🎭 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!
about 22 hours ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Myth-understood graphic
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. ❤️
2 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
school board
school board
school board
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
3 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Save the date
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
9 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Keeping our kids cyber safe. Image shows a computer desktop with Keeping our kids cyber safe. displayed along with the SD 161 logo.
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.
10 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Take the Pledge
Catch up on all your news from the Hive!
https://app.smore.com/n/y1txq7-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
10 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Heather Hill logo
Reminder: There is no school on Monday, October 12, and the District Offices are closed. Happy Friday, Flossmoor School District 161.
14 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
no school
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.
14 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
principal
🎃 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!
16 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
trunk or treat
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!
21 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
school logo
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!
22 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Anti bullying
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
23 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
substitute nurse
Catch up on the latest news from Heather Hill School!
https://app.smore.com/n/ar59z-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
24 days ago, Flossmoor School District 161
HH kids at the HF play.
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.
about 1 month ago, Flossmoor School District 161
All in every day
Check out the latest from Heather Hill School!
https://app.smore.com/n/b9t3w-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
about 1 month ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Staff from Heather Hill
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!
about 1 month ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Standards based grading
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!
about 1 month ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Hispanic Heritage Month
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.
about 1 month ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Flossmoor Vacancy update
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!
about 1 month ago, Flossmoor School District 161
days off of school graphic
Catch up on all the latest information from Heather Hill School!
https://app.smore.com/n/b1fx8-what-s-happening-at-the-hive
about 1 month ago, Flossmoor School District 161
heather hill hornet