We hope your 8th grader had a fantastic time at the dance last night! We’re excited to start sharing photos from the event, beginning with a spotlight on Alicia. A talented 8th grader and member of Ms. Rudenga’s Knitting and Crochet Club, Alice crafted the stunning dress she wore to the dance—showcasing the incredible skills she’s developed through this wonderful after-school program. We’re so grateful to have dedicated staff like Ms. Rudenga in SD 161, who generously lead such meaningful and creative opportunities for our students. Bravo, Alicia! your dress is absolutely beautiful!
Last night, the PJH UNDEFEATED girls soccer team honored all the 8th-grade players. These talented athletes have been playing together for years, and soon they’ll be ready to take on the challenges of high school. Whether on the field or pursuing new adventures, we know they’ll continue to shine. Best of luck, athletes! The future is yours!
As part of our ongoing commitment to serving our families and community with excellence, we’re inviting you to take part in a brief survey in partnership with Studer Education. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and it helps us understand what’s working well in your child’s school and where we can improve. Please check your email for the survey link and more details. The survey window closes on Friday, May 9.
Tonight!
Flossmoor School District 161 is excited to present the annual Visual Arts Expo for the 2024-25 school year. The Visual Arts Expo is a cherished tradition in SD161 that highlights the incredible art from students in the gifted art program at all schools. Parents and community members are invited to view the various works at the district offices, 41 East Elmwood Drive, Chicago Heights, Illinois. The viewing begins on May 7, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and artwork will remain on display on Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9, from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
As part of our ongoing commitment to serving our families and community with excellence, we’re inviting you to take part in a brief survey in partnership with Studer Education. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and it helps us understand what’s working well in your child’s school and where we can improve.
Please check your email for the survey link and more details. The survey window closes on Friday, May 9.
It is both Staff Appreciation Week and School Nurses Day, and we could not be more grateful for the incredible people who make our schools thrive.
To our teachers, aides, custodians, secretaries, food service workers, bus drivers, administrators, and every member of our school staff, thank you for the dedication, kindness, and care you show every single day.
And to our amazing school nurses, thank you for being a source of comfort, health, and calm. Your work truly touches every student, every family, and every staff member.
Today and every day, we appreciate you.
It’s Terrific Tuesday, and Staff Appreciation Week continues! We are so grateful for all the hard work, dedication, and passion you bring to your roles every day. Thank you for everything you do to positively impact our school community!
Parker Students Dig into Learning with “Ecosystem Explorers” Project
Thanks to a generous mini-grant from the National Council of Jewish Women – South Cook Section, students at Parker Junior High School embarked on an exciting, hands-on science adventure this spring. As part of the “Ecosystem Explorers: Composting and Ant Farm Investigation” project, seventh-grade students in Mrs. Chielo's class explored the vital roles of composting, worms, and plants in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Students designed and maintained their own composting bins, observed worm behavior, planted seeds, and tracked the growth and development of their plants—all while learning about decomposition, soil health, and environmental sustainability. The project encouraged critical thinking, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature.
This innovative experience not only supported NGSS-aligned science learning, but also brought joy and curiosity to the classroom. Parker Junior High is incredibly grateful to the National Council of Jewish Women – South Cook Section for enhancing science education through this engaging and meaningful grant.
Thank you to all the incredible individuals who make Parker Junior High such a special place to learn and grow! Whether you’re teaching in the classroom, supporting students’ well-being, keeping our buildings running smoothly, providing technology support, managing operations behind the scenes, or leading our schools, your hard work, heart, and dedication make a difference every single day. We appreciate all you do to help our students, families, and community thrive. You are the reason we shine!
Thank you to Ms. Chielo and Ms. Wallenius for joining our Parker students at the Girls in STEAM event at Prairie State College. Students explored hands-on activities and heard from professional women in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. They left feeling inspired, empowered, and excited about their futures.
Huge congratulations to the amazing cast of Charleston on a phenomenal performance last night! You brought the stage to life with incredible energy and heart. If you missed it, don’t worry—you’ve got one more chance to catch the magic TODAY at 3PM. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable show!
📸 Declan Klyn
It’s opening night at Parker Junior High! Don’t miss Charleston! Our dazzling Spring musical is happening tonight (5/2) at 7 p.m. and again tomorrow (5/3) at 3 p.m.
The cast and crew have been working for months to bring this star-studded production to life. Directed by Ms. Emily Nicotra and Ms. Shannon Lynch, this show is bursting with talent and heart.
PJH’s very own Joy Woods, a former student and Tony Award nominee, once shared the same stage. Now it's this incredible cast's turn to shine!
Prepare to be amazed. Tickets are available at the door.
Congratulations to Ms. ODwyer's Humanities students!
At yesterday's National History Day competition in Springfield, PJH students showcased exceptional talent and dedication:
🎭 Group Performance:
"AIDS Epidemic: When Will I Be Seen?"
Participants: Minah Bobb, Hannah Daggett, Nia Davis, Riordan Kelly, Millie Mlynarcik
🏆 Award: Best in State — Advancing to Nationals!
💻 Group Website:
"Chinese Labor Laws"
Participants: Sam Day, Thomas Hendrickson, Simon Reyes, Leo Viveros, Romeo Rios
🎉 Achievement: State Finalists
Your hard work, creativity, and commitment to historical inquiry have truly paid off. We're immensely proud of your accomplishments and wish our performance team the best of luck at the national level! Thank you to Ms. ODwyer for her instruction and leadership, and for helping the students achieve such high-level success!
Add your congratulations to these outstanding students in the comments below!
Congratulations to the Parker Junior High REGIONAL CHAMPIONS Scholastic Bowl team!
We are so proud of our Falcons and wish them good luck as they head to Sectionals on Monday night.
Please congratulate these amazing students in the comments below.
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On Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and May 4th, 2025, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will be applying an herbicide and a fertilizer to all of the district’s fields/grass areas. The products that will 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 will also fertilize all district lawns.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
Last night's 7th and 8th grade band and jazz concert was a blast. The students sounded incredible and really showed off how far they’ve come. Huge thanks to our amazing band directors for helping them shine. What a night of talent and great music.
Parker students' artwork will be on display at the SSJHSA Festival on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Chicago Heights Middle School. This multi-district event showcases student artists from across the area, and we’re proud to honor our students’ creativity. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate their work with family and friends.
Tonight is the night! We hope to meet your incoming Parker Junior High 6th grader at 6:00 p.m.
Stay in the loop with all the latest PJH School news!
Get ready — we can’t wait to see you at the starting line this Saturday for the PJH PTO 5K!
https://secure.smore.com/n/p7xak
It's the perfect spring day to study 📖 in the shade of your favorite tree on campus.
Happy Thursday, Falcons!
