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.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month.
Preventing bullying starts with the way we treat one another every day.
Sometimes it’s as simple as noticing who is sitting alone. Inviting someone to join your group. Speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Getting an adult when someone needs help.
Small choices can make a big difference.
In Flossmoor School District 161, we want everyone to know: You belong here.
We are also encouraging families to talk about bullying and kindness at home. Ask your child what they would do if they saw someone being left out, teased, or treated unfairly. Talk about when to speak up, when to get help and how they can be part of making sure others feel welcome.
Let’s make room for each other SD 161!
Preventing bullying starts with the way we treat one another every day.
Sometimes it’s as simple as noticing who is sitting alone. Inviting someone to join your group. Speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Getting an adult when someone needs help.
Small choices can make a big difference.
In Flossmoor School District 161, we want everyone to know: You belong here.
We are also encouraging families to talk about bullying and kindness at home. Ask your child what they would do if they saw someone being left out, teased, or treated unfairly. Talk about when to speak up, when to get help and how they can be part of making sure others feel welcome.
Let’s make room for each other SD 161!
Checking in on the farm! 🐷📚
There’s a little more farm life happening in the hallways these days, with Charlotte, Wilbur, and their friends making appearances around Flossmoor Hills.
Our students are continuing their One School, One Book adventure with Charlotte’s Web, reading along, talking about the story, and finding new ways to connect with the characters along the way.
Families, we’d love to hear from you, too! Is your child enjoying the journey so far? Tell us what they’re saying about Charlotte’s Web at home!
There’s a little more farm life happening in the hallways these days, with Charlotte, Wilbur, and their friends making appearances around Flossmoor Hills.
Our students are continuing their One School, One Book adventure with Charlotte’s Web, reading along, talking about the story, and finding new ways to connect with the characters along the way.
Families, we’d love to hear from you, too! Is your child enjoying the journey so far? Tell us what they’re saying about Charlotte’s Web at home!
Are you a nurse looking for a flexible way to support students in your community?
Flossmoor School District 161 is looking for substitute nurses to help provide care and support in our schools when our regular nurses are away.
If you’re interested in working with our students and joining the District 161 team, we’d love to hear from you!
Learn more about the position and application process by emailing Dr. Marti at Hmarti@sd161.org
Flossmoor School District 161 is looking for substitute nurses to help provide care and support in our schools when our regular nurses are away.
If you’re interested in working with our students and joining the District 161 team, we’d love to hear from you!
Learn more about the position and application process by emailing Dr. Marti at Hmarti@sd161.org
Join the Flossmoor Hills PTO tonight for their first meeting of the school year!
Connect with other families, meet new people, and learn more about the programs and activities the PTO sponsors to support learning and enrichment at Flossmoor Hills.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Flossmoor Hills School.
We hope to see you there!
Connect with other families, meet new people, and learn more about the programs and activities the PTO sponsors to support learning and enrichment at Flossmoor Hills.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Flossmoor Hills School.
We hope to see you there!
Catch up on all of the latest news from Flossmoor Hills!
We love seeing so many of our students and families reading Charlotte’s Web together. From classroom conversations to family reading time at home, it has been wonderful to see this story bring our community together around the joy of reading.
Take a look at what’s happening across Flossmoor Hills, including school news, upcoming events, and important reminders. There’s a lot happening, so take a few minutes to catch up!
https://app.smore.com/n/csnvy
We love seeing so many of our students and families reading Charlotte’s Web together. From classroom conversations to family reading time at home, it has been wonderful to see this story bring our community together around the joy of reading.
Take a look at what’s happening across Flossmoor Hills, including school news, upcoming events, and important reminders. There’s a lot happening, so take a few minutes to catch up!
https://app.smore.com/n/csnvy
EVERY DAY MATTERS.
When students come to school regularly, they have more opportunities to learn, ask questions, make connections, build friendships, participate in activities and be part of all the little moments that make school special.
And the numbers matter, too. Missing just 10% of the school year, about 18 days, is considered chronic absenteeism. Research shows that students who miss school regularly are more likely to experience academic challenges and fall behind.
We know that life happens. Kids get sick. Families face challenges. Sometimes an absence just can’t be avoided.
But when your child is healthy and able to be at school, please help them get there. Those days add up. And so do the opportunities they would otherwise miss.
Every day. Every connection. Every opportunity to learn.
It all matters.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
When students come to school regularly, they have more opportunities to learn, ask questions, make connections, build friendships, participate in activities and be part of all the little moments that make school special.
And the numbers matter, too. Missing just 10% of the school year, about 18 days, is considered chronic absenteeism. Research shows that students who miss school regularly are more likely to experience academic challenges and fall behind.
We know that life happens. Kids get sick. Families face challenges. Sometimes an absence just can’t be avoided.
But when your child is healthy and able to be at school, please help them get there. Those days add up. And so do the opportunities they would otherwise miss.
Every day. Every connection. Every opportunity to learn.
It all matters.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
Parent Night: Standards-Based Grading
Join us tomorrow evening for a special Parent Night at Parker Junior High focused on standards-based grading and learning in District 161.
Parents and guardians will learn more about how standards-based learning supports student success and get practical tips and resources to support their students at home.
The evening will also include:
• Information about standards-based learning in SD161 schools
• Tips for supporting your student at home
• Student binders
• BPAC sign-up
• A D’s Cookies raffle
• Community resources and local organizations offering support and services
• A special Hispanic Heritage Month celebration sponsored by the SD161 BPAC
Wednesday, September 23
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Parker Junior High School, 2810 School Street
We hope you’ll join us for an informative and family-friendly evening. Let’s celebrate learning together!
Join us tomorrow evening for a special Parent Night at Parker Junior High focused on standards-based grading and learning in District 161.
Parents and guardians will learn more about how standards-based learning supports student success and get practical tips and resources to support their students at home.
The evening will also include:
• Information about standards-based learning in SD161 schools
• Tips for supporting your student at home
• Student binders
• BPAC sign-up
• A D’s Cookies raffle
• Community resources and local organizations offering support and services
• A special Hispanic Heritage Month celebration sponsored by the SD161 BPAC
Wednesday, September 23
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Parker Junior High School, 2810 School Street
We hope you’ll join us for an informative and family-friendly evening. Let’s celebrate learning together!
We’re kicking off the week with a little Charlotte’s Web magic! Our all-school reading of the beloved classic is officially underway, and Superintendent Dr. Sanders joined students and staff for a special “Drop Everything and Read” (DEAR) time. His lively read-aloud had students hanging on every word!
Be sure to check out this week’s newsletter for more news, updates and highlights from around District 161.
Have a wonderful week, Eagles!
https://app.smore.com/n/mgdau
Be sure to check out this week’s newsletter for more news, updates and highlights from around District 161.
Have a wonderful week, Eagles!
https://app.smore.com/n/mgdau
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to noon for an engaging morning celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture and community.
The Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library are hosting this special celebration in partnership with the BPAC Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. Families are invited to come together for a morning of learning, connection and celebration.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month together!
The Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library are hosting this special celebration in partnership with the BPAC Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. Families are invited to come together for a morning of learning, connection and celebration.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month together!
There are two vacancies on the Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education due to the recent resignations of Mrs. Christina Vlietstra and Dr. Carolyn Griggs. Please see the attached document with an update on the process that the Board of Education is using to fill the vacancies.
A quick calendar reminder, families!
There are two upcoming days when students will be out of school:
Friday, September 18
Teacher Institute Day
No school for students.
Monday, September 21
Yom Kippur Observed
No school for staff and students. The District Office will also be closed.
Be sure to mark your calendars!
There are two upcoming days when students will be out of school:
Friday, September 18
Teacher Institute Day
No school for students.
Monday, September 21
Yom Kippur Observed
No school for staff and students. The District Office will also be closed.
Be sure to mark your calendars!
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, and we’re excited to celebrate with our families and community!
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to noon for an engaging morning celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture and community.
The Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library are hosting this special celebration in partnership with the BPAC Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. Families are invited to come together for a morning of learning, connection and celebration.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month together!
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to noon for an engaging morning celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture and community.
The Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library are hosting this special celebration in partnership with the BPAC Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. Families are invited to come together for a morning of learning, connection and celebration.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month together!
We had a fabulous time at the Back to School Bash on Friday.
We caught up with this Eagle who reminded us that the Bears will begin their season this weekend. We think this student must be the Bears new luck charm. BEARS WIN!
To catch up on all of your Flossmoor Hills news click the link below.
Ps: zoom in on the picture and check out the hornet that was buzzing by just as we took the photo. No eagles were harmed in the taking of this picture.
https://app.smore.com/n/fupgd
On Saturday and Sunday, September 12th and 13th, 2026, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will apply an herbicide and fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Ave, and Parker Junior High. The products that will be used for this application are The Andersons Turf Products Fertilizer with Barricade Herbicide, and Trimec 992 Broadleaf Herbicide. These products include a selective broadleaf herbicide and a lawn fertilizer to control weeds/dandelions in these areas and fertilize all district lawns.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz at (708) 647-7005.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz at (708) 647-7005.
We can't wait to see you tomorrow! Back to School Bash, 5- 7 p.m. at Flossmoor Hills School.
We hope to see you at the Back to School Bash!
5-7pm at Flossmoor Hills!
Principal McNeil-Dobson and her favorite school mascot are here with your weekly edition of the Flossmoor Hills newsletter.
Take a peek, catch up on all the great things happening at school this week!
https://app.smore.com/n/put04
Take a peek, catch up on all the great things happening at school this week!
https://app.smore.com/n/put04
#ICYMI
Friday was all about COLLEGE COLORS at SD 161!
Our staff showed up in their college gear, representing the many colleges and universities that are part of our SD 161 family. From alma maters to favorite teams, we loved seeing everyone’s school spirit on display!
And with college football season officially kicking off Saturday, the timing couldn’t have been better. We hope you’re ready to cheer on your favorite team!
So, SD 161 — who are you rooting for this season?
Friday was all about COLLEGE COLORS at SD 161!
Our staff showed up in their college gear, representing the many colleges and universities that are part of our SD 161 family. From alma maters to favorite teams, we loved seeing everyone’s school spirit on display!
And with college football season officially kicking off Saturday, the timing couldn’t have been better. We hope you’re ready to cheer on your favorite team!
So, SD 161 — who are you rooting for this season?
