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.
You are warmly invited to an evening of reflection, celebration, and student voice at Parker Junior High School’s “Then, Next, and Now” Assembly, honoring 100 years of Black history. This meaningful program will highlight the past, present, and future through powerful performances and presentations by our students.
📍 Parker Junior High School 2810 School Street
📅 Friday, February 27, 2026
🕕 Program begins at 6:00 p.m.
🚪 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
This event is open to the entire community. Families, neighbors, and friends are all welcome to attend and share in this special evening as we learn, reflect, and celebrate together. We hope to see you there.
📍 Parker Junior High School 2810 School Street
📅 Friday, February 27, 2026
🕕 Program begins at 6:00 p.m.
🚪 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
This event is open to the entire community. Families, neighbors, and friends are all welcome to attend and share in this special evening as we learn, reflect, and celebrate together. We hope to see you there.
Big energy in the PJH gym yesterday as both girls volleyball teams delivered an exciting afternoon of competition! The 7th grade team walked away with a well-earned win, while the 8th grade team continued its incredible season and remains undefeated!
The afternoon also featured a special 8th grade celebration honoring our players for their dedication, sportsmanship, and heart on the court. We are so proud of our student athletes and all they have accomplished. Go Falcons!!!!
Calling all PJH girls who are interested in STEAM!
Is your child curious, creative, or still figuring out what she loves?
The Girls STEAM Celebration gives 6th–8th grade girls from Parker Junior High and James Hart a chance to explore what’s possible—before high school even begins.
👩🏽🔬 Meet women in STEAM
🎓 Explore Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Net Zero Science Building
🎨 Create a vision board that reflects their dreams
🍕 Lunch + swag included
📅 Saturday, April 11 | 10am–2pm
🚌 Transportation & chaperones provided by the school
⚠️ Space is limited to 50 students per school. First come, first served.
👉 Register now using the link or QR code on the flyer!
homewoodsciencecenter.org/girls
Be sure to act quickly! Spots are filling fast!
Is your child curious, creative, or still figuring out what she loves?
The Girls STEAM Celebration gives 6th–8th grade girls from Parker Junior High and James Hart a chance to explore what’s possible—before high school even begins.
👩🏽🔬 Meet women in STEAM
🎓 Explore Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Net Zero Science Building
🎨 Create a vision board that reflects their dreams
🍕 Lunch + swag included
📅 Saturday, April 11 | 10am–2pm
🚌 Transportation & chaperones provided by the school
⚠️ Space is limited to 50 students per school. First come, first served.
👉 Register now using the link or QR code on the flyer!
homewoodsciencecenter.org/girls
Be sure to act quickly! Spots are filling fast!
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.
Parker Junior High’s Black History Month presentation was such a beautiful way to start the morning.
It was especially moving to see the band, choir, and orchestra come together for Lift Every Voice. The blend of voices and instruments created a powerful and heartfelt moment that brought the room together.
The skits, performances, and music were engaging and meaningful, with songs that had us tapping our feet and smiling along. We are so appreciative of the students and staff for putting together such a thoughtful and uplifting celebration.
Well done to the staff and students on this fabulous and meaningful presentation.
Calling all PJH girls ready to explore, create, and dream BIG in STEAM!
Does your child love science, art, technology, building, or solving problems? Or is she still discovering what excites her? This inspiring day is designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and big dreams.
The Girls STEAM Celebration invites 6th–8th grade girls from Parker Junior High and James Hart School to discover exciting possibilities before high school even begins.
✨ What’s in store:
👩🏽🔬 Meet inspiring women working in STEAM careers
🏫 Explore the cutting-edge Net Zero Science Building at Homewood-Flossmoor High School
🎨 Create a vision board that captures bold goals and bright futures
🍕 Enjoy lunch, fun swag, and a day with other curious, creative girls
🚌 Transportation and chaperones provided by the school
📅 Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
⚡ Only 50 spots per school — first come, first served.
👉 Register using the QR code or details on the flyer.
⏳ Don’t wait — spots are filling fast, and this is a day she won’t want to miss.
Step right up for a night of numbers, games, and family fun. Flossmoor School District 161 invites you to a Math Carnival and Game Night on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Junior High.
Enjoy hands-on math activities, exciting games, refreshments, raffles, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. The evening will also feature a special presentation by the Homewood Science Center.
Bring the whole family and discover just how fun math can be. We hope to see you there.
Enjoy hands-on math activities, exciting games, refreshments, raffles, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. The evening will also feature a special presentation by the Homewood Science Center.
Bring the whole family and discover just how fun math can be. We hope to see you there.
Checkmate, conference champs! Congratulations to the 7th and 8th grade chess teams for winning the SSJHSA conference tournament. The Falcons faced off against competitors from 9 schools and at the end of a long tournament day came out on top. Congratulations to all and thank you to our amazing coaches for their support, encouragement, and instruction.
Registration is now open for the 2026 season with Flossmoor Baseball & Softball. This program is available for players ages 4 and up and is a wonderful way to get children involved in a fun, community building sport.
As a valued community partner, we are pleased to share this opportunity with District 161 families. Youth athletics help children build confidence, teamwork, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. And let’s be honest, kids are not the only ones who make new friends on the sidelines. Parents do too.
Learn more and register at FlossmoorBBSB.com. Now is the perfect time to get your child in the game and connected with our community.
As a valued community partner, we are pleased to share this opportunity with District 161 families. Youth athletics help children build confidence, teamwork, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. And let’s be honest, kids are not the only ones who make new friends on the sidelines. Parents do too.
Learn more and register at FlossmoorBBSB.com. Now is the perfect time to get your child in the game and connected with our community.
Early Dismissal Reminder — Friday, February 20
This is a friendly reminder that students will be dismissed early at 11:40 a.m. on Friday, February 20, so our staff can participate in School Improvement Planning.
This is a friendly reminder that students will be dismissed early at 11:40 a.m. on Friday, February 20, so our staff can participate in School Improvement Planning.
Flossmoor School District 161 will host Kindergarten Registration for the 2026–2027 school year on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at each of the district’s elementary schools.
We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners and their families. More details and everything you need to know will be posted on the district website soon.
We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners and their families. More details and everything you need to know will be posted on the district website soon.
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.
