🎃 TOMORROW! District-Wide Trunk or Treat! 🍬
The countdown is almost over! Tomorrow, our Flossmoor School District 161 families are invited to join us for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun!
👻 Thursday, October 29
🕟 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
Come dressed in your favorite costume, bring your family, and get ready for some Halloween fun with our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars!
🍬 Please bring one nonperishable food item to donate.
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 🎃
ALL IN for community. ALL IN for fun!
The countdown is almost over! Tomorrow, our Flossmoor School District 161 families are invited to join us for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun!
👻 Thursday, October 29
🕟 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
Come dressed in your favorite costume, bring your family, and get ready for some Halloween fun with our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars!
🍬 Please bring one nonperishable food item to donate.
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 🎃
ALL IN for community. ALL IN for fun!
We can't wait to see you for our Trunk or Treat this Wednesday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SANDERS!
Today we're celebrating our superintendent, Dr. Terrance Sanders, with a special birthday challenge, and we need YOUR help!
Introducing the ALL IN for Kindness Birthday Challenge!
Throughout the week of October 26–30, we're challenging our students, staff, families, and community members to celebrate Dr. Sanders by performing a random act of kindness!
Whether it's a helping hand, a thoughtful note, or a simple smile, every act of kindness makes a difference!
We want to hear from YOU! Did you spread a little kindness or experience someone's thoughtful gesture? Share your stories and photos in the comments, send us a DM, or email swright@sd161.org.
We'll wrap up the week by sharing the kindness this birthday celebration inspired throughout our school community!
Let's show Dr. Sanders what happens when District 161 goes ALL IN for kindness!
Happy Birthday, Dr. Sanders!
Today we're celebrating our superintendent, Dr. Terrance Sanders, with a special birthday challenge, and we need YOUR help!
Introducing the ALL IN for Kindness Birthday Challenge!
Throughout the week of October 26–30, we're challenging our students, staff, families, and community members to celebrate Dr. Sanders by performing a random act of kindness!
Whether it's a helping hand, a thoughtful note, or a simple smile, every act of kindness makes a difference!
We want to hear from YOU! Did you spread a little kindness or experience someone's thoughtful gesture? Share your stories and photos in the comments, send us a DM, or email swright@sd161.org.
We'll wrap up the week by sharing the kindness this birthday celebration inspired throughout our school community!
Let's show Dr. Sanders what happens when District 161 goes ALL IN for kindness!
Happy Birthday, Dr. Sanders!
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.
Think Pink, Heather Hill! 💗
Heather Hill School is coming together to make a difference for those affected by cancer, and our school community can help in two ways!
💗 Think Pink Penny-Dollar War | October 21–29
Students can earn positive points for their grade level by donating silver coins to their own grade-level container or give other grades negative points by donating pennies or paper bills to their containers. The grade level with the highest total will win their choice of a popcorn or Italian ice treat!
On October 29, everyone is encouraged to wear pink for a schoolwide Think Pink Spirit Day!
💗 Think Pink Care Package Project
Heather Hill is also collecting contributions to help create 100 care packages for cancer patients in Olympia Fields. These thoughtful packages will bring comfort and support to local patients on their cancer journeys.
Funds collected through the Penny-Dollar War will benefit the Cancer Support Center and Project Kennedy, while the care package project will provide meaningful support to local patients.
Thank you to the Heather Hill community for showing what it means to care for others. Together, we can make a difference, one act of kindness at a time! 💗
Heather Hill School is coming together to make a difference for those affected by cancer, and our school community can help in two ways!
💗 Think Pink Penny-Dollar War | October 21–29
Students can earn positive points for their grade level by donating silver coins to their own grade-level container or give other grades negative points by donating pennies or paper bills to their containers. The grade level with the highest total will win their choice of a popcorn or Italian ice treat!
On October 29, everyone is encouraged to wear pink for a schoolwide Think Pink Spirit Day!
💗 Think Pink Care Package Project
Heather Hill is also collecting contributions to help create 100 care packages for cancer patients in Olympia Fields. These thoughtful packages will bring comfort and support to local patients on their cancer journeys.
Funds collected through the Penny-Dollar War will benefit the Cancer Support Center and Project Kennedy, while the care package project will provide meaningful support to local patients.
Thank you to the Heather Hill community for showing what it means to care for others. Together, we can make a difference, one act of kindness at a time! 💗
🎭 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!
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, Heather Hill Hornets!
Take a moment to read through this week's newsletter. Also, please save the date for the district-wide Trunk or Treat coming soon!
https://app.smore.com/n/y3d6q-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
Take a moment to read through this week's newsletter. Also, please save the date for the district-wide Trunk or Treat coming soon!
https://app.smore.com/n/y3d6q-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
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.
Reminder: There is no school on Monday, October 12, and the District Offices are closed. Happy Friday, Flossmoor School District 161.
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.
This week, we’re celebrating Carol Humm, Principal of Heather Hill Elementary School!
Known for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to high-quality instruction and care for students, staff and families, Principal Humm helps make Heather Hill a special place to learn and grow.
Here’s what members of the Heather Hill team have to say about her:
“Carol was my principal when I served as the K-1 Instructional Teacher here at Heather Hill, and now I’m fortunate to serve alongside her as Assistant Principal and co-leader of our Hive. I learned so much about what it means to be a compassionate, steady and thoughtful school leader from working with Carol, and I continue to learn from her every day. I’m grateful for our partnership and for the care and commitment she brings to our students, staff and families. Happy Principals Month, Carol!” - Seena Purnam, Assistant Principal
“One thing I appreciate about our principal is her commitment to high-quality instruction and student growth. She believes in students being challenged, supported, and given opportunities to succeed academically.” -Danielle Callahan
Please join us in celebrating Principal Humm and all of our Flossmoor School 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.
This week, we’re celebrating Carol Humm, Principal of Heather Hill Elementary School!
Known for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to high-quality instruction and care for students, staff and families, Principal Humm helps make Heather Hill a special place to learn and grow.
Here’s what members of the Heather Hill team have to say about her:
“Carol was my principal when I served as the K-1 Instructional Teacher here at Heather Hill, and now I’m fortunate to serve alongside her as Assistant Principal and co-leader of our Hive. I learned so much about what it means to be a compassionate, steady and thoughtful school leader from working with Carol, and I continue to learn from her every day. I’m grateful for our partnership and for the care and commitment she brings to our students, staff and families. Happy Principals Month, Carol!” - Seena Purnam, Assistant Principal
“One thing I appreciate about our principal is her commitment to high-quality instruction and student growth. She believes in students being challenged, supported, and given opportunities to succeed academically.” -Danielle Callahan
Please join us in celebrating Principal Humm and all of our Flossmoor School District 161 principals this month. We’re grateful for the leadership they provide every day!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
🎃 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 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!
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
Catch up on the latest news from Heather Hill School!
https://app.smore.com/n/ar59z-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
https://app.smore.com/n/ar59z-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
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.
