek, catch up on all the great things happening at school this week!
https://app.smore.com/n/put04
Take a peek, catch up on all the great things happening at school this week!
https://app.smore.com/n/put04

#ICYMI
Friday was all about COLLEGE COLORS at SD 161!
Our staff showed up in their college gear, representing the many colleges and universities that are part of our SD 161 family. From alma maters to favorite teams, we loved seeing everyone’s school spirit on display!
And with college football season officially kicking off Saturday, the timing couldn’t have been better. We hope you’re ready to cheer on your favorite team!
So, SD 161 — who are you rooting for this season?
Friday was all about COLLEGE COLORS at SD 161!
Our staff showed up in their college gear, representing the many colleges and universities that are part of our SD 161 family. From alma maters to favorite teams, we loved seeing everyone’s school spirit on display!
And with college football season officially kicking off Saturday, the timing couldn’t have been better. We hope you’re ready to cheer on your favorite team!
So, SD 161 — who are you rooting for this season?

Happy Saturday! At Flossmoor School District 161 we are proud of our students for the way they give back to their communities. Earlier this week, this Western Avenue Wolf was spotted stuffing bags for the Hidden Gem Half Marathon! You make us SD161 proud! Do you have a photo of your student giving back? Send to Swright@sd161.org


Happy Friday!
There is no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
We hope you enjoy the long weekend and return refreshed and ready for a great new week on Tuesday, September 8!
There is no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
We hope you enjoy the long weekend and return refreshed and ready for a great new week on Tuesday, September 8!

Swinging into Thursday!
The forecast is calling for another hot day tomorrow. Fill those water bottles, stay cool, and we'll see you at school!l

