Parker Junior High - 21st Century Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow

We are proud to celebrate some of our outstanding 7th-grade Humanities students. Sophia Briceno, Magnus Takaoka, Avery Cheung, Aniyah McKee, and Nora Rouse were named to the shortlist of the Junior Scholars Essay Contest hosted by the Lumiere Education Foundation. This international competition received more than 1,000 entries from students in 53 countries, making this recognition a truly remarkable achievement. Their research-based essays were completed as part of our enrichment work in English Language Arts and WIN time. These students demonstrated strong academic voice, thoughtful research skills, and a clear commitment to excellence. Final winners will be announced on February 1, and we are eagerly cheering them on. Congratulations to (L to R) Magnus, Sophia, Avery, Nora Rouse, and Aniyah on this impressive accomplishment.

Parker Junior High had an amazing MLK Day of Service alongside the Jack and Jill South Suburban Chapter! 🌟 The morning was filled with meaningful programming, powerful fellowship, and hands-on service that brought students and volunteers together with a shared purpose. Through learning, connection, and action, everyone honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by turning his words into impact and showing that service, unity, and community go hand in hand.

There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 19, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Should you decide to make this DAY OFF a DAY ON, please visit Flossmoor.org for a complete list of available service projects. We also invite you to consider the projects taking place at Serena Hills School and Flossmoor Hills School. Parker Junior High is Proud to partner with Jack and Jill South Suburban Chapter, but this project is closed to the general public. We also want to wish Ms. Dewey and her AVID all-stars well as they embark on a service project at a local assisted living facility.

Join us on Tuesday, March 24, and escape into a good book!
PJH family reading night!
More info coming soon!

It was a busy day in the sports area at Parker Junior High yesterday with a true crosstown classic taking center court. Our Parker teams faced off against the James Hart Panthers in both boys basketball and girls volleyball, filling two gymnasiums with energy and school spirit. The boys basketball team and our 6/7 grade girls volleyball team played hard and showed great determination. The 8th grade girls volleyball team finished the day with a big win, giving everyone something to cheer about. What makes days like this especially sweet is knowing that today's competitors will one day be teammates, with some of them coming together as FUTURE VIKINGS.

Catch up on all of your PJH school news!
https://app.smore.com/n/q3vgy

Calling all 8th graders and their families!
HF is excited to welcome families to a special evening conversation about how HF prepares students for success — in college, careers, and life beyond high school.

Join Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Norrell and the HF administrative team to learn more about the academic opportunities, student supports, and real-world learning experiences available to your student.

During this session, we’ll explore:
• 19 Illinois State Board of Education–approved Career Pathways
• A range of rigorous academic options, including IB (Career-related Programme candidacy and Diploma Programme), AP, Dual Credit, and Honors courses
• Workplace experiences and internships that connect learning to future careers
• How the bell schedule and school day are designed to support student success
• Student well-being supports, including resources addressing adolescent anxiety

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn how students can personalize their academic journey, and see how HF partners with families to support both achievement and wellness.

Event Details
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
6:00 p.m.
HF Auditorium (enter Door
We are excited to welcome families to the Homewood-Flossmoor High School community and invite you to a special evening conversation about how HF prepares students for success — in college, careers, and life beyond high school.

Join Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Norrell and the HF administrative team to learn more about the academic opportunities, student supports, and real-world learning experiences available to your student.

During this session, we’ll explore:
• 19 Illinois State Board of Education–approved Career Pathways
• A range of rigorous academic options, including IB (Career-related Programme candidacy and Diploma Programme), AP, Dual Credit, and Honors courses
• Workplace experiences and internships that connect learning to future careers
• How the bell schedule and school day are designed to support student success
• Student well-being supports, including resources addressing adolescent anxiety

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn how students can personalize their academic journey, and see how HF partners with families to support both achievement and wellness.

Event Details
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
6:00 p.m.
HF Auditorium (enter Door 9)

School pride meets stage lights.

Auditions for the Spring Musical, The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White, are happening January 26 and January 27. Students must attend both days to audition for the cast.

Audition packets for cast and crew will be available starting January 5, in the Main Office and from Mrs. E. Nicotra.

Not ready for the spotlight? No problem. Crew packets are due Friday, January 30, and are a great way to help bring the show to life.

Whether students love to perform or prefer working behind the scenes, getting involved is a fun way to show school pride, make memories, and be part of something special!

Get ready to dance, 6th graders!

The Student Council is hosting a 6th Grade Dance, and it’s going to be a blast.

Friday, January 9
3:05–5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $5 and include pizza, soda, and a DJ to keep the party going. Extra pizza, drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase.

Important reminder: Permission slips and payment are due Wednesday, January 7. No late submissions will be accepted.

We can’t wait to see everyone on the dance floor.

Happy New Year!
We can’t wait to see our students tomorrow! As we get ready to jump back into our routine, please take a few minutes to review the latest newsletter to get caught up on all of the most up-to-date information from Parker Junior High.
https://app.smore.com/n/7jqb9

As we head into the final weekend of break, this is an easy way to ease back into school mode. We are inviting Parker families and their students to take a few minutes to share feedback on Capturing Kids’ Hearts by completing a short survey. Please use the links below and encourage your child to participate in the Student Survey as well. If you would like to preview the questions included in the CKH Student Survey, you can view them at the link provided.

Parent CKH Survey
https://app.ckh.org/public-survey/r9qwwc5i
Student CKH Survey
https://app.ckh.org/public-survey/ig6us8zi

Looking for a simple and fun way to keep your child’s reading and math skills sharp over Winter Break, encourage independent learning, and earn a chance to win a gift card while still enjoying time off? Take our Winter Break Learning Challenge by clicking the link below!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1saOUpkx9nfQCCl-J9U3SSkQwB4M6M3p1/view

Spirit Week Continues..... We’re celebrating the last week of school before winter break with lots of school spirit and fun. Dress up, join in, and help us make this an amazing last week!

#ICYMI Congratulations to our 8th-grade Parker Falcons on securing the Regional Championship last night! The team competed with exceptional determination from start to finish, overcoming a tense overtime to claim the victory. It was a hard-fought game, and our athletes demonstrated outstanding heart, resilience, and teamwork. An unforgettable achievement, well done, Falcons!

We hope families make plans to swing by the Flossmoor Library on Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. for a lively musical performance for kids. You might even get lucky and walk away with a tasty treat. A great way to start the weekend together.
The Flossmoor Library is located at 1000 Sterling Avenue.

Don't forget! Friday is a School Improvement Day, and all SD161 students have an early dismissal.

Catch up on all of your PJH news to help get you prepared for the week ahead.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning, Falcons!
https://app.smore.com/n/zsyte

The District is working with Studer Education to help strengthen our systems and support even better experiences and outcomes for our students, staff, and school community. Our survey is open from November 14 to 29, 2025, and we invite parents and guardians to complete one for each child enrolled in District 161. Please check your email for the survey link and take a few moments to share your feedback.

The District is working with Studer Education to help strengthen our systems and support even better experiences and outcomes for our students, staff, and school community. Our survey is open from November 14 to 29, 2025, and we invite parents and guardians to complete one for each child enrolled in District 161. Please check your email for the survey link and take a few moments to share your feedback.