Flossmoor School District 161 has been awarded the 2025–26 Bilingual Education Award from the Illinois State Board of Education.
This recognition highlights the district’s strong support of English Learner students and includes a $10,000 award to enhance programming. The district is working with EL teachers to determine how the funds will best support students.
Thank you to our English Learner team:
Tina Morris, Danielle Montijo, Gabriela Salerno-McKinney, Emily Brodsky, Elaine Wengert, and Kelly Wojnovich
This recognition highlights the district’s strong support of English Learner students and includes a $10,000 award to enhance programming. The district is working with EL teachers to determine how the funds will best support students.
Thank you to our English Learner team:
Tina Morris, Danielle Montijo, Gabriela Salerno-McKinney, Emily Brodsky, Elaine Wengert, and Kelly Wojnovich
Big things are ahead for our future Parker Falcons!
If your child is currently in 5th grade, it’s time to start getting excited for the transition to Parker Junior High. We have several important (and fun!) opportunities coming up to help students and families feel confident and ready for 6th grade.
Save the dates:
• April 29 – In-person presentation and campus tours at Parker (6:00 PM) for parents and students
• April 30 – Spring musical visit (during the school day with 5th grade teachers)
• June 5 – Step Up Day at Parker (9:30–11:00 AM)
• August – Schedule Pick-Up Day (date and time coming soon)
We can’t wait to welcome our newest group of students to Parker. It’s going to be a great year ahead.
If your child is currently in 5th grade, it’s time to start getting excited for the transition to Parker Junior High. We have several important (and fun!) opportunities coming up to help students and families feel confident and ready for 6th grade.
Save the dates:
• April 29 – In-person presentation and campus tours at Parker (6:00 PM) for parents and students
• April 30 – Spring musical visit (during the school day with 5th grade teachers)
• June 5 – Step Up Day at Parker (9:30–11:00 AM)
• August – Schedule Pick-Up Day (date and time coming soon)
We can’t wait to welcome our newest group of students to Parker. It’s going to be a great year ahead.
Thank you to everyone who joined us.
We appreciate the time and thoughtful input shared during the community forum as part of the superintendent search for Flossmoor School District 161. Your voice plays an important role in shaping the future of our district.
If you were unable to attend or would still like to share your feedback, the survey will remain open through April 22.
Learn more and access the survey link below.
https://www.sd161.org/o/flossmoor-sd161/article/2819119?fbclid=IwY2xjawRR5kRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeE9qs88xBMNfPjibayo8AnU0RYwuG7EpkHSAf5BfsrSqnh95d6bA8BP-G6Xg_aem_e9b8YZ-DEQuCRlREv5bAWQ
Flossmoor School District 161 wants to hear from you.
As part of the superintendent search, the Board of Education is inviting families, staff, and community members to share their input through a brief survey and upcoming community forums.
Join us TODAY, Monday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. for a community forum. Attend in person or via Zoom.
Your voice will help shape the future leadership of our district. Take a few minutes to complete the survey by April 22.
Learn more and access the survey and meeting links below.
https://www.sd161.org/o/flossmoor-sd161/article/2819119?fbclid=IwY2xjawRR5kRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeE9qs88xBMNfPjibayo8AnU0RYwuG7EpkHSAf5BfsrSqnh95d6bA8BP-G6Xg_aem_e9b8YZ-DEQuCRlREv5bAWQ
Get ready for an evening full of energy, wellness, and fun! 🎉 The Flossmoor Hills PTO is excited to invite you to our Family Wellness Night—a FREE community event for all SD 161 families!
🗓 Wednesday, April 22
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Flossmoor Hills Elementary
Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of engaging activities focused on health and well-being:
✨ Fun Physical Activities
🥗 Nutrition Information
🩺 Health Screenings
🧠 Mental Health Services
🎁 Giveaways & More!
We’ll also have amazing wellness partners on-site offering resources, services, and interactive experiences for both kids and adults.
👨👩👧👦 Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is completely FREE and open to everyone in the community—so feel free to invite friends and neighbors!
👉 For full event details and to sign up, please visit our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../flossmoor-hills-family...
We can’t wait to see you there for a fun and impactful evening of health and wellness!
🗓 Wednesday, April 22
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Flossmoor Hills Elementary
Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of engaging activities focused on health and well-being:
✨ Fun Physical Activities
🥗 Nutrition Information
🩺 Health Screenings
🧠 Mental Health Services
🎁 Giveaways & More!
We’ll also have amazing wellness partners on-site offering resources, services, and interactive experiences for both kids and adults.
👨👩👧👦 Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is completely FREE and open to everyone in the community—so feel free to invite friends and neighbors!
👉 For full event details and to sign up, please visit our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../flossmoor-hills-family...
We can’t wait to see you there for a fun and impactful evening of health and wellness!
Flossmoor School District 161 wants to hear from you.
As part of the superintendent search, the Board of Education is inviting families, staff, and community members to share their input through a brief survey and upcoming community forums.
Join us tomorrow, Monday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. for a community forum. Attend in person or via Zoom.
Your voice will help shape the future leadership of our district. Take a few minutes to complete the survey by April 22.
Learn more and access the survey and meeting links below.
https://www.sd161.org/o/flossmoor-sd161/article/2819119?fbclid=IwY2xjawRR5kRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeE9qs88xBMNfPjibayo8AnU0RYwuG7EpkHSAf5BfsrSqnh95d6bA8BP-G6Xg_aem_e9b8YZ-DEQuCRlREv5bAWQ
With warmer weather and more students spending time outdoors, we want to share the following information from the Village of Flossmoor Police Department regarding e-bikes and e-scooters:
Illinois State Law Regulations – E-Bikes and E-Scooters
At its meeting on Monday, Feb. 2, the Flossmoor Village Board of Trustees approved an ordinance prohibiting the riding of e-scooters on all sidewalks in the central business district. Flossmoor also currently abides by the other e-bike and e-scooter regulations set by the State of Illinois, including the 18+ age requirement for low-speed e-scooters and the 16+ age requirement for Class 3 e-bikes. View more regulations in the shown graphic. Questions? Please contact the Police Department at 708-957-4500 or info@flossmoor.org.
Illinois State Law Regulations – E-Bikes and E-Scooters
At its meeting on Monday, Feb. 2, the Flossmoor Village Board of Trustees approved an ordinance prohibiting the riding of e-scooters on all sidewalks in the central business district. Flossmoor also currently abides by the other e-bike and e-scooter regulations set by the State of Illinois, including the 18+ age requirement for low-speed e-scooters and the 16+ age requirement for Class 3 e-bikes. View more regulations in the shown graphic. Questions? Please contact the Police Department at 708-957-4500 or info@flossmoor.org.
Catch up on the latest Flossmoor School District 161 news by clicking the link below.
https://conta.cc/4uX5dLU
https://conta.cc/4uX5dLU
The District 161 Summer Academy Musical Program offers a wonderful opportunity for students of all experience levels interested in theater. We are excited to provide this program for current 3rd–7th grade students who have not already been recommended for Summer Academy.
Classes will be held at Serena Hills School, 255 Pleasant Drive, Chicago Heights, IL 60411, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. There are no classes on Fridays. Final performance dates and locations will be announced soon. Please review the Musical Flyer for additional details.
The SD 161 Summer Academy Musical Program is free of charge. Transportation will be provided for qualifying students, and breakfast will be available for all students attending Summer Academy.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtktr-2YE7sV5cvpZEUYgfr80X1aN7p25QP5lA7AWz45qTAA/viewform
Classes will be held at Serena Hills School, 255 Pleasant Drive, Chicago Heights, IL 60411, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. There are no classes on Fridays. Final performance dates and locations will be announced soon. Please review the Musical Flyer for additional details.
The SD 161 Summer Academy Musical Program is free of charge. Transportation will be provided for qualifying students, and breakfast will be available for all students attending Summer Academy.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtktr-2YE7sV5cvpZEUYgfr80X1aN7p25QP5lA7AWz45qTAA/viewform
Spring Break is here, and it is a wonderful time to pause, recharge, and enjoy a change of pace. We hope our students, families, and staff take this opportunity to rest and enjoy the signs of spring all around us.
Looking for something to do? Consider checking out a new book from the library or visiting a local park to enjoy the fresh air.
Whether your plans include traveling, staying close to home, or simply relaxing, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Spring Break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready to learn, on April 6.
Looking for something to do? Consider checking out a new book from the library or visiting a local park to enjoy the fresh air.
Whether your plans include traveling, staying close to home, or simply relaxing, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Spring Break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready to learn, on April 6.
Herbicide Application Notification:
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, March 30th, 31st, and April 1st, 2026, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will be applying an herbicide and a fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Ave, 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 that will be used 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.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, March 30th, 31st, and April 1st, 2026, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will be applying an herbicide and a fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Ave, 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 that will be used 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.
Family Reading Night is tonight at Parker Junior High.
Join us for “Escape Into a Good Book,” an evening filled with food trucks, fun, puzzles, surprises, and a little mystery along the way. It is a great opportunity for families to come together, explore reading in a new and engaging way, and enjoy time as a community.
Food trucks will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing our PJH families there for a night of reading, connection, and fun.
Join us for “Escape Into a Good Book,” an evening filled with food trucks, fun, puzzles, surprises, and a little mystery along the way. It is a great opportunity for families to come together, explore reading in a new and engaging way, and enjoy time as a community.
Food trucks will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing our PJH families there for a night of reading, connection, and fun.
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.
The Community Engagement meeting scheduled for tonight, March 10, has been canceled.
ICYMI: Parker Junior High students recently represented the school at the Regional National History Day Competition, and we couldn’t be more proud. Our students did a wonderful job showcasing their hard work, creativity, and research.
A big thank-you also goes to their teacher, Ms. ODwyer, for the time and care she puts into guiding students through this process. Way to represent, Parker Junior High!
A big thank-you also goes to their teacher, Ms. ODwyer, for the time and care she puts into guiding students through this process. Way to represent, Parker Junior High!
Even a little rain could not keep our families away from math night. We were thrilled to see so many students and parents come out to explore, play, and discover just how fun math can be. Students moved from table to table solving puzzles, tackling challenges, and trying hands-on activities that brought math to life. We were especially grateful to have support from our district math departments, The Homewood Science Center, and the Homewood Flossmoor High School math department, who helped make the evening engaging and full of great learning opportunities. Thank you to everyone who braved the drizzly weather to join us! A special shout out to the Department of Learning and Instruction for putting this evening together.
SD161 Summer Academy Location: Serena Hills Elementary School
Dates: June 15–July 16, 2026
Time: 8:30–11:30 a.m., Monday–Thursday (No classes on Fridays)
Due to construction projects taking place this summer, the Summer Academy program will be smaller than in previous years. Students who are required to attend Summer Academy will receive an email with priority registration information on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
If additional spaces remain available, registration will open on April 1, 2026, on a first come, first served basis for current SD161 families.
For families seeking additional summer options, our community partners have also begun releasing their summer programming. The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District has shared information about its Summer Camp programs for families who may need childcare or enrichment opportunities during the summer months, and the Homewood Science Center has also released details about its summer camps.
https://hfparks.com/seasonal-camps/
https://homewoodsciencecenter.org/programs/summer-camps/
Dates: June 15–July 16, 2026
Time: 8:30–11:30 a.m., Monday–Thursday (No classes on Fridays)
Due to construction projects taking place this summer, the Summer Academy program will be smaller than in previous years. Students who are required to attend Summer Academy will receive an email with priority registration information on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
If additional spaces remain available, registration will open on April 1, 2026, on a first come, first served basis for current SD161 families.
For families seeking additional summer options, our community partners have also begun releasing their summer programming. The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District has shared information about its Summer Camp programs for families who may need childcare or enrichment opportunities during the summer months, and the Homewood Science Center has also released details about its summer camps.
https://hfparks.com/seasonal-camps/
https://homewoodsciencecenter.org/programs/summer-camps/
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.
The countdown is on for Math Night. Flossmoor School District 161 invites families to a Math Carnival and Game Night on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Junior High.
Students and families can explore hands on math games, enjoy refreshments, enter raffles, and experience engaging activities designed to make math come alive. The evening will also feature a special presentation from the Homewood Science Center.
Bring the whole family and join us for an hour of learning, laughter, and plenty of number powered fun. We look forward to seeing you TOMORROW!
Students and families can explore hands on math games, enjoy refreshments, enter raffles, and experience engaging activities designed to make math come alive. The evening will also feature a special presentation from the Homewood Science Center.
Bring the whole family and join us for an hour of learning, laughter, and plenty of number powered fun. We look forward to seeing you TOMORROW!
Do you have a little one who will be starting kindergarten next school year? Or do you know a family getting ready for that big milestone?
Tomorrow, March 3, is Kindergarten Registration Day. Bring your future kindergartener to their home school to get registered for next year. We cannot wait to meet our newest students, see those big smiles, and welcome the Class of 2038.
For more information, click the link below.
https://www.sd161.org/page/kindergarten-registration
Tomorrow, March 3, is Kindergarten Registration Day. Bring your future kindergartener to their home school to get registered for next year. We cannot wait to meet our newest students, see those big smiles, and welcome the Class of 2038.
For more information, click the link below.
https://www.sd161.org/page/kindergarten-registration
