Families, we invite you to share your feedback through the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, open now through March 13, 2026. Your input helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can grow, ensuring the best possible learning environment for every student.
To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the Parent Survey to begin. Please complete one survey for each child you have enrolled in SD 161 schools.
The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and plays an important role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for partnering with us and helping our community continue to thrive.
To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the Parent Survey to begin. Please complete one survey for each child you have enrolled in SD 161 schools.
The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and plays an important role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for partnering with us and helping our community continue to thrive.
Kindergarten is calling!
Flossmoor School District 161 is excited to welcome our newest learners at Kindergarten Registration on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at each of our elementary schools.
📍 Flossmoor Hills Elementary School – 3721 Beech Street
📍 Heather Hill Elementary School – 1439 Lawrence Crescent
📍 Serena Hills Elementary School – 255 Pleasant Drive
📍 Western Avenue Elementary School – 3200 Western Avenue
This is an important first step in your child’s school journey, and we cannot wait to meet our future kindergarteners. Families will have the opportunity to complete registration, learn more about the school experience, and begin building connections within our District 161 community.
We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2039!
Flossmoor School District 161 is excited to welcome our newest learners at Kindergarten Registration on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at each of our elementary schools.
📍 Flossmoor Hills Elementary School – 3721 Beech Street
📍 Heather Hill Elementary School – 1439 Lawrence Crescent
📍 Serena Hills Elementary School – 255 Pleasant Drive
📍 Western Avenue Elementary School – 3200 Western Avenue
This is an important first step in your child’s school journey, and we cannot wait to meet our future kindergarteners. Families will have the opportunity to complete registration, learn more about the school experience, and begin building connections within our District 161 community.
We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2039!
You are warmly invited to an evening of reflection, celebration, and student voice at Parker Junior High School’s “Then, Next, and Now” Assembly, honoring 100 years of Black history. This meaningful program will highlight the past, present, and future through powerful performances and presentations by our students.
📍 Parker Junior High School 2810 School Street
📅 Friday, February 27, 2026
🕕 Program begins at 6:00 p.m.
🚪 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
This event is open to the entire community. Families, neighbors, and friends are all welcome to attend and share in this special evening as we learn, reflect, and celebrate together. We hope to see you there.
📍 Parker Junior High School 2810 School Street
📅 Friday, February 27, 2026
🕕 Program begins at 6:00 p.m.
🚪 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
This event is open to the entire community. Families, neighbors, and friends are all welcome to attend and share in this special evening as we learn, reflect, and celebrate together. We hope to see you there.
Calling all PJH girls who are interested in STEAM!
Is your child curious, creative, or still figuring out what she loves?
The Girls STEAM Celebration gives 6th–8th grade girls from Parker Junior High and James Hart a chance to explore what’s possible—before high school even begins.
👩🏽🔬 Meet women in STEAM
🎓 Explore Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Net Zero Science Building
🎨 Create a vision board that reflects their dreams
🍕 Lunch + swag included
📅 Saturday, April 11 | 10am–2pm
🚌 Transportation & chaperones provided by the school
⚠️ Space is limited to 50 students per school. First come, first served.
👉 Register now using the link or QR code on the flyer!
homewoodsciencecenter.org/girls
Be sure to act quickly! Spots are filling fast!
Is your child curious, creative, or still figuring out what she loves?
The Girls STEAM Celebration gives 6th–8th grade girls from Parker Junior High and James Hart a chance to explore what’s possible—before high school even begins.
👩🏽🔬 Meet women in STEAM
🎓 Explore Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Net Zero Science Building
🎨 Create a vision board that reflects their dreams
🍕 Lunch + swag included
📅 Saturday, April 11 | 10am–2pm
🚌 Transportation & chaperones provided by the school
⚠️ Space is limited to 50 students per school. First come, first served.
👉 Register now using the link or QR code on the flyer!
homewoodsciencecenter.org/girls
Be sure to act quickly! Spots are filling fast!
Families, we invite you to share your feedback through the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, open now through March 13, 2026. Your input helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can grow, ensuring the best possible learning environment for every student.
To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the Parent Survey to begin. Please complete one survey for each child you have enrolled in SD 161 schools.
The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and plays an important role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for partnering with us and helping our community continue to thrive.
To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the Parent Survey to begin. Please complete one survey for each child you have enrolled in SD 161 schools.
The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and plays an important role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for partnering with us and helping our community continue to thrive.
Calling all PJH girls ready to explore, create, and dream BIG in STEAM!
Does your child love science, art, technology, building, or solving problems? Or is she still discovering what excites her? This inspiring day is designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and big dreams.
The Girls STEAM Celebration invites 6th–8th grade girls from Parker Junior High and James Hart School to discover exciting possibilities before high school even begins.
✨ What’s in store:
👩🏽🔬 Meet inspiring women working in STEAM careers
🏫 Explore the cutting-edge Net Zero Science Building at Homewood-Flossmoor High School
🎨 Create a vision board that captures bold goals and bright futures
🍕 Enjoy lunch, fun swag, and a day with other curious, creative girls
🚌 Transportation and chaperones provided by the school
📅 Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
⚡ Only 50 spots per school — first come, first served.
👉 Register using the QR code or details on the flyer.
⏳ Don’t wait — spots are filling fast, and this is a day she won’t want to miss.
Step right up for a night of numbers, games, and family fun. Flossmoor School District 161 invites you to a Math Carnival and Game Night on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Junior High.
Enjoy hands-on math activities, exciting games, refreshments, raffles, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. The evening will also feature a special presentation by the Homewood Science Center.
Bring the whole family and discover just how fun math can be. We hope to see you there.
Enjoy hands-on math activities, exciting games, refreshments, raffles, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. The evening will also feature a special presentation by the Homewood Science Center.
Bring the whole family and discover just how fun math can be. We hope to see you there.
Registration is now open for the 2026 season with Flossmoor Baseball & Softball. This program is available for players ages 4 and up and is a wonderful way to get children involved in a fun, community building sport.
As a valued community partner, we are pleased to share this opportunity with District 161 families. Youth athletics help children build confidence, teamwork, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. And let’s be honest, kids are not the only ones who make new friends on the sidelines. Parents do too.
Learn more and register at FlossmoorBBSB.com. Now is the perfect time to get your child in the game and connected with our community.
As a valued community partner, we are pleased to share this opportunity with District 161 families. Youth athletics help children build confidence, teamwork, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. And let’s be honest, kids are not the only ones who make new friends on the sidelines. Parents do too.
Learn more and register at FlossmoorBBSB.com. Now is the perfect time to get your child in the game and connected with our community.
Early Dismissal Reminder — Friday, February 20
This is a friendly reminder that students will be dismissed early at 11:40 a.m. on Friday, February 20, so our staff can participate in School Improvement Planning.
This is a friendly reminder that students will be dismissed early at 11:40 a.m. on Friday, February 20, so our staff can participate in School Improvement Planning.
Flossmoor School District 161 will host Kindergarten Registration for the 2026–2027 school year on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at each of the district’s elementary schools.
We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners and their families. More details and everything you need to know will be posted on the district website soon.
We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners and their families. More details and everything you need to know will be posted on the district website soon.
We had a great time at District STEAM Night. It was wonderful to see so many students and families exploring, creating, and learning together. Thank you to Ms. Crawford and Ms. Bollenbacher from the Department of Instruction and Learning for planning such an engaging and well-organized event. We are also grateful to our dedicated STEAM teachers for inspiring curiosity and hands-on discovery: Ms. Beaty, Ms. Dahlstrom, Mrs. Klein, Mr. McKinney, and Mr. Olsson. Your energy and commitment made the evening a true success. Stay tuned for more photos from the evening.
Just a reminder that there is no school for students tomorrow, Friday, February 6, due to a Teacher Institute Day.
While our students enjoy a day at home, our teachers will be hard at work learning, collaborating, and sharpening their skills so they can continue to bring their very best to the classroom.
There is also no school on Monday, February 9, in observance of Lincoln's Birthday. We hope our families enjoy the long weekend and the extra time together.
We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, February 10, refreshed and ready to learn.
While our students enjoy a day at home, our teachers will be hard at work learning, collaborating, and sharpening their skills so they can continue to bring their very best to the classroom.
There is also no school on Monday, February 9, in observance of Lincoln's Birthday. We hope our families enjoy the long weekend and the extra time together.
We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, February 10, refreshed and ready to learn.
We are less than two weeks away from the District 161 STEAM Night. We hope to see you on February 12 from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Parker Junior High.
Get ready for an evening where curiosity takes the lead and ideas come to life. STEAM Night will bring together science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on experiences designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, and wonder.
Whether you love experimenting, building, coding, creating, or asking big questions, this is a night you won’t want to miss. More details are coming soon, but for now, mark your calendar and get ready to explore, discover, and innovate together.
Get ready for an evening where curiosity takes the lead and ideas come to life. STEAM Night will bring together science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on experiences designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, and wonder.
Whether you love experimenting, building, coding, creating, or asking big questions, this is a night you won’t want to miss. More details are coming soon, but for now, mark your calendar and get ready to explore, discover, and innovate together.
Well done to our District Spelling Bee Champion, Bree Jeanette Frye! The 7th-grader from Parker Junior High clinched the win with her final word, "auxiliary."
We extend our sincere thanks to Sandy Thompson, Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) teacher at Flossmoor Hills Elementary School and ACE Department Coordinator, who would also like to recognize and thank all of the ACE teachers at each school who help make this event possible year after year.
Be sure to read the fantastic article by Nuha Abdessalam of the Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle for beautifully capturing the essence of this exciting event. Congratulations again, Bree!
https://www.hfchronicle.com/2026/01/31/7th-grader-spells-success-a-u-x-i-l-i-a-r-y/
We extend our sincere thanks to Sandy Thompson, Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) teacher at Flossmoor Hills Elementary School and ACE Department Coordinator, who would also like to recognize and thank all of the ACE teachers at each school who help make this event possible year after year.
Be sure to read the fantastic article by Nuha Abdessalam of the Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle for beautifully capturing the essence of this exciting event. Congratulations again, Bree!
https://www.hfchronicle.com/2026/01/31/7th-grader-spells-success-a-u-x-i-l-i-a-r-y/
Join us for the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:30 pm.-7:30 pm. at Serena Hills Elementary School, located at 255 Pleasant Drive in Chicago Heights. This meeting will feature Dr. Valentina M Pacheco-Cornejo, Psy.D., an adolescent psychologist and nutritional expert who will share tips and strategies to support a healthy family lifestyle and mental health.
Join us for the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:30 pm.-7:30 pm. at Serena Hills Elementary School, located at 255 Pleasant Drive in Chicago Heights. This meeting will feature Dr. Valentina M Pacheco-Cornejo, Psy.D., an adolescent psychologist and nutritional expert who will share tips and strategies to support a healthy family lifestyle and mental health.
Congratulations to our Flossmoor District 161 Above and Beyond Quarter 2 award winner, Sarah Rudenga!
Ms. Rudenga was honored at the January 29 Board of Education meeting for her exceptional dedication and service to our students.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. Rudenga goes above and beyond by hosting book clubs at Parker Junior High and sponsoring a knitting and crocheting club, creating welcoming spaces where students can connect, create, and grow. While she loves teaching her students, it is the mutual connections built through shared interests and meaningful conversations that truly make her shine extra bright.
Pictured with Ms. Rudenga are Superintendent Dana Smith, along with Avery and Karen Cheung, who nominated her for this well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations, Ms. Rudenga!
Ms. Rudenga was honored at the January 29 Board of Education meeting for her exceptional dedication and service to our students.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. Rudenga goes above and beyond by hosting book clubs at Parker Junior High and sponsoring a knitting and crocheting club, creating welcoming spaces where students can connect, create, and grow. While she loves teaching her students, it is the mutual connections built through shared interests and meaningful conversations that truly make her shine extra bright.
Pictured with Ms. Rudenga are Superintendent Dana Smith, along with Avery and Karen Cheung, who nominated her for this well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations, Ms. Rudenga!
Spell-tacular things are happening tonight! Join us for the District Spelling Bee at 6:00 p.m. at Parker Junior High. Good luck to all of our hardworking spellers.
FREE!
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 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
Because of the dangerously low temperatures for tomorrow, District 161 will have E-learning and
no in-person school on Monday, January 26, 2026. In addition, all extracurricular activities are
cancelled. Please refer to the document below for specific E-learning information and if you have any
questions, please contact your building principal or me at your earliest convenience. The District
161 school and district offices will be open tomorrow in case you have any issues. We are
planning to resume in-person learning on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11E81jXPWavakgfTJmavz0ydhX-Egwadm/view
Spanish:https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tFfJkMn39maQT1wWrGQ7SlZAC8G4Sr1/view
no in-person school on Monday, January 26, 2026. In addition, all extracurricular activities are
cancelled. Please refer to the document below for specific E-learning information and if you have any
questions, please contact your building principal or me at your earliest convenience. The District
161 school and district offices will be open tomorrow in case you have any issues. We are
planning to resume in-person learning on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11E81jXPWavakgfTJmavz0ydhX-Egwadm/view
Spanish:https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tFfJkMn39maQT1wWrGQ7SlZAC8G4Sr1/view
