Get ready for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun! Join us Thursday, October 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Parker Junior High parking lot for our district-wide Trunk or Treat!
Students and families from across Flossmoor School District 161 are invited to join the fun. Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy a chance to connect with friends, meet other families, and celebrate Halloween together.
🍬 Admission: Bring one nonperishable food item to donate, and all students must be accompanied by an adult.
📅 Thursday, October 29
⏰ 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
We can’t wait to see our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars there!
ALL IN for a little Halloween fun! 🎃
Students and families from across Flossmoor School District 161 are invited to join the fun. Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy a chance to connect with friends, meet other families, and celebrate Halloween together.
🍬 Admission: Bring one nonperishable food item to donate, and all students must be accompanied by an adult.
📅 Thursday, October 29
⏰ 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
We can’t wait to see our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars there!
ALL IN for a little Halloween fun! 🎃
Keeping our kids safe online starts with knowing what to look for!
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and caregivers to join us for our next Parent University on Wednesday, November 4, at Heather Hill Elementary School.
We are excited to welcome Detective Rich Wistocki, who will share valuable information about the online dangers facing children today and practical strategies families can use to help keep their children safe in an increasingly digital world.
The evening will begin with a Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, followed by Detective Wistocki's presentation.
Evening Schedule:
5:30–6:30 p.m. | BPAC Meeting
6:30–8:00 p.m. | Keeping Your Kids Cyber Safe with Detective Rich Wistocki
Location: Heather Hill Elementary School, 1439 Lawrence Crescent, Flossmoor
Dinner will be provided!
RSVP is required. Please use the link below to reserve your spot.
https://forms.gle/ouB83HyUQb4AM8Us6
We hope you'll join us for this important conversation as we work together to keep our children safe online.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and caregivers to join us for our next Parent University on Wednesday, November 4, at Heather Hill Elementary School.
We are excited to welcome Detective Rich Wistocki, who will share valuable information about the online dangers facing children today and practical strategies families can use to help keep their children safe in an increasingly digital world.
The evening will begin with a Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, followed by Detective Wistocki's presentation.
Evening Schedule:
5:30–6:30 p.m. | BPAC Meeting
6:30–8:00 p.m. | Keeping Your Kids Cyber Safe with Detective Rich Wistocki
Location: Heather Hill Elementary School, 1439 Lawrence Crescent, Flossmoor
Dinner will be provided!
RSVP is required. Please use the link below to reserve your spot.
https://forms.gle/ouB83HyUQb4AM8Us6
We hope you'll join us for this important conversation as we work together to keep our children safe online.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
🎭 Opening night is TOMORROW! Don’t miss the hilarious production of Myth-Understood at Parker Junior High.
Our talented students have been working hard to bring this production to life, and we can’t wait for you to see their hard work on stage!
Join us Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m. or Saturday, October 24 at 3 p.m. for a show directed by Ms. Emily Nicotra.
Come cheer on our Parker performers and celebrate all the time, talent, and teamwork they’ve poured into this production. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tonight, Flossmoor Hills became Zuckerman’s farm! 🐷🕸️ A HUGE thank you to our amazing Reading Squad, Ms. Ciesielski, Ms. Payne, and Mr. Wetherald, for bringing Charlotte’s Web to life for our students and families through our One School, One Book experience. From Dr. Sanders kicking off the adventure with a reading over the school intercom to tonight’s special event, this beloved story has brought our school community together in the most wonderful way. Thank you for turning reading into an experience our children will remember for years to come. You didn’t just bring a book to life. You gave these students a core memory filled with imagination, wonder, and joy. We are so grateful to all the amazing staff and parent volunteers that lent a hand tonight. You made this experience MAGICAL. Thank you!! 🕸️📚
October is Principal Appreciation Month, and we’re taking a moment to celebrate the amazing work our principals do all year long.
Being a principal means wearing a lot of hats, showing up for students and staff, supporting families, solving problems and finding ways to make each school a place where kids feel supported and ready to learn. So much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but the difference they make is felt every day.
At our last Board of Education meeting, school board members took turns reading a proclamation in recognition of Principal Appreciation Month. It was a meaningful way to recognize the people who give so much to our school communities.
To our principals, thank you for all you do for our students, staff and families. We appreciate you more than you know! Drop a note of thanks in the comments below!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY. ❤️
Good morning, Eagles!
Be sure to check out this week's newsletter. Don't forget to save the date for next week's district-wide Trunk or Treat! You won't want to miss this!
https://app.smore.com/n/wudf0
Be sure to check out this week's newsletter. Don't forget to save the date for next week's district-wide Trunk or Treat! You won't want to miss this!
https://app.smore.com/n/wudf0
How can we help keep our children safe online?
Watch Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.), guest presenter with the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team, share important information about protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
An informative watch for parents and caregivers as we work together to keep our students safe, both online and offline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK2wUHdM1ks
Watch Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.), guest presenter with the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team, share important information about protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
An informative watch for parents and caregivers as we work together to keep our students safe, both online and offline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK2wUHdM1ks
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and we’re ALL IN for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
One way to take action? Take the pledge through PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and commit to helping create a world where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
Whether it’s standing up for someone, including a classmate or speaking out when something isn’t right, small actions can make a difference.
Take the pledge: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/
Let’s be ALL IN for a school community where everyone belongs.
One way to take action? Take the pledge through PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and commit to helping create a world where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
Whether it’s standing up for someone, including a classmate or speaking out when something isn’t right, small actions can make a difference.
Take the pledge: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/
Let’s be ALL IN for a school community where everyone belongs.
We LOVE the Village of Flossmoor Fire Department and appreciate all they do to keep us safe. We had the best time when they visited us at Flossmoor Hills last week.
Read this week's newsletter to learn more about their visit!
https://app.smore.com/n/by2qw
Read this week's newsletter to learn more about their visit!
https://app.smore.com/n/by2qw
Reminder: There is no school on Monday, October 12, and the District Offices are closed. Happy Friday, Flossmoor School District 161.
🎃 SAVE THE DATE! 🎃
District 161 families, mark your calendars for the Student Council and FEA-sponsored Trunk or Treat!
Thursday, October 29
Parker Junior High School
This district-wide event is open to all District 161 students and families. Admission is one nonperishable food item.
We’re also looking for District 161 parents who would like to host a trunk and help make the evening special for our students.
Parents interested in hosting a trunk should sign up by October 23. Space is limited, and registration may close early if we reach capacity.
Sign up to host a trunk: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOrxhYSW99tH6ZR_1B3hZztA9MBRk6wE3sfp4NRFRekFtafg/viewform?usp=dialog
More event details are included in the flyer. We hope to see you there!
District 161 families, mark your calendars for the Student Council and FEA-sponsored Trunk or Treat!
Thursday, October 29
Parker Junior High School
This district-wide event is open to all District 161 students and families. Admission is one nonperishable food item.
We’re also looking for District 161 parents who would like to host a trunk and help make the evening special for our students.
Parents interested in hosting a trunk should sign up by October 23. Space is limited, and registration may close early if we reach capacity.
Sign up to host a trunk: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOrxhYSW99tH6ZR_1B3hZztA9MBRk6wE3sfp4NRFRekFtafg/viewform?usp=dialog
More event details are included in the flyer. We hope to see you there!
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!
