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!
Congratulations, Parker Junior High Musicians!
We’re proud to announce that several Parker students have been selected to perform at the ILMEA District 1 Regional Band, Orchestra, and Choir Festival.
These talented students earned their spots through a rigorous audition process, competing among students from more than 70 junior high schools in the region. This is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to their dedication and musical skill.
Congratulations to:
Alani Jeffries (8th grade, flute) representing the PJH Band
Elliott Chan (8th grade, violin) representing the PJH Orchestra
Ameya Thigpen (8th grade, cello) representing the PJH Orchestra
Emelii Mae Matthys (8th grade, soprano) representing the PJH Chorus
These students will represent Parker Junior High at the ILMEA Festival on Saturday, November 22, at Unity Junior High School in Cicero.
Please join us in congratulating them for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding musical achievement.
Special thanks to Elana Reid, AJ Diller, and Andy Lopez for their guidance and support.
We’re proud to announce that several Parker students have been selected to perform at the ILMEA District 1 Regional Band, Orchestra, and Choir Festival.
These talented students earned their spots through a rigorous audition process, competing among students from more than 70 junior high schools in the region. This is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to their dedication and musical skill.
Congratulations to:
Alani Jeffries (8th grade, flute) representing the PJH Band
Elliott Chan (8th grade, violin) representing the PJH Orchestra
Ameya Thigpen (8th grade, cello) representing the PJH Orchestra
Emelii Mae Matthys (8th grade, soprano) representing the PJH Chorus
These students will represent Parker Junior High at the ILMEA Festival on Saturday, November 22, at Unity Junior High School in Cicero.
Please join us in congratulating them for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding musical achievement.
Special thanks to Elana Reid, AJ Diller, and Andy Lopez for their guidance and support.
Thank you to Homewood Flossmoor High School for another fantastic youth night! Our staff and students had a wonderful time playing on the big field.
A reminder that there is no school on Monday, October 13, 2025
Get ready for a fun, district-wide Trunk or Treat event hosted by the Parker Junior High Student Council and FEA on Monday, October 28. Admission is simple: bring one nonperishable food item to donate!
They are also looking for parent volunteers to help make the event extra special. Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up using the link below to sign up by October 21. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOrxhYSW99tH6ZR_1B3hZztA9MBRk6wE3sfp4NRFRekFtafg/viewform
Check out the flyer for all the details, and join us for a night of costumes, candy, and community fun!
They are also looking for parent volunteers to help make the event extra special. Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up using the link below to sign up by October 21. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOrxhYSW99tH6ZR_1B3hZztA9MBRk6wE3sfp4NRFRekFtafg/viewform
Check out the flyer for all the details, and join us for a night of costumes, candy, and community fun!
October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth—a time to celebrate the incredible leaders who shape our schools, support our teachers, and inspire our students every single day.
From early mornings to late nights, principals wear many hats: mentor, advocate, problem-solver, cheerleader, and visionary. Their dedication creates safe, inclusive, and thriving learning environments.
Join us in thanking our principals for their unwavering commitment to education and for being the heart of our schools. Use #ThankAPrincipal, drop a comment, or tag your favorite principal to show your appreciation.
From early mornings to late nights, principals wear many hats: mentor, advocate, problem-solver, cheerleader, and visionary. Their dedication creates safe, inclusive, and thriving learning environments.
Join us in thanking our principals for their unwavering commitment to education and for being the heart of our schools. Use #ThankAPrincipal, drop a comment, or tag your favorite principal to show your appreciation.
