Spring Break is here, and it is a wonderful time to pause, recharge, and enjoy a change of pace. We hope our students, families, and staff take this opportunity to rest and enjoy the signs of spring all around us.
Looking for something to do? Consider checking out a new book from the library or visiting a local park to enjoy the fresh air.
Whether your plans include traveling, staying close to home, or simply relaxing, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Spring Break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready to learn, on April 6.
Looking for something to do? Consider checking out a new book from the library or visiting a local park to enjoy the fresh air.
Whether your plans include traveling, staying close to home, or simply relaxing, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Spring Break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready to learn, on April 6.
Parker Junior High Family Reading Night brought together families, students, and staff for an evening full of connection, creativity, and a shared love of reading.
A special thank you goes to Sarah Rudenga, Mattison Schneider, Tiffaney Washington, and Tamika Britten for creating such a thoughtful and engaging experience for our school community.
A clear favorite of the night was the student led Maker’s Market, where PJH entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase and sell their own merchandise. It was incredible to see their ideas come to life and to watch them shine.
We have to know, did you try one of the famous ladybug-shaped sugar cookies?
A special thank you goes to Sarah Rudenga, Mattison Schneider, Tiffaney Washington, and Tamika Britten for creating such a thoughtful and engaging experience for our school community.
A clear favorite of the night was the student led Maker’s Market, where PJH entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase and sell their own merchandise. It was incredible to see their ideas come to life and to watch them shine.
We have to know, did you try one of the famous ladybug-shaped sugar cookies?
Herbicide Application Notification:
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, March 30th, 31st, and April 1st, 2026, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will be applying an herbicide and a fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Ave, and Parker Junior High. The products to be used for this application are The Andersons Turf Products Fertilizer with Barricade Herbicide and Trimec 992 Broadleaf Herbicide. These products comprise a selective broadleaf herbicide and a lawn fertilizer that will be used to control weeds/dandelions in these areas and to fertilize all district lawns.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, March 30th, 31st, and April 1st, 2026, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will be applying an herbicide and a fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Ave, and Parker Junior High. The products to be used for this application are The Andersons Turf Products Fertilizer with Barricade Herbicide and Trimec 992 Broadleaf Herbicide. These products comprise a selective broadleaf herbicide and a lawn fertilizer that will be used to control weeds/dandelions in these areas and to fertilize all district lawns.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
Family Reading Night is tonight at Parker Junior High.
Join us for “Escape Into a Good Book,” an evening filled with food trucks, fun, puzzles, surprises, and a little mystery along the way. It is a great opportunity for families to come together, explore reading in a new and engaging way, and enjoy time as a community.
Food trucks will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing our PJH families there for a night of reading, connection, and fun.
Join us for “Escape Into a Good Book,” an evening filled with food trucks, fun, puzzles, surprises, and a little mystery along the way. It is a great opportunity for families to come together, explore reading in a new and engaging way, and enjoy time as a community.
Food trucks will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing our PJH families there for a night of reading, connection, and fun.
Today didn’t end the way we wanted, but what a season the 8th grade girls volleyball team had!!
Undefeated in the regular season, regionals, and sectionals. These athletes show up just as strong in the classroom, in their activities, and through the way they give back.
Thank you to Coach Shereyk and Coach Volkman for your leadership and dedication to this team.
Sharing their send-off video from today. There is so much to be proud of. 💙 💛
The 8th grade girls volleyball team had a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ send-off as they head to the state championship!
Good luck, Falcons! We’re all cheering you on and wishing you the best on the big stage! 🏐💫
The countdown is on for Parker’s Escape into a Good Book Reading Night.
On Tuesday, March 24, Parker Junior High families are invited to join us for an evening where stories, puzzles, and a few surprises come together for a fun celebration of reading.
Come hungry. Food trucks will be on site starting at 5:30 p.m., and the Reading Night fun begins at 6 p.m.
Whether you love mysteries, adventures, or discovering a new favorite book, there will be something for everyone. We hope to see lots of Parker families ready to escape into a great story.
On Tuesday, March 24, Parker Junior High families are invited to join us for an evening where stories, puzzles, and a few surprises come together for a fun celebration of reading.
Come hungry. Food trucks will be on site starting at 5:30 p.m., and the Reading Night fun begins at 6 p.m.
Whether you love mysteries, adventures, or discovering a new favorite book, there will be something for everyone. We hope to see lots of Parker families ready to escape into a great story.
Our 7th and 8th-grade Humanities students from Parker Junior High represented us with excellence at the National History Day Chicago Regional Competition, and we have exciting news to share!
Six teams have advanced to the Illinois State competition on May 4 in Springfield. The most in school history!
Students gathered in the Media Center for a watch party, and the excitement was unforgettable.
State Qualifiers:
Performance (8th Grade)
Hannah Daggett, Millie Mlynarcik, Riordan Kelly, Nia Davis, Minah Bobb
The Weight of Being Seen: How the Stonewall Riots Shaped Modern America
Documentary (8th Grade)
Elliot Chan, Naya Kittling, Alani Jeffries, Jemyria Dyer, Coralie DeSchepper
Unseen Insight – The Braille Revolution
Exhibit Board (8th Grade)
Connor Boyko, Malachi Rucker, Djimon Shakoor, Charles Zurek, Sam O’Shea
The Newsies Stopped the World!
Documentary (7th Grade)
Nora Rouse, Sophia Briceno, Mila Mathis, Amiya McDowell
The Civil Rights Revolution and the Women Who Made it Happen
Performance (7th Grade)
Avery Cheung, Dahlia Thomas, Emma Santiago, Sophie Folaju
The Radium Girls: Reforming History Beyond the Grave
Performance (7th Grade)
Finn Davis, Chinedum Achara, Raheem Sokoya
DeStalinization: The Beginning of Soviet Reform
Special Award Winner
Timel Moore, Sean Barzso, Josiah Turpeau
Redlining
A special thank you to Ms. Linda O’Dwyer for her guidance, dedication, and support of our students throughout this process.
We are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work, creativity, and commitment. Best of luck at State!!
Six teams have advanced to the Illinois State competition on May 4 in Springfield. The most in school history!
Students gathered in the Media Center for a watch party, and the excitement was unforgettable.
State Qualifiers:
Performance (8th Grade)
Hannah Daggett, Millie Mlynarcik, Riordan Kelly, Nia Davis, Minah Bobb
The Weight of Being Seen: How the Stonewall Riots Shaped Modern America
Documentary (8th Grade)
Elliot Chan, Naya Kittling, Alani Jeffries, Jemyria Dyer, Coralie DeSchepper
Unseen Insight – The Braille Revolution
Exhibit Board (8th Grade)
Connor Boyko, Malachi Rucker, Djimon Shakoor, Charles Zurek, Sam O’Shea
The Newsies Stopped the World!
Documentary (7th Grade)
Nora Rouse, Sophia Briceno, Mila Mathis, Amiya McDowell
The Civil Rights Revolution and the Women Who Made it Happen
Performance (7th Grade)
Avery Cheung, Dahlia Thomas, Emma Santiago, Sophie Folaju
The Radium Girls: Reforming History Beyond the Grave
Performance (7th Grade)
Finn Davis, Chinedum Achara, Raheem Sokoya
DeStalinization: The Beginning of Soviet Reform
Special Award Winner
Timel Moore, Sean Barzso, Josiah Turpeau
Redlining
A special thank you to Ms. Linda O’Dwyer for her guidance, dedication, and support of our students throughout this process.
We are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work, creativity, and commitment. Best of luck at State!!
The much-awaited Escape into a Good Book Reading Night is almost here at Parker Junior High.
Families are invited to join us on Tuesday, March 24, for an evening of books, puzzles, surprises, and a few mysteries along the way as we celebrate the joy of reading together.
Come early and grab dinner from the food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m. The Reading Night fun begins at 6 p.m.
Bring your curiosity and get ready to escape into a great story with the Parker community.
Families are invited to join us on Tuesday, March 24, for an evening of books, puzzles, surprises, and a few mysteries along the way as we celebrate the joy of reading together.
Come early and grab dinner from the food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m. The Reading Night fun begins at 6 p.m.
Bring your curiosity and get ready to escape into a great story with the Parker community.
‼️ Congrats to the Parker Junior High 8th grade girls volleyball team on winning Sectionals and becoming Sectional Champions! 🏆 The girls have worked so hard for this and it shows. These athletes put in the effort on and off the court and many are involved in several activities both in and out of school. Good luck as you head to State on Friday. Thank you to the coaches for your time, dedication, and support of these athletes. Way to go Falcons! 💙 💛
Happy Monday, Parker Junior High!
Please catch up on all of your school news by clicking the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/yk97w
Please catch up on all of your school news by clicking the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/yk97w
🏐✨ The Parker Junior High 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team brought the energy last night and spiked their way to a REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆🔥 What a way to roll into Friday! Next stop: SECTIONALS on Monday! Let’s keep the momentum going and cheer them on as they continue their incredible run! A huge THANK YOU to our amazing coaches for their leadership, encouragement, and for pushing these athletes to be their best on and off the court. Your hard work truly shows! Way to go, girls! Enjoy the Friday spotlight, you’ve earned it! 🎉 #RegionalChamps #FridayWin #ParkerPride #RoadToSectionals
Wishing the 8th grade girls volleyball team good luck as they face off against Prairie Hills in the regional championship. Come out and cheer them on at Columbia Central today at 4:30 p.m.
Bump! Set! Spike!
Families, we invite you to share your feedback through the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, open now through March 13, 2026. Your input helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can grow, ensuring the best possible learning environment for every student.
To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the Parent Survey to begin. Please complete one survey for each child you have enrolled in SD 161 schools.
The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and plays an important role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for partnering with us and helping our community continue to thrive.
To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the Parent Survey to begin. Please complete one survey for each child you have enrolled in SD 161 schools.
The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and plays an important role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for partnering with us and helping our community continue to thrive.
Happy Monday, Falcons! Let’s kick off the week by catching up on all the latest news from PJH. Click the link below to stay in the know! https://app.smore.com/n/4tgeb
Parker Junior High families are invited to Escape into a Good Book at Parker’s upcoming Reading Night on Tuesday, March 24.
This special evening will be filled with fun, puzzles, surprises, and a few mysteries along the way as students and families celebrate the joy of reading together. It’s the perfect chance to step away from the everyday and dive into a great story.
Come early and grab dinner from the on-site food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m. The Reading Night festivities will begin at 6 p.m.
Bring your curiosity and get ready for a night of books, adventure, and discovery at Parker Junior High.
This special evening will be filled with fun, puzzles, surprises, and a few mysteries along the way as students and families celebrate the joy of reading together. It’s the perfect chance to step away from the everyday and dive into a great story.
Come early and grab dinner from the on-site food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m. The Reading Night festivities will begin at 6 p.m.
Bring your curiosity and get ready for a night of books, adventure, and discovery at Parker Junior High.
Families, we invite you to share your feedback through the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, open now through March 13, 2026. Your input helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can grow, ensuring the best possible learning environment for every student.
To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the Parent Survey to begin. Please complete one survey for each child you have enrolled in SD 161 schools.
The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and plays an important role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for partnering with us and helping our community continue to thrive.
To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the Parent Survey to begin. Please complete one survey for each child you have enrolled in SD 161 schools.
The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and plays an important role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for partnering with us and helping our community continue to thrive.
The countdown is on for Math Night. Flossmoor School District 161 invites families to a Math Carnival and Game Night on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Junior High.
Students and families can explore hands on math games, enjoy refreshments, enter raffles, and experience engaging activities designed to make math come alive. The evening will also feature a special presentation from the Homewood Science Center.
Bring the whole family and join us for an hour of learning, laughter, and plenty of number powered fun. We look forward to seeing you TOMORROW!
Students and families can explore hands on math games, enjoy refreshments, enter raffles, and experience engaging activities designed to make math come alive. The evening will also feature a special presentation from the Homewood Science Center.
Bring the whole family and join us for an hour of learning, laughter, and plenty of number powered fun. We look forward to seeing you TOMORROW!
Do you have a little one who will be starting kindergarten next school year? Or do you know a family getting ready for that big milestone?
Tomorrow, March 3, is Kindergarten Registration Day. Bring your future kindergartener to their home school to get registered for next year. We cannot wait to meet our newest students, see those big smiles, and welcome the Class of 2038.
For more information, click the link below.
https://www.sd161.org/page/kindergarten-registration
Tomorrow, March 3, is Kindergarten Registration Day. Bring your future kindergartener to their home school to get registered for next year. We cannot wait to meet our newest students, see those big smiles, and welcome the Class of 2038.
For more information, click the link below.
https://www.sd161.org/page/kindergarten-registration
Check out the latest news from PJH.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3rd.
https://app.smore.com/n/a6ngh
