Dr. Ford was busy getting his workout in, but he took a quick break to remind us: we’re just 5 days away from the first day of school!
As we get back into the school year routine, remember that a good routine isn’t just about schoolwork. Make time for reading and learning, but also for getting outside, moving your body, and enjoying some fresh air.
Physical activity is good for the brain, too. It can help improve focus, mood, memory, and readiness to learn.
So, over these last few days of summer, let’s get our bodies moving, our brains engaged, and our routines ready!
5 days, SD 161. Let’s get ready!

We’re just days away from welcoming our youngest learners to SD 161, and we’re excited to welcome our preschool and kindergarten families to our Meet and Greet!
Come meet your child’s teacher, see their classroom, connect with other families, and drop off school supplies before the first day.
Wednesday, August 26
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Meet and Greet will be held at your child’s school:
Flossmoor Hills
Heather Hill
Serena Hills
Western Avenue
It’s a great opportunity to make those first day jitters feel a little smaller and the first day excitement feel a whole lot bigger.
We can’t wait to see you!

Dr. Sanders, our superintendent, has been on the move today, making his way around SD 161 and visiting almost every school in the district.
It’s exciting to see the energy, teamwork, and dedication happening in every building. Everyone is working hard to make sure our schools are ready to welcome our students in just six days.
The countdown is on! We’re almost ready to welcome our kids back to SD 161.

See you later, alligator! It’s almost time to see our SD 161 students again!
As we get ready for the new school year, now is a great time for families to make a plan for getting to school every day and on time. Regular attendance helps students stay connected, keep up with learning, and make the most of their school year.
Set those alarms, get those backpacks ready, and make a plan for a great start!
7 days, SD 161! We can’t wait to see you!


Summer Spotlight: Ms. Watson
Western Avenue’s Ms. Watson enjoyed a wonderful summer getaway to Nashville, Tennessee, with her sisters!
From shopping and hiking to swimming, exploring local wineries, and enjoying delicious food, the trip was all about relaxing, exploring, and making memories together.
Sounds like the perfect way to spend a little summer downtime!

Dylan and Lennox have been having a fossil-tastic summer! One of their highlights was checking out the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit at the Field Museum!
From discovering prehistoric treasures to exploring the world of Pokémon, this adventure was definitely a super effective way to spend a summer day!
Looks like these two trainers are ready to catch ’em all before summer ends!


We can’t wait to see your chalk creations for Chalk the Walk 2026!
Join us on Wednesday, August 26, after 4 p.m. at your school playground. We’ll have the chalk ready for you! Come help us fill our playgrounds with color and school spirit before the new school year begins.
Then, on Thursday, August 27, we’ll be ready to welcome everyone back for the new school year!
Chalk the Walk: Wednesday, August 26, after 4 p.m.
First Day of School: Thursday, August 27

Need a physical for sports, extracurricular activities, or school enrollment? Frontier Healthcare Systems (FHCS) is offering FREE back-to-school physicals for SD 161 students this Saturday, August 22.
When: Saturday, August 22
Where: Frontier Healthcare Systems
20280 Governors Hwy., Suite 102, Olympia Fields
Walk-ins are welcome! You can also call (773) 234-0388 to schedule an appointment.


Incoming 6th grader Tiana had an incredible AAU track season, earning 15 medals and an MVP ring!
She was a District Champion in the 100m and 200m, a Regional Runner-Up in three events, and competed at the Junior Olympics, finishing ranked in the top 50 nationally in the 100m, 200m, and 400m.
Way to go, Tiana! We can’t wait to see what’s next!


As our community continues to recover from the recent storms, please remind children to stay away from debris cleanup, power restoration crews, equipment, and work areas.
Large piles of debris along parkways can make it difficult for drivers to see children. If your child is riding a bike, please remind them to wear a helmet, stay alert, and choose safe routes away from work areas.
As we enjoy these final days of summer, let’s look out for one another and keep our SD 161 students safe.

As our SD 161 families continue to navigate storm recovery, we thought sharing a few more summer memories might help brighten spirits and give us something to smile about.
Seventh grader Max had a pretty rockin’ summer! He took the stage at the Upheaval Music Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before his dad’s clients performed. What a cool summer memory!
Send us your summer memories to Swright@sd161.org

SD 161 Summer Spotlight
Oh deer… we’re getting closer to the start of the new school year!
Lila spent the last week of July in Minocqua, Wisconsin, enjoying time on Lake Shishebogama and a visit to Wildwood Wildlife Zoo & Safari. She got to feed and pet all kinds of animals, including some very friendly deer!
Sounds like a pretty great way to wrap up the summer!
Have a summer adventure to share? Send us your photos for a chance to be featured in the SD 161 Summer Spotlight!

An important update from Flossmoor School District 161. We are asking families to also check their email for a letter from Superintendent Dr. Terrance Sanders with additional information.

Well, this family certainly knows how to make an entrance!
Dawson and his family enjoyed a colorful summer adventure in San Juan, complete with some very unexpected travel companions. Apparently, giant macaws are the perfect addition to a family photo!
Now that’s a vacation they won’t soon forget!
Have a summer adventure to share? Email your photos to swright@sd161.org. We’d love to spotlight our SD 161 families.


All SD 161 Schools Remain Closed Today
Due to continued power outages following recent storms, all SD 161 schools remain closed today.
We hope all of our SD 161 families are safe. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Brandon is speeding right into the new school year!
During his very first AAU season, Brandon Lewis earned more than eight silver medals and one gold, consistently finishing among the top competitors throughout the summer.
His performances at the AAU District and Regional Championships earned him a spot at the AAU Junior Olympic Games, where he advanced to the 200-meter semifinals, finishing 18th in the nation among 12-year-olds, and placed 36th nationally in the 400-meter dash.
We can’t wait to see where those fast feet take you next!
Send us your favorite summer memory for a chance to be featured swright@sd161.org

