A quick selfie with Ms. O’Dwyer captures a great moment of Parker Pride!
Last night, Ms. O’Dwyer and her students were recognized at the board meeting for their participation in both the #EduHam and National History Day trips. Their preparation and commitment to learning outside the classroom were on full display!
Bravo!
Last night, Ms. O’Dwyer and her students were recognized at the board meeting for their participation in both the #EduHam and National History Day trips. Their preparation and commitment to learning outside the classroom were on full display!
Bravo!
We regret to inform you that the event scheduled for today has been canceled. Please join us on July 13 to learn more about volunteering at Parker Junior High during the upcoming school year.
Our students are back from the National History Day (NHD) competition, and what an unforgettable experience!
They packed every moment with opportunity, forming friendships with history students from across Illinois and the country while getting a taste of 'college dorm life' and exploring Washington, D.C. It is safe to say this trip created core memories that will stay with them for years to come.
From the energy of the NHD Welcome Ceremony and the excitement of competition to the student dance and award ceremony, the trip was filled with memorable moments. Along the way, they explored some of our nation’s most powerful sites, including the National Holocaust Museum, National Archives, National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Mall. They also toured the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol with Team Illinois and experienced the monuments in a whole new way on a nighttime tour.
Congratulations to our students Avery, Sophie, Emma, and Dahlia. We are so proud of how you represented Parker Junior High with curiosity, enthusiasm, and excellence.
A huge thank you to Linda O’Dwyer for her dedication and leadership, and for her many years of guiding students to the National Competition. Her commitment continues to create meaningful, once in a lifetime opportunities for our students.
They packed every moment with opportunity, forming friendships with history students from across Illinois and the country while getting a taste of 'college dorm life' and exploring Washington, D.C. It is safe to say this trip created core memories that will stay with them for years to come.
From the energy of the NHD Welcome Ceremony and the excitement of competition to the student dance and award ceremony, the trip was filled with memorable moments. Along the way, they explored some of our nation’s most powerful sites, including the National Holocaust Museum, National Archives, National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Mall. They also toured the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol with Team Illinois and experienced the monuments in a whole new way on a nighttime tour.
Congratulations to our students Avery, Sophie, Emma, and Dahlia. We are so proud of how you represented Parker Junior High with curiosity, enthusiasm, and excellence.
A huge thank you to Linda O’Dwyer for her dedication and leadership, and for her many years of guiding students to the National Competition. Her commitment continues to create meaningful, once in a lifetime opportunities for our students.
Want to get more involved at Parker Junior High? Come learn how you can make a difference! Join us for an informational session tomorrow, June 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please note that the meeting location has been changed to Heather Hill Elementary School, located at 1439 Lawrence Crescent in Flossmoor. Another session will also be held on July 13 at Serena Hills School from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please note that the meeting location has been changed to Heather Hill Elementary School, located at 1439 Lawrence Crescent in Flossmoor. Another session will also be held on July 13 at Serena Hills School from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Congratulations to our fabulous students who participated in the National History Day competition in Washington D.C.
A big thank you to their teacher Ms Linda O'Dwyer for making this core memory moment possible for our students.
Stay tuned for more photographs from their trip and project!
Want to get more involved at Parker Junior High? Come learn how you can make a difference! Join us for an informational session at Serena Hills School on June 23 or July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
As we close out another wonderful school year, we wish all of School District 161 a joyful and relaxing summer vacation.
To our incredible staff, thank you for your dedication and care throughout the year. We hope you take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with family, friends, and the hobbies you love.
To our students, we hope your summer is filled with fun, adventure, and discovery. Be sure to spend time at your local library, participate in park district programs, explore new interests, and continue learning in ways that inspire you.
If you are enrolled in Summer Academy, we look forward to seeing you on the first day of class at Serena Hills School on Monday, June 15.
Have a safe and happy summer, District 161. We look forward to seeing you again in August!
To our incredible staff, thank you for your dedication and care throughout the year. We hope you take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with family, friends, and the hobbies you love.
To our students, we hope your summer is filled with fun, adventure, and discovery. Be sure to spend time at your local library, participate in park district programs, explore new interests, and continue learning in ways that inspire you.
If you are enrolled in Summer Academy, we look forward to seeing you on the first day of class at Serena Hills School on Monday, June 15.
Have a safe and happy summer, District 161. We look forward to seeing you again in August!
Congratulations to the 2026 class of Parker Junior High!
We are so proud of you!
❤️✨
Today was a sweet day at Parker Junior High!
The Dip ’n Double Ice Cream truck stopped by to celebrate 43 students who completed the May Beanstack Challenge by reading 300 minutes during the month.
Students were so excited to enjoy a well-earned ice cream treat as a reward for all of their hard work. Way to go, Parker readers. We are proud of you! Thank you to Ms. Rudenga for keeping us interested in reading as the year winds down.
The Dip ’n Double Ice Cream truck stopped by to celebrate 43 students who completed the May Beanstack Challenge by reading 300 minutes during the month.
Students were so excited to enjoy a well-earned ice cream treat as a reward for all of their hard work. Way to go, Parker readers. We are proud of you! Thank you to Ms. Rudenga for keeping us interested in reading as the year winds down.
Tonight the 8th graders trade in their classwork, athletic uniforms, and school bags for their very best party clothes!
Thank you to the staff and volunteers that make the 8th grade dance a night these students will never forget!
The end of the school year is quickly approaching!
Save the date and make plans to join us for our District End-of-Year Celebration. This year’s event will be held at Serena Hills School. We look forward to celebrating together!
Thursday, June 4, from 5-7 p.m.
Save the date and make plans to join us for our District End-of-Year Celebration. This year’s event will be held at Serena Hills School. We look forward to celebrating together!
Thursday, June 4, from 5-7 p.m.
We are proud to share that two of our students were recognized in AMLE’s 2026 Student Sound Off competition.
The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) invites middle school students from around the world to share their voices through creative submissions. Entries are reviewed by educators and selected for their originality and student perspective.
This year, Nyla Whittier was named a finalist, and Owen Day received an honorable mention.
Their teacher, Ms. Emily Nicotra, says she's proud of both students for their creativity, reflection, and willingness to share their voices.
The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) invites middle school students from around the world to share their voices through creative submissions. Entries are reviewed by educators and selected for their originality and student perspective.
This year, Nyla Whittier was named a finalist, and Owen Day received an honorable mention.
Their teacher, Ms. Emily Nicotra, says she's proud of both students for their creativity, reflection, and willingness to share their voices.
A reminder that there is no school on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
We invite you to join the Parker Junior High Band and the James Hart Middle School Band at the Veterans Memorial in Homewood for a special ceremony. Pre-ceremony music will begin at 10:15 a.m., with the official program starting at 10:30 a.m. During the ceremony, the bands will perform “Marches of the Armed Forces” to honor the service and sacrifice of our military men and women.
In addition, members of the Homewood-Flossmoor band program will also be performing at the event in support of the ceremony.
The Veteran's Memorial is located at 18161 Morris Avenue.
We invite you to join the Parker Junior High Band and the James Hart Middle School Band at the Veterans Memorial in Homewood for a special ceremony. Pre-ceremony music will begin at 10:15 a.m., with the official program starting at 10:30 a.m. During the ceremony, the bands will perform “Marches of the Armed Forces” to honor the service and sacrifice of our military men and women.
In addition, members of the Homewood-Flossmoor band program will also be performing at the event in support of the ceremony.
The Veteran's Memorial is located at 18161 Morris Avenue.
A reminder that there is no school on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We invite you to join the Parker Junior High Band at the Veterans Memorial in Homewood at 10:15 a.m. for a special ceremony.
The memorial is located at 18161 Morris Avenue.
Check out this opportunity for our SD 161 students made possible by our friends from Dad Force 1.
See you there!
See you there!
Wishing our student-athletes the best of luck as they compete today at the State Track & Field competition!
We believe in you!
We believe in you!
Last night, Parker Junior High School proudly welcomed 34 new members into the National Junior Honor Society during a special induction ceremony.
The National Junior Honor Society recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, character, citizenship, and service. This year’s inductees have distinguished themselves through strong academic achievement and meaningful contributions to both their school and community.
Congratulations to our 2026 inductees:
Chinedum Achara, London Adams, Leonardo Aldape Baraja, Jade Beasley, Charles Bivens, Avery Cheung, Dania Deshazier, Braden Douglas, Brooklynn Ellison-Rowlett, Loryelle Ferguson, Sophie Folaju, Bree Frye, Myron Graham, Harper Henry, Alana Larkin, Skylar Lawson, Nadine Martin, Aniyah McKee, Yves McKinney, Sebastian Olivares, Aniyah Oord, Fatima Ortiz, Chloe Parchman, Aubrey Phillips, Asaf Rojas, Nora Rouse, Annabelle Salazar, Emma Santiago, Gracen Sikkema, Abdul-Raheem Sokoya, Abdul-Rahman Sokoya, Dahlia Thomas, Nyla Whittier, and Charod Williams.
Thank you to NJHS advisors Ms. Beth Bunting and Ms. Nekia Parchman for their continued leadership and dedication to inspiring student excellence.
The National Junior Honor Society recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, character, citizenship, and service. This year’s inductees have distinguished themselves through strong academic achievement and meaningful contributions to both their school and community.
Congratulations to our 2026 inductees:
Chinedum Achara, London Adams, Leonardo Aldape Baraja, Jade Beasley, Charles Bivens, Avery Cheung, Dania Deshazier, Braden Douglas, Brooklynn Ellison-Rowlett, Loryelle Ferguson, Sophie Folaju, Bree Frye, Myron Graham, Harper Henry, Alana Larkin, Skylar Lawson, Nadine Martin, Aniyah McKee, Yves McKinney, Sebastian Olivares, Aniyah Oord, Fatima Ortiz, Chloe Parchman, Aubrey Phillips, Asaf Rojas, Nora Rouse, Annabelle Salazar, Emma Santiago, Gracen Sikkema, Abdul-Raheem Sokoya, Abdul-Rahman Sokoya, Dahlia Thomas, Nyla Whittier, and Charod Williams.
Thank you to NJHS advisors Ms. Beth Bunting and Ms. Nekia Parchman for their continued leadership and dedication to inspiring student excellence.
Conference champs and still going strong!
Our 8th grade boys track team took home 1st place at the SSJHSA Conference Meet. The 7th grade boys earned a strong 3rd place finish, and both our 7th and 8th grade girls teams brought home 2nd place.
We are so proud of all of our athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication. Next stop: sectionals on Saturday, May 16 at Manhattan Junior High.
Good luck, Falcons!!!
Our 8th grade boys track team took home 1st place at the SSJHSA Conference Meet. The 7th grade boys earned a strong 3rd place finish, and both our 7th and 8th grade girls teams brought home 2nd place.
We are so proud of all of our athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication. Next stop: sectionals on Saturday, May 16 at Manhattan Junior High.
Good luck, Falcons!!!
Vote for your fan favorite Wall of Honor now through May 20, 2026!
A big thank you to our talented 8th graders at Parker Junior High, who brought creativity and meaning to life through their Walls of Honor as part of the 2026 Flossmoor Veterans’ Time Machine project.
Scan the QR code to cast your vote and show your support.
Vote as often as you’d like and for as many Walls of Honor as you choose!
A big thank you to our talented 8th graders at Parker Junior High, who brought creativity and meaning to life through their Walls of Honor as part of the 2026 Flossmoor Veterans’ Time Machine project.
Scan the QR code to cast your vote and show your support.
Vote as often as you’d like and for as many Walls of Honor as you choose!
Students from the National Junior Honor Society, AVID, and the Principal Cabinet recently engaged in a thoughtful dialogue with the MacArthur Middle School Leadership Team, exploring Standards-Based Learning and its impact on their middle school experience. Their voices, insights, and perspectives continue to shape meaningful learning at Parker Junior High. Keep soaring, Falcons!
