Calling all 7th and 8th grade parents! Were you considering registering your child for Snowflake and worried that you missed the deadline!? We are keeping the Snowflake registration open until February 17th! Please find registration information at https://www.accounts.snap.app/login, then Begin Registration and look for Operation Snowflake - Parker (be sure to pick the correct school).
Any questions? Please reach out to Ms. Maclin at bmaclin@sd161.org or (708) 647-5531.
Any questions? Please reach out to Ms. Maclin at bmaclin@sd161.org or (708) 647-5531.
Catch up on all of your Parker Junior High news by clicking the link to read through the newsletter. Inside this week's edition, you'll read exciting news about some of our Humanities students! https://app.smore.com/n/8m7h6v
We are excited to share that several of our 7th grade Humanities students have been recognized for their outstanding research essays submitted to the Lumiere Education Foundation’s Junior Explorers Program competition.
Most notably, Sophia Briceno was awarded an Honorable Mention which includes a $1,000 scholarship toward participation in the Junior Explorers Program. She is among a very small group of top scholars recognized internationally from over 1,100 essay submissions.
In addition, the following students were also selected for awards and partial scholarships:
Future Explorer - $500 Scholarship
Charod W.
Charles B.
Nyla W.
Rahman S.
Nora R.
Dahlia T.
Sophie F.
Chinedum A.
Rising Scholar - $250 Scholarship
Aniyah M.
Emma S.
Avery C.
Magnus T.
Aubrey P.
Langston G.
These recognitions are a reflection of their hard work, critical thinking, and strong writing skills. We are so proud of their efforts and grateful to our teachers for the opportunity to help push our Humanities students into authentic academic experiences like this one.
We are excited to share that several of our 7th grade Humanities students have been recognized for their outstanding research essays submitted to the Lumiere Education Foundation’s Junior Explorers Program competition.
Most notably, Sophia Briceno was awarded an Honorable Mention which includes a $1,000 scholarship toward participation in the Junior Explorers Program. She is among a very small group of top scholars recognized internationally from over 1,100 essay submissions.
In addition, the following students were also selected for awards and partial scholarships:
Future Explorer - $500 Scholarship
Charod W.
Charles B.
Nyla W.
Rahman S.
Nora R.
Dahlia T.
Sophie F.
Chinedum A.
Rising Scholar - $250 Scholarship
Aniyah M.
Emma S.
Avery C.
Magnus T.
Aubrey P.
Langston G.
These recognitions are a reflection of their hard work, critical thinking, and strong writing skills. We are so proud of their efforts and grateful to our teachers for the opportunity to help push our Humanities students into authentic academic experiences like this one.
Just a reminder that there is no school for students tomorrow, Friday, February 6, due to a Teacher Institute Day.
While our students enjoy a day at home, our teachers will be hard at work learning, collaborating, and sharpening their skills so they can continue to bring their very best to the classroom.
There is also no school on Monday, February 9, in observance of Lincoln's Birthday. We hope our families enjoy the long weekend and the extra time together.
We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, February 10, refreshed and ready to learn.
While our students enjoy a day at home, our teachers will be hard at work learning, collaborating, and sharpening their skills so they can continue to bring their very best to the classroom.
There is also no school on Monday, February 9, in observance of Lincoln's Birthday. We hope our families enjoy the long weekend and the extra time together.
We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, February 10, refreshed and ready to learn.
We are less than two weeks away from the District 161 STEAM Night. We hope to see you on February 12 from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Parker Junior High.
Get ready for an evening where curiosity takes the lead and ideas come to life. STEAM Night will bring together science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on experiences designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, and wonder.
Whether you love experimenting, building, coding, creating, or asking big questions, this is a night you won’t want to miss. More details are coming soon, but for now, mark your calendar and get ready to explore, discover, and innovate together.
Get ready for an evening where curiosity takes the lead and ideas come to life. STEAM Night will bring together science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on experiences designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, and wonder.
Whether you love experimenting, building, coding, creating, or asking big questions, this is a night you won’t want to miss. More details are coming soon, but for now, mark your calendar and get ready to explore, discover, and innovate together.
#ICYMI
Parker Junior High School student Amaya Thigpen represented our school at the inaugural Junior All-State Orchestra in Peoria, IL. Congratulations, Amaya, and thank you to our music department for the exceptional instruction and dedication to our students.
For all of your PJH news, please click the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/84mfz
Parker Junior High School student Amaya Thigpen represented our school at the inaugural Junior All-State Orchestra in Peoria, IL. Congratulations, Amaya, and thank you to our music department for the exceptional instruction and dedication to our students.
For all of your PJH news, please click the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/84mfz
Join us for the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:30 pm.-7:30 pm. at Serena Hills Elementary School, located at 255 Pleasant Drive in Chicago Heights. This meeting will feature Dr. Valentina M Pacheco-Cornejo, Psy.D., an adolescent psychologist and nutritional expert who will share tips and strategies to support a healthy family lifestyle and mental health.
Join us for the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:30 pm.-7:30 pm. at Serena Hills Elementary School, located at 255 Pleasant Drive in Chicago Heights. This meeting will feature Dr. Valentina M Pacheco-Cornejo, Psy.D., an adolescent psychologist and nutritional expert who will share tips and strategies to support a healthy family lifestyle and mental health.
FREE!
Looking for a fun way to support your child’s early math learning?
Join our Math Magic Family program at Homewood Science Center!
Families complete short, hands-on math activities together during STEM Saturdays—and every visit earns a raffle entry for a Lakeshore Learning math kit!
Saturdays | 10–11 AM
👶 Ages 3–8 with parent or caregiver
📍 Homewood Science Center
Free. Fun. Meaningful learning.
#MathMagicFamily #EarlyMathMatters #STEMForAll
Looking for a fun way to support your child’s early math learning?
Join our Math Magic Family program at Homewood Science Center!
Families complete short, hands-on math activities together during STEM Saturdays—and every visit earns a raffle entry for a Lakeshore Learning math kit!
Saturdays | 10–11 AM
👶 Ages 3–8 with parent or caregiver
📍 Homewood Science Center
Free. Fun. Meaningful learning.
#MathMagicFamily #EarlyMathMatters #STEMForAll
Because of the dangerously low temperatures for tomorrow, District 161 will have E-learning and
no in-person school on Monday, January 26, 2026. In addition, all extracurricular activities are
cancelled. Please refer to the document below for specific E-learning information and if you have any
questions, please contact your building principal or me at your earliest convenience. The District
161 school and district offices will be open tomorrow in case you have any issues. We are
planning to resume in-person learning on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11E81jXPWavakgfTJmavz0ydhX-Egwadm/view
Spanish:https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tFfJkMn39maQT1wWrGQ7SlZAC8G4Sr1/view
no in-person school on Monday, January 26, 2026. In addition, all extracurricular activities are
cancelled. Please refer to the document below for specific E-learning information and if you have any
questions, please contact your building principal or me at your earliest convenience. The District
161 school and district offices will be open tomorrow in case you have any issues. We are
planning to resume in-person learning on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11E81jXPWavakgfTJmavz0ydhX-Egwadm/view
Spanish:https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tFfJkMn39maQT1wWrGQ7SlZAC8G4Sr1/view
Earlier this week, Ms. Rudenga invited us to stop by the 8th grade book club meeting. The members were super fun, incredibly engaging, and loved sharing about the books they're currently reading. Before we wrapped up, they had a question for all of you!
With these frigid temperatures keeping us indoors, what books are you reading this weekend? Drop your book recommendations in the comments below, they're excited to see what's on your reading list.
Due to the anticipated cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, District 161 will transition to E-learning tomorrow, Friday, January 23.
Specific E-learning information can be found in English at https://shorturl.fm/CpPdU and in Spanish at the following link. https://shorturl.fm/wYrZC
School and District offices will be open tomorrow. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or building principal. Flossmoor School District 161 is planning to resume in-person learning on Monday, January 26, 2026.
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.
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!
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.
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)
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!
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.
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.
