Flossmoor School District 161

We hope your student enjoyed their Summer Academy experience! Please take our short survey to help us continue to improve and expand our programming. Thank you for your participation. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZyhbiB-K-q8p0eAvMw3kKSTgLqBBKlb7qQwCmlcGxeltskg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Parker Junior High PE Teachers attended the Physical Education SPARK Conference and earned the SPARK Award. SPARK is a newly implemented curriculum that encourages physical activity, developing motor skills, promoting healthy lifestyles, inclusive and diverse activities, and social and emotional learning. https://sparkpe.org/active-schools/

#ICYMI Principal McNeil-Dobson and Principal Parris attended the UNITED conference, hosted by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. This year, Principal Kafele facilitated the conference. To learn more about Mr. Kafele, click the link. https://principalkafele.com/about/

Spruce up your school spirit by joining the Spirit Wear Swap! Drop off your gently used spirit wear items at the Flossmoor Public Library anytime now through August 9th, then get ready to SHOP THE SWAP at our Back to School Bash on August 16th from 4-6 pm in Flossmoor Park. It's going to be a blast!

Skyward will not be accessible on Monday, July 22, 2024, due to system maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We anticipate that Skyward will be accessible again beginning on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

It's hard to believe that Summer Academy wraps up this week! We've had fun, learned a lot, and made plenty of great memories! Parents, guardians, and caregivers, please take our short survey to help us continue to improve your Summer Academy experience. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcYuaBzoN4_lzs4WRq1zt8XHb0JICAFPO-3LQV4W4tdEI0UA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Summer is a busy time for Flossmoor School District 161 Schools. Pictured here is the Heather Hill School Improvement Team, which met after school was out to celebrate their successes and identify new goals for this upcoming school year!

We are excited to introduce Standards-Based Grading (SBG) for all SD 161 students starting in the 2024-25 school year. The change to standards-based learning will inform parents of the exact standards measured and the important learner behaviors students need to succeed in school. Standards-Based Grading focuses on students' mastery of specific learning standards, rather than traditional letter grades. This method allows for a clearer understanding of what students know and can do, providing detailed feedback to guide instruction and student improvement. By assessing students based on their proficiency in defined areas, we can better support individualized learning and ensure that each student meets critical educational goals. We aim to ensure a smooth transition for students, parents, and educators. We will provide resources to help you understand the benefits of SBG and how it will be implemented in our district. For a list of FAQs regarding Standards Based Grading, visit https://www.sd161.org/page/learning-and-instruction-2024 If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Learning and Instruction at kfrench@sd161.org.

Does this rainy day have you cleaning out closets? Check out this #earthfriendly opportunity from our friends at the Flossmoor Public Library and the Village of Flossmoor Green Commission. Shop the Swap! Questions? email Stephanie Wright at swright@flossmoor.org

Bravo to the Spotlight Performance Center's cast and crew of Matilda Jr. We 👀 some of our amazingly talented SD 161 super ⭐️ in the cast! Did you get a chance to see the show? Drop your congratulations to the cast and crew in the comments below.

In the next edition of #syncupwithStachacz, we learned about the locker refresh happening at Western Avenue School. Did you know that in 2023, this building celebrated her 75th birthday? Take a peek at the before and after results of the locker refresh and walk down memory lane enjoying photos from the 75th anniversary birthday tour. Stay tuned for the next time we #syncupwithStachacz.

The excitement is building as the first day of school is just over a month away. Please mark your calendars for August 6 & 7, which are schedule pick-up day at each of our School District 161 schools. (Time TBD) On August 8th, we will host an informational Zoom meeting on Standards Based Grading and how this update will positively impact your student. The Zoom link is coming soon! August 14th, we will CHALK THE WALK and color our school playgrounds, bus stops, and sidewalks in positive chalk messages welcoming students and staff back to school. August 15 is the official start of the 24-25 school year!

#FlashbackFriday On Saturday, May 18, several SD 161 superstars were recognized at the 50th annual Those Who Excel Awards banquet in Bloomington-Normal. Left to Right - Gayle Dickerson (Meritorious Service for Student Support Personnel), Tiffaney Washington, Stephanie Levy, Christina Bollenbacher (Meritorious Service for Educational Team), Lesa Waishwell (Special Recognition for Classroom Teacher), Dr. Gina Isabelli (Special Recognition for School Administrator) We will see you very soon!

Syncing up with Stachez: Last week, we had the chance to catch up with Mr. Stachez, the Director of Buildings and Grounds for SD 161, and hear about the improvements happening around the district this summer. Flossmoor Hills has improved its boiler room, updated its fire safety, and installed new lunch tables, benches, and pockets. Late last year, the new playground was completed, and in 2022, they completed their Early Childhood Playground installation. Stay tuned for more updates when we #syncupwithStachez.

#ICYMI Staff and administrators at all 5 SD 161 Schools came together for two days of reflection and planning for the 2024-25 school year! This annual School Improvement Planning [SIP] Retreat focuses on celebrations, data review, and developing rigorous plans for a fantastic school year. Photographed below is the SIP team from Parker Junior High.

Many thanks to the Village of Flossmoor Green Commission and the Chicago Southland Green Committee for encouraging us to seek ways to eliminate single-use plastics, not just for July, but for any month!

#ICYMI Staff and administrators from all 5 SD 161 Schools came together for 2 days of reflection and planning for the 2024-25 school year! This annual School Improvement Planning [SIP] Retreat focuses on celebrations, data review, and developing rigorous plans for a fantastic school year.

We 👀 some of our amazing SD161 students in the cast of Matilda Jr! Grab your tickets and bring the whole family out to see Spotlight Performance Academy’s production of Matilda Jr. July 12, 13, and 14 at Freedom Hall in Park Forest! https://teachtix.com/spotlightperformance/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-jr

The district has been bustling with activity this summer, bringing exciting updates and upgrades to our buildings! Today, we’re thrilled to showcase some fantastic projects at Western Avenue Elementary this season. Take a peek at the upgraded boiler room, the masonry work on the historic bell tower, and the brand-new gym floors and lunch tables.

A great time to engage with our summer learning resources is right after breakfast each morning. By setting aside just 15 minutes daily to practice and sharpen essential skills, your student will stay on track and be well-prepared when we return to school. Access our Summer Learning Resources by clicking the link. https://www.sd161.org/article/1624506