We have loved catching up with our SD161 students over break! Beckett, Nora, and Mia were caught on a cocoa break while building a snowman. Just a reminder that classes are back in session tomorrow. Be sure to ✅ allow extra time to get to school ✅ pack your backpack tonight and gather all materials and ✅ get plenty of rest, tomorrow is going to be great!
📸 Jackie Riffice (neighborhood cocoa commander)

Happy New Year School District 161!
Tonight, Parker Junior High 6th grader, Evan Roberson and his family led the Village of Flossmoor in the lighting of the 7th candle of Kwanzaa.
We hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to welcoming you back on Jan 8.

Last night, Dr. Smith led the Village of Flossmoor in the lighting of the community kinara marking the first night of Kwanzaa.

Happy Holidays from all of us at School District 161. Right before break we were lucky enough to catch up with Mr. Geno! Mr. Geno is not just a bus driver; he is a beacon of positivity within School District 161. His dedication goes beyond transporting students – it extends to transforming his bus into a vibrant and uplifting space. Filled with holiday decorations and adorned with positive affirmations, Mr. Geno creates an environment that radiates joy and encouragement. His genuine care for the well-being of the students is evident in every detail he adds to his bus. We hope you enjoy a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing you when classes resume on January 8!


It has been an exciting and eventful week in School District 161, with a variety of fantastic activities taking place across all of our district schools.

It's been an exciting week for our young musicians in School District 161. A remarkable 143 students joined the orchestra program, turning the gym into a lively space filled with enthusiastic parents. The students met and exceeded expectations, charming their families with an impressive musical performance. A special thanks to Mr. Calhoon and Mr. Diller for their outstanding leadership, patience, and passion for teaching. Next, the 5th and 6th-grade band students showcased the results of their continued learning journey. The performance was a fantastic mix of refining existing skills and revealing new talents. Thanks to the families who attended, enhancing the beauty of this concert. A sincere appreciation goes to Mrs. Reid and Mr. Lopez for their invaluable guidance, instruction, and unwavering commitment to their students. Bravo to everyone involved!

Check out the breaking news from around the district!
Flossmoor Hills https://www.smore.com/5wp9q
Heather Hill https://www.smore.com/1z3rc-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
Parker Junior High https://www.smore.com/tdsyfp
Serena Hills :https://rb.gy/jkr0qe
Western Avenue https://www.smore.com/mdzsf

A #ThrowbackThursday to earlier this fall when the Chicago Heights Fire Department visited Serena Hills School to discuss the importance of fire safety. The Village of Flossmoor and Chicago Heights Fire Departments ask you to practice good fire safety with your holiday decorations this season!

Don't be a Grinch! Check out this week's newsletters from around the district.
Flossmoor Hills https://www.smore.com/pdhtc
Heather Hill https://www.smore.com/g4fyub-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
Parker Junior High https://www.smore.com/x8pe2
Serena Hills https://rb.gy/a2nwii
Western Avenue https://www.smore.com/bfq20
Flossmoor School District 161 would like to congratulate Western Avenue Principal Gina Isabelli and Parker Junior High Assistant Principal Michelle Wisniewski on completing their Doctorate studies.
Dr. Isabelli's field of study was general Education, focusing on adult learning for professional growth at National University based out of California.
Dr. Wisniewski's field of study was on the effects of social-emotional learning and academic achievement in adolescents. She completed her studies at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Isabelli and Dr. Wisniewski!

We love catching up with our students in and out of school. A first grader at Flossmoor Hills, Kennedi, had a visit with Ana and Elsa from Frozen!
Take a look at this week's newsletters from around the district.
-Flossmoor Hills https://www.smore.com/e3sdp
-Heather Hill https://www.smore.com/05hjz-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
-Parker Junior High https://www.smore.com/fztyc
-Serena Hills https://rb.gy/f8byic
-Western Avenue https://www.smore.com/09yd4

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Flossmoor School District 161!
Classes resume on Monday, November 27.

Think fast! Check out this week's roundup of newsletters from around the district.
Flossmoor Hills https://www.smore.com/e3sdp
Heather Hill https://rb.gy/6d1uyk
Parker Junior High https://www.smore.com/1abw0
Serena Hills https://rb.gy/yexrto
Western Avenue https://www.smore.com/gfpmh
Here are 3 helpful tips to help you prepare for your parent-teacher conference this week.
1. For in-person conferences, plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time so you can get settled and sign in.
2. Do you have a virtual conference? Be sure you have a strong internet connection and are in a quiet place before your scheduled conference time.
3. Prepare a list of questions you may have for your child's teacher.
We hope to see you around the district today and tomorrow!

It was a busy week in D161; we made the most of this fantastic week, from crafting to reading to volunteering!





Today is Substitute Educators Day! We are grateful to all guest teachers who keep our schools running smoothly. They are often ready to fill in at a moment's notice to serve our school community and support our students. Share your thanks in the comments below!

Today is Illinois School Board Member Day.
Thank you to the dedicated and thoughtful individuals who make up the Flossmoor School District 161 School Board. We appreciate your commitment to our school community.

National Education Week is a chance to shine a light on the fantastic opportunities available to the students of School District 161. The endless opportunities include sports, music, clubs, and extra homework help to name a few. Share your student's favorite activity in the comments below!

It's National Education Week, and we would like to thank the dedicated teachers at School District 161 who inspire our students and take them on a growth journey all school year. Your dedication and commitment to excellence mean the sky is the limit for our students!
#d161learns #flossmoorschools #NationalEducationWeek

Today several of our school communities hosted special Veterans Day celebrations. School District 161 wishes to thank all Veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Enjoy these pictures from the festivities!





