Serena Hills Elementary -

Our Serena Hills Stars were having the best time today! Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Smash those pumpkins sustainably!
Join the Southland Green Committee on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Coyote Run Golf Course parking lot for Flossmoor’s annual Pumpkin Smash event. Instead of tossing your jack-o’-lanterns, give them a second life by turning them into compost that helps our environment.
Let’s break down pumpkins, not the planet—see you Saturday!

Don't miss all of the great information in this week's edition of The Serena Scoop!
https://app.smore.com/n/gy0aw-the-serena-scoop?ref=email

It’s Principal’s Week, and we sat down with Ms. Reich from Serena Hills to ask her a few fun questions!

Q: Which school event do you look forward to each year?
A: “The Serena Hills Back-to-School Bash! I love seeing all of our families back together. It’s such a joyful way to start a new school year.”

Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be?
A: “A reading specialist! I’ve always loved reading and watching students light up when they discover the joy of it for themselves.”

Q: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: “Chocolate peanut butter! The perfect pairing!” 🍫🥜

Q: What’s your favorite hobby?
A: “Cooking! I love trying new recipes and sharing good food with family and friends.”

Thank you, Ms. Reich, for leading with warmth, enthusiasm, and Serena Hills pride every day!

Save the Date!

Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and guardians to a special parent forum, “Keeping Our Kids Cyber Safe,” on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Parker Junior High School.

Join guest presenter Detective Rich Wistocki (Ret.) from the Be Sure Consulting Cyber Safe Schools Team for an informative session on protecting children online, understanding gaming and social media platforms, and promoting digital safety.
Additional details coming soon!

The Penny War continues at Serena Hills!

We're just hanging around to say we hope you check out this week's newsletter!
https://app.smore.com/n/3x0u7-the-serena-scoop?ref=email

Get your latest school news by clicking the link!
https://app.smore.com/n/3txu4-the-serena-scoop?ref=email

Last night, our Stars were shining brightly during our National Hispanic Heritage Night with over 100 families in attendance. The evening was filled with music, cultural activities, and meaningful connections as we came together to celebrate Hispanic heritage. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a night to remember.

Fourth graders from Serena Hills Elementary School took a field trip to the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University. Students had the opportunity to experience art up close as they explored gallery exhibits and large-scale outdoor sculptures throughout the park. It was an inspiring day of creativity, curiosity, and connection with the arts.

Second graders at Serena Hills Elementary School have been busy preparing for Thursday’s Passport to Latin America, part of the school’s National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration! They practiced their folding and cutting skills while creating colorful papel picado banners to display at the event. Meanwhile, kindergarten students learned about Huichol yarn paintings, exploring this traditional Mexican art form and trying out a new creative technique of their own.

Get ready for a fun, district-wide Trunk or Treat event hosted by the Parker Junior High Student Council and FEA on Monday, October 28. Admission is simple: bring one nonperishable food item to donate!

They are also looking for parent volunteers to help make the event extra special. Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up using the link below to sign up by October 21. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOrxhYSW99tH6ZR_1B3hZztA9MBRk6wE3sfp4NRFRekFtafg/viewform

Check out the flyer for all the details, and join us for a night of costumes, candy, and community fun!

October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth—a time to celebrate the incredible leaders who shape our schools, support our teachers, and inspire our students every single day.

From early mornings to late nights, principals wear many hats: mentor, advocate, problem-solver, cheerleader, and visionary. Their dedication creates safe, inclusive, and thriving learning environments.

Join us in thanking our principals for their unwavering commitment to education and for being the heart of our schools. Use #ThankAPrincipal, drop a comment, or tag your favorite principal to show your appreciation.

There are no classes tomorrow, Thursday, October 2, in observance of Yom Kippur. We extend our best wishes to all who are observing the holiday. Classes will resume on Friday, October 3.

Rock Your Schools week begins today!
Wear your favorite sports gear to show your spirit! Something tells us we will see plenty of Bears gear today after yesterday's win!

Flossmoor School District 161 families are invited to join the Flossmoor Public Library and the Village of Flossmoor for a special community celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event will take place this Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Flossmoor Public Library.

Enjoy a morning filled with activities, including a station hosted by members of the SD161 Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee!

Join us on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Parker Junior High School for an informative and family-friendly evening focused on learning in District 161!

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual Open House meeting last night! We loved seeing so many of our Serena Star families.

We've had a great two days in Flossmoor School District 161. We are looking forward to the middle of the week tomorrow and even further ahead to Friday, when we can celebrate as an entire district at the Back to School Bash in Flossmoor Park from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
See you then!