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!
We’re nearing the middle of May, and Flossmoor School District 161 continues to offer meaningful ways to connect with our community.
Join the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) for its final meeting of the school year.
Thursday, May 14
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Serena Hills School
Connect with other bilingual families and gain helpful insights on supporting your child’s growth and success.
Join the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) for its final meeting of the school year.
Thursday, May 14
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Serena Hills School
Connect with other bilingual families and gain helpful insights on supporting your child’s growth and success.
Join us tomorrow for the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at Serena Hills Elementary School from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Participants will enjoy crafts, games, music, and more!
A sincere thank you to everyone who helped plan and organize this special evening. We’re looking forward to celebrating together as a community.
Participants will enjoy crafts, games, music, and more!
A sincere thank you to everyone who helped plan and organize this special evening. We’re looking forward to celebrating together as a community.
Last week, Parker Junior High Choir gave a beautiful Spring concert. The music was the perfect backdrop for the warmer weather on the way!
If you want to catch up on all of your PJH news, please click the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/rkj8a
8th graders Gianna Chandler and Joy Wilson from Parker Junior High were recognized today at the Illinois Principals Association Student Recognition breakfast. This event highlights outstanding students from across the state who are honored for their leadership, character, and academic achievement. We are proud to celebrate both Gianna and Joy. Moments like these highlight the bright future ahead for our students and strong leadership guiding them every day!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Yesterday, Parker Junior High proudly hosted both the girls and boys soccer games, bringing together our school community for an afternoon of teamwork and celebration.
We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes for the dedication, sportsmanship, and heart they show every time they step onto the field. Their commitment represents the very best of what it means to be a Falcon.
In between games, we took a special moment to recognize our 8th grade players. Each student-athlete had the opportunity to present a beautiful flower to their loved ones, to mark their time as a Parker Junior High athlete.
Congratulations, Falcons!
We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes for the dedication, sportsmanship, and heart they show every time they step onto the field. Their commitment represents the very best of what it means to be a Falcon.
In between games, we took a special moment to recognize our 8th grade players. Each student-athlete had the opportunity to present a beautiful flower to their loved ones, to mark their time as a Parker Junior High athlete.
Congratulations, Falcons!
Parker Junior High students are making history, LITERALLY!
We are proud to recognize our 2026 National History Day Illinois State Qualifiers, whose creativity, research, and storytelling brought powerful moments in history to life.
8th Grade Performance
Hannah Daggett, Millie Mlynarcik, Riordan Kelly, Nia Davis, Minah Bobb
The Weight of Being Seen: How the Stonewall Riots Shaped Modern America
8th Grade Documentary
Elliott Chan, Naya Kittling, Alani Jeffries, Jemyria Dyer, Coralie DeSchepper
Unseen Insight – The Braille Revolution
8th Grade Exhibit Board
Connor Boyko, Malachi Rucker, Djimon Shakoor, Charles Zurek, Sam O’Shea
The Newsies Stopped the World!
7th Grade Documentary
Nora Rouse, Sophia Briceno, Mila Mathis, Amiya McDowell
The Civil Rights Revolution and the Women Who Made It Happen
7th Grade Performance
Avery Cheung, Dahlia Thomas, Emma Santiago, Sophie Folaju
The Radium Girls: Reforming History Beyond the Grave
7th Grade Performance
Finn Davis, Chinedum Achara, Raheem Sokoya
DeStalinization: The Beginning of Soviet Reform
We also want to recognize some outstanding achievements:
• Connor Boyko, Malachi Rucker, Djimon Shakoor, Charles Zurek, and Sam O’Shea earned a State Recognition Award for their documentary The Newsies Stopped the World!
• Avery Cheung, Dahlia Thomas, Emma Santiago, and Sophie Folaju delivered an incredible performance of The Radium Girls: Reforming History Beyond the Grave, earning special recognition for their work—and advancing to the National Championship later this summer!!!
A very special shoutout goes to Ms. Linda O’Dwyer for her guidance, support, and dedication in helping students reach this milestone. We are so proud and grateful for her efforts!
Finally, a big thank you to the Flossmoor Fire Department for giving our students a celebratory escort back into town with lights and sirens. What a memorable welcome home!
We are proud to recognize our 2026 National History Day Illinois State Qualifiers, whose creativity, research, and storytelling brought powerful moments in history to life.
8th Grade Performance
Hannah Daggett, Millie Mlynarcik, Riordan Kelly, Nia Davis, Minah Bobb
The Weight of Being Seen: How the Stonewall Riots Shaped Modern America
8th Grade Documentary
Elliott Chan, Naya Kittling, Alani Jeffries, Jemyria Dyer, Coralie DeSchepper
Unseen Insight – The Braille Revolution
8th Grade Exhibit Board
Connor Boyko, Malachi Rucker, Djimon Shakoor, Charles Zurek, Sam O’Shea
The Newsies Stopped the World!
7th Grade Documentary
Nora Rouse, Sophia Briceno, Mila Mathis, Amiya McDowell
The Civil Rights Revolution and the Women Who Made It Happen
7th Grade Performance
Avery Cheung, Dahlia Thomas, Emma Santiago, Sophie Folaju
The Radium Girls: Reforming History Beyond the Grave
7th Grade Performance
Finn Davis, Chinedum Achara, Raheem Sokoya
DeStalinization: The Beginning of Soviet Reform
We also want to recognize some outstanding achievements:
• Connor Boyko, Malachi Rucker, Djimon Shakoor, Charles Zurek, and Sam O’Shea earned a State Recognition Award for their documentary The Newsies Stopped the World!
• Avery Cheung, Dahlia Thomas, Emma Santiago, and Sophie Folaju delivered an incredible performance of The Radium Girls: Reforming History Beyond the Grave, earning special recognition for their work—and advancing to the National Championship later this summer!!!
A very special shoutout goes to Ms. Linda O’Dwyer for her guidance, support, and dedication in helping students reach this milestone. We are so proud and grateful for her efforts!
Finally, a big thank you to the Flossmoor Fire Department for giving our students a celebratory escort back into town with lights and sirens. What a memorable welcome home!
Staff Appreciation Week continues, and today we’re giving a special shoutout to our amazing nurse, Ms. Greason—and to our English teachers, who taught us how to write an acrostic poem:
Nurturing hearts with steady care
Uplifting others everywhere
Resilient through each passing day
Serving in a selfless way
Every life you touch you change
Happy Nurses Day 💙
Nurturing hearts with steady care
Uplifting others everywhere
Resilient through each passing day
Serving in a selfless way
Every life you touch you change
Happy Nurses Day 💙
This week, we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week and recognize the incredible dedication of our team.
We are so grateful for our teachers who go above and beyond each and every day, both in and out of the classroom, to support, inspire, and help our students grow. Their impact reaches far beyond lessons and assignments, shaping confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
We also want to thank the many staff members who sponsor clubs, coach teams, and lead activities that give our students opportunities to explore their interests, build friendships, and discover new passions. Because of you, our schools offer a wide range of experiences that help every student find where they belong.
Thank you for everything you do to make Parker Junior High such a special place.
https://app.smore.com/n/rj94c
We are so grateful for our teachers who go above and beyond each and every day, both in and out of the classroom, to support, inspire, and help our students grow. Their impact reaches far beyond lessons and assignments, shaping confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
We also want to thank the many staff members who sponsor clubs, coach teams, and lead activities that give our students opportunities to explore their interests, build friendships, and discover new passions. Because of you, our schools offer a wide range of experiences that help every student find where they belong.
Thank you for everything you do to make Parker Junior High such a special place.
https://app.smore.com/n/rj94c
