Don't miss your chance to see the Evil Queen and her mirror in Parker Junior High's production of The Rockin' Tale of Snow White
Showtimes:
Friday (TONIGHT!), May 1 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults & $7 students/seniors
about 2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Evil queen and her mirror

Flossmoor School District 161 is proud to share some exciting news!

Flossmoor Hills Elementary School and Serena Hills Elementary School have both been named 2025–2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools. This national recognition highlights each school’s commitment to building strong relationships, fostering student engagement, and creating a positive, supportive learning environment.

Under the leadership of Principals Evita McNeil-Dobson and Elizabeth Reich, both schools have created cultures where students feel seen, valued, and connected every day. This honor reflects the meaningful work happening in classrooms and throughout each building, where strong relationships help drive student success.

We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, and school leaders for creating spaces where everyone belongs and thrives.

about 2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
National Showcase School
Our students had an incredible experience at the ILMEA District 1 Elementary Music Festival. With 25 schools from across the Chicago area and 168 young musicians participating, it was a morning full of music, collaboration, and creativity.

Students took part in choir or rotated through hands-on general music sessions including ukulele, drumming, movement, and xylophones, with the movement session led by Heather Hill’s own Sarah Gorecki Bozek. The event concluded with a celebratory concert showcasing all they had learned.

We are especially proud that Daniel Burke and Valerie Pasqua helped organize this outstanding event. We also want to thank Abigayle Pedigo for her amazing contributions in supporting this experience for our students and helping them prepare for the festival.
about 2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
kids standing in front of a building
Flossmoor School District 161 students are bringing local history to life in a meaningful way.

Eighth-grade students at Parker Junior High and students are learning about the service and sacrifice of Flossmoor Veterans through an innovative program called The Flossmoor Veterans’ Time Machine.

Developed by the Flossmoor Veterans’ Memorial, Inc., the curriculum connects students to the stories of nearly 1,000 local veterans while building research, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. The program, inspired by Fragments of Flossmoor by Dr. Kristine Condon, was recently recognized with a 2025 “Best of Illinois History” award from the Illinois State Historical Society.

As part of the experience, students will create their own replicas of the Veterans’ Wall of Honor, which will be on display at the Flossmoor Public Library this May in recognition of National Military Appreciation Month.

This powerful partnership is helping students connect classroom learning with community history while honoring those who have served.
about 2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
time machine
flossmoor library
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
2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Congratulations to SD161 on the BEA award from ISB.
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.
2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
5th to 6th grade transition day!

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

2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Superintendent Search

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

2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Superintendent Search
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!
2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
health expo

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

2 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Superintendent Search
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.
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
E-Bikes and E-Scooters graphic
Catch up on the latest Flossmoor School District 161 news by clicking the link below.
https://conta.cc/4uX5dLU
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
family standing in front of the PJH kitchen.
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
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
We are monsters
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.
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Spring Break March 31-April 4 classes resume 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.
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Logo
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.
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
prizes and sponsors
Escape into a good book
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.
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
5 essentials survey
The Community Engagement meeting scheduled for tonight, March 10, has been canceled.
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
school logo
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!
3 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
kids posing with their teacher
kids in front of a backdrop
kids in front of a poster
kids in front of a poster
kids standing in front of a project
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.
4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
kids working on math
kids at a table
teacher with student
kids at a table
kids at a table
teachers
teacher at event