Get ready for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun! Join us Thursday, October 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Parker Junior High parking lot for our district-wide Trunk or Treat!
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! 🎃
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! 🎃
Keeping our kids safe online starts with knowing what to look for!
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.
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.
Think Pink, Heather Hill! 💗
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! 💗
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.
🎭 Opening night is TOMORROW! Don’t miss the hilarious production of Myth-Understood at Parker Junior High.
Our talented students have been working hard to bring this production to life, and we can’t wait for you to see their hard work on stage!
Join us Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m. or Saturday, October 24 at 3 p.m. for a show directed by Ms. Emily Nicotra.
Come cheer on our Parker performers and celebrate all the time, talent, and teamwork they’ve poured into this production. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tonight, Flossmoor Hills became Zuckerman’s farm! 🐷🕸️ A HUGE thank you to our amazing Reading Squad, Ms. Ciesielski, Ms. Payne, and Mr. Wetherald, for bringing Charlotte’s Web to life for our students and families through our One School, One Book experience. From Dr. Sanders kicking off the adventure with a reading over the school intercom to tonight’s special event, this beloved story has brought our school community together in the most wonderful way. Thank you for turning reading into an experience our children will remember for years to come. You didn’t just bring a book to life. You gave these students a core memory filled with imagination, wonder, and joy. We are so grateful to all the amazing staff and parent volunteers that lent a hand tonight. You made this experience MAGICAL. Thank you!! 🕸️📚
Congratulations to our 7th and 8th grade Parker Junior girls basketball team who both won today against Brookwood.
You make us proud!
October is Principal Appreciation Month, and we’re taking a moment to celebrate the amazing work our principals do all year long.
Being a principal means wearing a lot of hats, showing up for students and staff, supporting families, solving problems and finding ways to make each school a place where kids feel supported and ready to learn. So much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but the difference they make is felt every day.
At our last Board of Education meeting, school board members took turns reading a proclamation in recognition of Principal Appreciation Month. It was a meaningful way to recognize the people who give so much to our school communities.
To our principals, thank you for all you do for our students, staff and families. We appreciate you more than you know! Drop a note of thanks in the comments below!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY. ❤️
Motivation Monday!
When you work hard and don't give up on your dreams, anything is possible!
Congratulations once again to our ILMEA festival participants (L to R)
Liesl McGathey, Mason Thompson, and Olivia Crawford-Jones.
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!
October is Principal Appreciation Month, and we’re celebrating the outstanding school leaders who make Flossmoor School District 161 a special place to learn, grow and belong!
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.
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.
How can we help keep our children safe online?
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
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
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and we’re ALL IN for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
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.
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.
Parker Junior High’s Cross Country team had a great sectional meet! More than the miles they ran, this season was about learning, growing, building confidence and coming together as a team!
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!
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!
Reminder: There is no school on Monday, October 12, and the District Offices are closed. Happy Friday, Flossmoor School District 161.
October is Principal’s Month, and we’re celebrating the outstanding school leaders who help make District 161 a special place to learn, grow, and belong.
Our principals do so much more than lead their schools. They build relationships, support teachers and staff, connect with families, celebrate students, and help create the culture that makes each school uniquely its own.
Each Friday in October, we’ll highlight one of our building principals.
This week, we’re celebrating Carol Humm, Principal of Heather Hill Elementary School!
Known for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to high-quality instruction and care for students, staff and families, Principal Humm helps make Heather Hill a special place to learn and grow.
Here’s what members of the Heather Hill team have to say about her:
“Carol was my principal when I served as the K-1 Instructional Teacher here at Heather Hill, and now I’m fortunate to serve alongside her as Assistant Principal and co-leader of our Hive. I learned so much about what it means to be a compassionate, steady and thoughtful school leader from working with Carol, and I continue to learn from her every day. I’m grateful for our partnership and for the care and commitment she brings to our students, staff and families. Happy Principals Month, Carol!” - Seena Purnam, Assistant Principal
“One thing I appreciate about our principal is her commitment to high-quality instruction and student growth. She believes in students being challenged, supported, and given opportunities to succeed academically.” -Danielle Callahan
Please join us in celebrating Principal Humm and all of our Flossmoor School District 161 principals this month. We’re grateful for the leadership they provide every day!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
Our principals do so much more than lead their schools. They build relationships, support teachers and staff, connect with families, celebrate students, and help create the culture that makes each school uniquely its own.
Each Friday in October, we’ll highlight one of our building principals.
This week, we’re celebrating Carol Humm, Principal of Heather Hill Elementary School!
Known for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to high-quality instruction and care for students, staff and families, Principal Humm helps make Heather Hill a special place to learn and grow.
Here’s what members of the Heather Hill team have to say about her:
“Carol was my principal when I served as the K-1 Instructional Teacher here at Heather Hill, and now I’m fortunate to serve alongside her as Assistant Principal and co-leader of our Hive. I learned so much about what it means to be a compassionate, steady and thoughtful school leader from working with Carol, and I continue to learn from her every day. I’m grateful for our partnership and for the care and commitment she brings to our students, staff and families. Happy Principals Month, Carol!” - Seena Purnam, Assistant Principal
“One thing I appreciate about our principal is her commitment to high-quality instruction and student growth. She believes in students being challenged, supported, and given opportunities to succeed academically.” -Danielle Callahan
Please join us in celebrating Principal Humm and all of our Flossmoor School District 161 principals this month. We’re grateful for the leadership they provide every day!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
🎃 SAVE THE DATE! 🎃
District 161 families, mark your calendars for the Student Council and FEA-sponsored Trunk or Treat!
Thursday, October 29
Parker Junior High School
This district-wide event is open to all District 161 students and families. Admission is one nonperishable food item.
We’re also looking for District 161 parents who would like to host a trunk and help make the evening special for our students.
Parents interested in hosting a trunk should sign up by October 23. Space is limited, and registration may close early if we reach capacity.
Sign up to host a trunk: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOrxhYSW99tH6ZR_1B3hZztA9MBRk6wE3sfp4NRFRekFtafg/viewform?usp=dialog
More event details are included in the flyer. We hope to see you there!
District 161 families, mark your calendars for the Student Council and FEA-sponsored Trunk or Treat!
Thursday, October 29
Parker Junior High School
This district-wide event is open to all District 161 students and families. Admission is one nonperishable food item.
We’re also looking for District 161 parents who would like to host a trunk and help make the evening special for our students.
Parents interested in hosting a trunk should sign up by October 23. Space is limited, and registration may close early if we reach capacity.
Sign up to host a trunk: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOrxhYSW99tH6ZR_1B3hZztA9MBRk6wE3sfp4NRFRekFtafg/viewform?usp=dialog
More event details are included in the flyer. We hope to see you there!
Happy National Custodian Day!
Today, we’re celebrating the custodians who help make Flossmoor School District 161 a place where students and staff can learn, work and feel at home.
So much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but their work makes a difference every single day. From caring for our buildings to helping keep our schools clean, safe and welcoming, our custodians are an important part of our school community.
Thank you to our Flossmoor School District 161 custodial teams for all you do. Type a note of thanks to our amazing custodial staff in the comments below!
Today, we’re celebrating the custodians who help make Flossmoor School District 161 a place where students and staff can learn, work and feel at home.
So much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but their work makes a difference every single day. From caring for our buildings to helping keep our schools clean, safe and welcoming, our custodians are an important part of our school community.
Thank you to our Flossmoor School District 161 custodial teams for all you do. Type a note of thanks to our amazing custodial staff in the comments below!
October is Principal’s Month, and we’re celebrating the outstanding school leaders who help make District 161 a special place to learn, grow and belong.
Our principals do so much more than lead their schools. They build relationships, support teachers and staff, connect with families, celebrate students and help create the culture that makes each school uniquely its own.
Each Friday in October, we’ll highlight one of our building principals.
First up: Evita McNeil-Dobson, Principal of Flossmoor Hills School!
Known for her commitment to students, her support of staff, and her strong connection to the Flossmoor Hills community, Principal McNeil-Dobson brings leadership, heart, and a true belief in her school to her work each day.
Here’s what members of the Flossmoor Hills team have to say about her:
Evita, never forget how amazing you are and how much of an impact you have made on Flossmoor Hills Elementary School!” Kelly Rosales, Kindergarten Teacher
“Evita has an incredible ability to see the potential in the people around her, sometimes even before they see it in themselves. She recognizes what her teachers and staff are capable of and encourages them to grow, lead, and take on new challenges. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I am so grateful for the confidence she has placed in me and the opportunities she has given me to grow.” Lisa Ciesielski, Reading Specialist.
Please join us in celebrating Principal McNeil-Dobson and all of our Flossmoor District 161 principals this month. We’re grateful for the leadership they provide every day!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
Our principals do so much more than lead their schools. They build relationships, support teachers and staff, connect with families, celebrate students and help create the culture that makes each school uniquely its own.
Each Friday in October, we’ll highlight one of our building principals.
First up: Evita McNeil-Dobson, Principal of Flossmoor Hills School!
Known for her commitment to students, her support of staff, and her strong connection to the Flossmoor Hills community, Principal McNeil-Dobson brings leadership, heart, and a true belief in her school to her work each day.
Here’s what members of the Flossmoor Hills team have to say about her:
Evita, never forget how amazing you are and how much of an impact you have made on Flossmoor Hills Elementary School!” Kelly Rosales, Kindergarten Teacher
“Evita has an incredible ability to see the potential in the people around her, sometimes even before they see it in themselves. She recognizes what her teachers and staff are capable of and encourages them to grow, lead, and take on new challenges. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I am so grateful for the confidence she has placed in me and the opportunities she has given me to grow.” Lisa Ciesielski, Reading Specialist.
Please join us in celebrating Principal McNeil-Dobson and all of our Flossmoor District 161 principals this month. We’re grateful for the leadership they provide every day!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
#ICYMI
Last Friday night we joined the Homewood Flossmoor Marching Vikings along with our friends from Homewood School District 153 for a combined halftime performance.
Thank you to our hosts for the amazing experience and to our very own Ms. Reid and Mr. Lopez for the excellent leadership!
