Some educators have a special gift for helping students believe in themselves, and Ms. Pinedo is one of those people!
At Monday evening's Board of Education meeting, Ms. Maria Pinedo, a K–5 Math Paraprofessional Interventionist at Serena Hills Elementary School, received Flossmoor School District 161's Above and Beyond Award!
Ms. Pinedo's work goes far beyond helping students strengthen their math skills. It's about building confidence, celebrating progress, encouraging perseverance, and helping students discover that they are capable of more than they might think.
We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated educators like Ms. Pinedo who make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students every day.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Pinedo on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for going Above and Beyond for our Serena Hills Stars!
#AboveAndBeyond #ALLIN #FlossmoorSchoolDistrict161
At Monday evening's Board of Education meeting, Ms. Maria Pinedo, a K–5 Math Paraprofessional Interventionist at Serena Hills Elementary School, received Flossmoor School District 161's Above and Beyond Award!
Ms. Pinedo's work goes far beyond helping students strengthen their math skills. It's about building confidence, celebrating progress, encouraging perseverance, and helping students discover that they are capable of more than they might think.
We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated educators like Ms. Pinedo who make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students every day.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Pinedo on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for going Above and Beyond for our Serena Hills Stars!
#AboveAndBeyond #ALLIN #FlossmoorSchoolDistrict161
Earlier today, we shared a beautiful musical tribute from our Serena Hills Stars honoring our Veterans. Now, we'd love to share a few more special moments from today's celebration!
This year, the school's Community Connections Committee added a personal touch by inviting veterans into classrooms to read stories and spend time connecting with students. Our Stars also presented their special guests with heartfelt, handwritten thank-you notes to show their appreciation for their service.
These meaningful interactions gave our students an opportunity to learn firsthand about service, sacrifice, gratitude, and respect.
A heartfelt thank you to the Veterans who spent time with our students today and to the Community Connections Committee for creating such a memorable experience!
This year, the school's Community Connections Committee added a personal touch by inviting veterans into classrooms to read stories and spend time connecting with students. Our Stars also presented their special guests with heartfelt, handwritten thank-you notes to show their appreciation for their service.
These meaningful interactions gave our students an opportunity to learn firsthand about service, sacrifice, gratitude, and respect.
A heartfelt thank you to the Veterans who spent time with our students today and to the Community Connections Committee for creating such a memorable experience!
Today, Flossmoor School District 161 proudly honors all who have served our country.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Veterans within our District 161 family, including our staff members, parents, grandparents, and loved ones who have answered the call to serve.
Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to service remind us of the importance of honoring those who have protected our freedoms and the values we strive to instill in our students each day.
To all who have served, thank you. We are grateful for you today and every day.
Happy Veterans Day!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Veterans within our District 161 family, including our staff members, parents, grandparents, and loved ones who have answered the call to serve.
Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to service remind us of the importance of honoring those who have protected our freedoms and the values we strive to instill in our students each day.
To all who have served, thank you. We are grateful for you today and every day.
Happy Veterans Day!
📅 IMPORTANT CALENDAR REMINDER!
Flossmoor School District 161 families, please remember that our district calendar has been updated, and school WILL be in session on Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day.
All schools will operate on their regular schedules.
We look forward to seeing all of our students on November 11!
Flossmoor School District 161 families, please remember that our district calendar has been updated, and school WILL be in session on Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day.
All schools will operate on their regular schedules.
We look forward to seeing all of our students on November 11!
Homewood-Flossmoor High School invites all Flossmoor SD 161 students and their families to save the date for its community book fair night. This event will take place on Thursday, November 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the HF library.
#FlashbackFriday
What happens when you give a classic fairy tale a brand-new ending? Just ask the talented young authors in Mrs. Rodgers’ third-grade classroom!
Students recently celebrated their creativity and hard work with a special Publishing Party! After writing their own alternate endings to some of their favorite fairy tales, students had the opportunity to share their stories with a very special audience: their families!
Families were invited into the classroom to meet the authors, hear their imaginative stories, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Congratulations to all of our third-grade authors, and thank you to the families who joined us to celebrate their work!
What happens when you give a classic fairy tale a brand-new ending? Just ask the talented young authors in Mrs. Rodgers’ third-grade classroom!
Students recently celebrated their creativity and hard work with a special Publishing Party! After writing their own alternate endings to some of their favorite fairy tales, students had the opportunity to share their stories with a very special audience: their families!
Families were invited into the classroom to meet the authors, hear their imaginative stories, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Congratulations to all of our third-grade authors, and thank you to the families who joined us to celebrate their work!
📅 IMPORTANT CALENDAR REMINDER!
Flossmoor School District 161 families, please remember that our district calendar has been updated, and school WILL be in session on Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day.
All schools will operate on their regular schedules.
We look forward to seeing all of our students on November 11!
Flossmoor School District 161 families, please remember that our district calendar has been updated, and school WILL be in session on Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day.
All schools will operate on their regular schedules.
We look forward to seeing all of our students on November 11!
#ICYMI
What a SPOOKTACULAR afternoon at Parker Junior High!
Last week, our school community came together for an afternoon of Halloween fun at our district-wide Trunk or Treat!
A HUGE thank you to the Parker Junior High Student Council and the Flossmoor Education Association for hosting this wonderful event and bringing so many miles of smiles to our students and families!
We are also grateful to everyone who decorated a trunk, donated candy, volunteered their time, and helped make this event such a success.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
What a SPOOKTACULAR afternoon at Parker Junior High!
Last week, our school community came together for an afternoon of Halloween fun at our district-wide Trunk or Treat!
A HUGE thank you to the Parker Junior High Student Council and the Flossmoor Education Association for hosting this wonderful event and bringing so many miles of smiles to our students and families!
We are also grateful to everyone who decorated a trunk, donated candy, volunteered their time, and helped make this event such a success.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released its 2026 School Accountability Designations for schools across Illinois.
Flossmoor School District 161 is proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families. While we celebrate our successes, we also recognize opportunities to continue growing and improving.
Our commitment remains the same: ALL IN for every student, every staff member, every family, every day.
Flossmoor School District 161 is proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families. While we celebrate our successes, we also recognize opportunities to continue growing and improving.
Our commitment remains the same: ALL IN for every student, every staff member, every family, every day.
Happy Monday, Stars!
Check out our amazing students' work by reading our student newsletter and clicking the link below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AhZCWA641gPtL3oSXYg89p0rjIGXRnHJ/view
Get all of your Serena Hills news by reading through the weekly newsletter.
https://app.smore.com/n/n39eu-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
Check out our amazing students' work by reading our student newsletter and clicking the link below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AhZCWA641gPtL3oSXYg89p0rjIGXRnHJ/view
Get all of your Serena Hills news by reading through the weekly newsletter.
https://app.smore.com/n/n39eu-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts how to keep your children safe online!
Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP by 8:00 p.m. tonight (Monday, November 2)!
RSVP is required. Please use the link below to reserve your spot.
https://forms.gle/ouB83HyUQb4AM8Us6
Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP by 8:00 p.m. tonight (Monday, November 2)!
RSVP is required. Please use the link below to reserve your spot.
https://forms.gle/ouB83HyUQb4AM8Us6
🎃 TOMORROW! District-Wide Trunk or Treat! 🍬
The countdown is almost over! Tomorrow, our Flossmoor School District 161 families are invited to join us for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun!
👻 Thursday, October 29
🕟 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
Come dressed in your favorite costume, bring your family, and get ready for some Halloween fun with our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars!
🍬 Please bring one nonperishable food item to donate.
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 🎃
ALL IN for community. ALL IN for fun!
The countdown is almost over! Tomorrow, our Flossmoor School District 161 families are invited to join us for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun!
👻 Thursday, October 29
🕟 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
Come dressed in your favorite costume, bring your family, and get ready for some Halloween fun with our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars!
🍬 Please bring one nonperishable food item to donate.
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 🎃
ALL IN for community. ALL IN for fun!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SANDERS!
Today we're celebrating our superintendent, Dr. Terrance Sanders, with a special birthday challenge, and we need YOUR help!
Introducing the ALL IN for Kindness Birthday Challenge!
Throughout the week of October 26–30, we're challenging our students, staff, families, and community members to celebrate Dr. Sanders by performing a random act of kindness!
Whether it's a helping hand, a thoughtful note, or a simple smile, every act of kindness makes a difference!
We want to hear from YOU! Did you spread a little kindness or experience someone's thoughtful gesture? Share your stories and photos in the comments, send us a DM, or email swright@sd161.org.
We'll wrap up the week by sharing the kindness this birthday celebration inspired throughout our school community!
Let's show Dr. Sanders what happens when District 161 goes ALL IN for kindness!
Happy Birthday, Dr. Sanders!
Today we're celebrating our superintendent, Dr. Terrance Sanders, with a special birthday challenge, and we need YOUR help!
Introducing the ALL IN for Kindness Birthday Challenge!
Throughout the week of October 26–30, we're challenging our students, staff, families, and community members to celebrate Dr. Sanders by performing a random act of kindness!
Whether it's a helping hand, a thoughtful note, or a simple smile, every act of kindness makes a difference!
We want to hear from YOU! Did you spread a little kindness or experience someone's thoughtful gesture? Share your stories and photos in the comments, send us a DM, or email swright@sd161.org.
We'll wrap up the week by sharing the kindness this birthday celebration inspired throughout our school community!
Let's show Dr. Sanders what happens when District 161 goes ALL IN for kindness!
Happy Birthday, Dr. Sanders!
Good afternoon, Stars! Keep up the good work with your attendance. We love to see you in school each day, ready to learn. Be sure to read the school newsletter to help you prepare for the week.
https://app.smore.com/n/gkwbd-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
https://app.smore.com/n/gkwbd-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
Get ready for an afternoon of costumes, candy, and community fun! Join us Thursday, October 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Parker Junior High parking lot for our district-wide Trunk or Treat!
Students and families from across Flossmoor School District 161 are invited to join the fun. Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy a chance to connect with friends, meet other families, and celebrate Halloween together.
🍬 Admission: Bring one nonperishable food item to donate, and all students must be accompanied by an adult.
📅 Thursday, October 29
⏰ 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
We can’t wait to see our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars there!
ALL IN for a little Halloween fun! 🎃
Students and families from across Flossmoor School District 161 are invited to join the fun. Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy a chance to connect with friends, meet other families, and celebrate Halloween together.
🍬 Admission: Bring one nonperishable food item to donate, and all students must be accompanied by an adult.
📅 Thursday, October 29
⏰ 4:30–6 p.m.
📍 Parker Junior High parking lot
We can’t wait to see our Falcons, Eagles, Hornets, Wolves, and Stars there!
ALL IN for a little Halloween fun! 🎃
Keeping our kids safe online starts with knowing what to look for!
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and caregivers to join us for our next Parent University on Wednesday, November 4, at Heather Hill Elementary School.
We are excited to welcome Detective Rich Wistocki, who will share valuable information about the online dangers facing children today and practical strategies families can use to help keep their children safe in an increasingly digital world.
The evening will begin with a Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, followed by Detective Wistocki's presentation.
Evening Schedule:
5:30–6:30 p.m. | BPAC Meeting
6:30–8:00 p.m. | Keeping Your Kids Cyber Safe with Detective Rich Wistocki
Location: Heather Hill Elementary School, 1439 Lawrence Crescent, Flossmoor
Dinner will be provided!
RSVP is required. Please use the link below to reserve your spot.
https://forms.gle/ouB83HyUQb4AM8Us6
We hope you'll join us for this important conversation as we work together to keep our children safe online.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
Flossmoor School District 161 invites parents and caregivers to join us for our next Parent University on Wednesday, November 4, at Heather Hill Elementary School.
We are excited to welcome Detective Rich Wistocki, who will share valuable information about the online dangers facing children today and practical strategies families can use to help keep their children safe in an increasingly digital world.
The evening will begin with a Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, followed by Detective Wistocki's presentation.
Evening Schedule:
5:30–6:30 p.m. | BPAC Meeting
6:30–8:00 p.m. | Keeping Your Kids Cyber Safe with Detective Rich Wistocki
Location: Heather Hill Elementary School, 1439 Lawrence Crescent, Flossmoor
Dinner will be provided!
RSVP is required. Please use the link below to reserve your spot.
https://forms.gle/ouB83HyUQb4AM8Us6
We hope you'll join us for this important conversation as we work together to keep our children safe online.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
October is Principal’s Month, and we’re celebrating the outstanding Principal who makes Serena Hills a special place to learn, grow, and belong!
At Serena Hills, Principal Elizabeth Reich does more than lead. She builds relationships, supports teachers and staff, celebrates student achievements, and helps create a school community where Stars can shine. This year marks her 35th year in education!
Hear what staff has to say about Ms. Reich. “We often say Serena Hills is a special place, and we wholeheartedly believe it. Principal Reich is a big part of what makes it so special. Her instructional expertise and ability to see possibilities others might miss have been central to our success over the past few years. Her impact goes far beyond instructional leadership. She recognizes the strengths of teachers and staff and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to our school. She believes unwaveringly that every student can learn at high levels and works to ensure each has the opportunities and support to succeed. She also makes time for joy—and hosts a mean game of “Name That Tune” that brings out everyone’s competitive spirit! She is the principal I hope my children have one day, the instructional leader I hope new teachers learn from, and the leader I aspire to become.” Assistant Principal Laura Rodriguez
“Ms. Reich leads Serena Hills with compassion and a genuine commitment to her students, staff, and families. She has a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. She remembers the little details, takes a personal interest in the lives of those around her, and makes a point to check in when someone is going through a difficult time. These thoughtful gestures speak volumes about the kind of person and leader she is. Her care for our school community goes beyond her role as principal–she makes each person feel that they truly matter.” Julie Huisman
Please join us in celebrating Ms. Reich and thanking her for all she does for the Serena Hills School Community.
ALL IN. EVERY DAY.
🎭 Opening night is TOMORROW! Don’t miss the hilarious production of Myth-Understood at Parker Junior High.
Our talented students have been working hard to bring this production to life, and we can’t wait for you to see their hard work on stage!
Join us Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m. or Saturday, October 24 at 3 p.m. for a show directed by Ms. Emily Nicotra.
Come cheer on our Parker performers and celebrate all the time, talent, and teamwork they’ve poured into this production. We can’t wait to see you there!
October is Principal Appreciation Month, and we’re taking a moment to celebrate the amazing work our principals do all year long.
Being a principal means wearing a lot of hats, showing up for students and staff, supporting families, solving problems and finding ways to make each school a place where kids feel supported and ready to learn. So much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but the difference they make is felt every day.
At our last Board of Education meeting, school board members took turns reading a proclamation in recognition of Principal Appreciation Month. It was a meaningful way to recognize the people who give so much to our school communities.
To our principals, thank you for all you do for our students, staff and families. We appreciate you more than you know! Drop a note of thanks in the comments below!
ALL IN. EVERY DAY. ❤️
Good morning, Stars!
Be sure to check out this week's newsletter to stay up to date on all the great things happening at school.
Also, don't forget to save the date for the district-wide Trunk or Treat happening next week.
https://app.smore.com/n/85b1g-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
Be sure to check out this week's newsletter to stay up to date on all the great things happening at school.
Also, don't forget to save the date for the district-wide Trunk or Treat happening next week.
https://app.smore.com/n/85b1g-the-serena-scoop?ref=email