Calling all Stars back to our Serena Hills galaxy!
Check out the latest school news, and we will see you tomorrow.
https://app.smore.com/n/ctj4k-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
#ICYMI
Friday was all about COLLEGE COLORS at SD 161!
Our staff showed up in their college gear, representing the many colleges and universities that are part of our SD 161 family. From alma maters to favorite teams, we loved seeing everyone’s school spirit on display!
And with college football season officially kicking off Saturday, the timing couldn’t have been better. We hope you’re ready to cheer on your favorite team!
So, SD 161 — who are you rooting for this season?
Friday was all about COLLEGE COLORS at SD 161!
Our staff showed up in their college gear, representing the many colleges and universities that are part of our SD 161 family. From alma maters to favorite teams, we loved seeing everyone’s school spirit on display!
And with college football season officially kicking off Saturday, the timing couldn’t have been better. We hope you’re ready to cheer on your favorite team!
So, SD 161 — who are you rooting for this season?
Happy Saturday! At Flossmoor School District 161 we are proud of our students for the way they give back to their communities. Earlier this week, this Western Avenue Wolf was spotted stuffing bags for the Hidden Gem Half Marathon! You make us SD161 proud! Do you have a photo of your student giving back? Send to Swright@sd161.org
Happy Friday!
There is no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
We hope you enjoy the long weekend and return refreshed and ready for a great new week on Tuesday, September 8!
There is no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
We hope you enjoy the long weekend and return refreshed and ready for a great new week on Tuesday, September 8!
Swinging into Thursday!
The forecast is calling for another hot day tomorrow. Fill those water bottles, stay cool, and we'll see you at school!l
Don't miss a moment!
September is here, and we're ALL IN for the moments that make school special. Learning. Laughing. Growing. Making memories.
Let's make attendance a priority this September!
SD 161 Summer Spotlight: Service All Stars!
School may be back in session, but summer isn’t officially over yet! And what a summer it has been.
Unforgettable experiences were had on family trips, lasting memories were made on the baseball field, and the Summer of 2026 even led to the formation of the “Chainsaw Gang.”
Dylan, Baylor, Harrison, and Everett could be found helping clear yards and streets in Flossmoor Park following not one, but two major storms this summer.
With safety always coming first, they worked alongside adults and helped where they could as their neighborhood came together to clean up and recover.
We love seeing our students step up, lend a helping hand and show what it means to be a good neighbor!
Tomorrow begins our first full week of school, filled with new routines, new friendships, new lessons, and new memories.
Every day brings something new and exciting, and we don't want them to miss it.
Attendance matters because every day at school is another opportunity for your child to learn, connect, and grow.
Let’s make this first full week count!
Every day brings something new and exciting, and we don't want them to miss it.
Attendance matters because every day at school is another opportunity for your child to learn, connect, and grow.
Let’s make this first full week count!
Check out the latest news from Serena Hills Elementary School.
https://app.smore.com/n/42gj6-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
https://app.smore.com/n/42gj6-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
SD 161 SUMMER SPOTLIGHT: KENNETH!
Serena Hills student Kenneth Collier Jr. is a 2026 AAU Junior Olympic National Champion!
Competing in the 10-year-old division, Kenneth won the Turbo Javelin with a 109-foot throw and finished 10th in the nation in the shot put.
Way to go, Kenneth! We are so proud of you!
Serena Hills student Kenneth Collier Jr. is a 2026 AAU Junior Olympic National Champion!
Competing in the 10-year-old division, Kenneth won the Turbo Javelin with a 109-foot throw and finished 10th in the nation in the shot put.
Way to go, Kenneth! We are so proud of you!
And just like that...we're back! Today was a wonderful first day of school in SD 161. Our hallways were filled with smiling faces, excited students, amazing teachers, and that magical first day of school energy we've been looking forward to. A huge thank you to our students, families, staff, and everyone who helped make today such a great start to the school year. The first day is officially in the books! Welcome back SD161! Let's make it a great year.
Families, students, and neighbors, please use caution tomorrow as you walk, drive, ride, or roll to school. Our school communities are recovering from storm damage which means there are still large debris piles and hanging branches. We can't wait to see you in the morning, but your safety is our first priority. We are ALL IN for a great year and that begins, tomorrow!
✨ One more sleep! ✨
Tomorrow is the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
A big THANK YOU to our incoming third grader, Quinn, for helping us remind everyone that tomorrow is our first day!
We are ALL IN for a fabulous school year filled with learning, laughter, growth, and making memories! Let’s do this!
Help Shape the Future of SD 161
There is currently a vacancy on the School District 161 Board of Education, and we invite community members to apply.
If you are passionate about our students, committed to public education, and interested in helping shape the future of our schools, this is an opportunity to make a difference.
Could you be the next voice on the SD 161 Board?
Learn more about the vacancy, eligibility requirements, and how to apply by reading the letter below.
There is currently a vacancy on the School District 161 Board of Education, and we invite community members to apply.
If you are passionate about our students, committed to public education, and interested in helping shape the future of our schools, this is an opportunity to make a difference.
Could you be the next voice on the SD 161 Board?
Learn more about the vacancy, eligibility requirements, and how to apply by reading the letter below.
2 Days Until School!
The backpacks are ready. The school supplies are packed. The countdown is almost over!
In just 2 days our hallways will be filled with familiar smiles, new friendships, big hugs and the energy that comes with a brand new school year!
We’re almost there, SD 161. We can’t wait to see you!
3 DAYS UNTIL SCHOOL PJH, WA, FH, SH, HH!
Tomorrow, a very special group of former SD 161 students will walk through the doors of their high schools for the very first time.
To our Class of 2026: Good luck! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in this next chapter.
Try your best, believe in yourself, and go make your mark.
Tomorrow, a very special group of former SD 161 students will walk through the doors of their high schools for the very first time.
To our Class of 2026: Good luck! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in this next chapter.
Try your best, believe in yourself, and go make your mark.
Only 4 Days Until School! The countdown is on! Just 4 more days until we’re back at school! We hope our families have been able to enjoy some special time together this summer, whether it was visiting a favorite park, spending a day at the beach, or heading away on vacation.
SD 161 Summer Spotlight! The Gozzi family had a fin tastic adventure at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America! They got to see so many amazing sea creatures and make some special family memories along the way. What a fun way to spend a summer day! ❤️
We can’t wait to see everyone soon! Only 4 more sleeps until school!
5 DAYS UNTIL SCHOOL!
Dr. Ford was busy getting his workout in, but he took a quick break to remind us: we’re just 5 days away from the first day of school!
As we get back into the school year routine, remember that a good routine isn’t just about schoolwork. Make time for reading and learning, but also for getting outside, moving your body, and enjoying some fresh air.
Physical activity is good for the brain, too. It can help improve focus, mood, memory, and readiness to learn.
So, over these last few days of summer, let’s get our bodies moving, our brains engaged, and our routines ready!
5 days, SD 161. Let’s get ready!
Dr. Ford was busy getting his workout in, but he took a quick break to remind us: we’re just 5 days away from the first day of school!
As we get back into the school year routine, remember that a good routine isn’t just about schoolwork. Make time for reading and learning, but also for getting outside, moving your body, and enjoying some fresh air.
Physical activity is good for the brain, too. It can help improve focus, mood, memory, and readiness to learn.
So, over these last few days of summer, let’s get our bodies moving, our brains engaged, and our routines ready!
5 days, SD 161. Let’s get ready!
Preschool & Kindergarten Families, We Can’t Wait to Meet You!
We’re just days away from welcoming our youngest learners to SD 161, and we’re excited to welcome our preschool and kindergarten families to our Meet and Greet!
Come meet your child’s teacher, see their classroom, connect with other families, and drop off school supplies before the first day.
Wednesday, August 26
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Meet and Greet will be held at your child’s school:
Flossmoor Hills
Heather Hill
Serena Hills
Western Avenue
It’s a great opportunity to make those first day jitters feel a little smaller and the first day excitement feel a whole lot bigger.
We can’t wait to see you!
We’re just days away from welcoming our youngest learners to SD 161, and we’re excited to welcome our preschool and kindergarten families to our Meet and Greet!
Come meet your child’s teacher, see their classroom, connect with other families, and drop off school supplies before the first day.
Wednesday, August 26
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Meet and Greet will be held at your child’s school:
Flossmoor Hills
Heather Hill
Serena Hills
Western Avenue
It’s a great opportunity to make those first day jitters feel a little smaller and the first day excitement feel a whole lot bigger.
We can’t wait to see you!
6 Days to Go!
Dr. Sanders, our superintendent, has been on the move today, making his way around SD 161 and visiting almost every school in the district.
It’s exciting to see the energy, teamwork, and dedication happening in every building. Everyone is working hard to make sure our schools are ready to welcome our students in just six days.
The countdown is on! We’re almost ready to welcome our kids back to SD 161.
Dr. Sanders, our superintendent, has been on the move today, making his way around SD 161 and visiting almost every school in the district.
It’s exciting to see the energy, teamwork, and dedication happening in every building. Everyone is working hard to make sure our schools are ready to welcome our students in just six days.
The countdown is on! We’re almost ready to welcome our kids back to SD 161.
