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This morning, Western Avenue was honored to celebrate our Veterans, the family members, friends, and neighbors who have served our country with courage and dedication. We extend our sincere appreciation to Beyond Borders in Flossmoor for their generous coffee donation, which added a special touch to our breakfast. It was a meaningful morning of connection and gratitude as we came together to thank our veterans for their service.
TOMORROW!
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Today we pause to honor all who have served our country. Your courage and sacrifice inspire us every day. A special thank you to our staff members who have served, as well as the parents, guardians, and family members of our SD161 community who are veterans.
Tomorrow our schools will recognize and celebrate our veterans in a variety of meaningful ways. Stay tuned for photos and highlights from across the district.
Tomorrow our schools will recognize and celebrate our veterans in a variety of meaningful ways. Stay tuned for photos and highlights from across the district.
On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, November 8th, 9th, and 10th, 2025, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will apply an herbicide and a fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Avenue, and Parker Junior High. The products to 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 to control weeds/dandelions in these areas and to fertilize all district lawns.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
A friendly reminder!
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
The gymnasium is filled with the sounds of the famous Western Avenue Halloween sing-a-long! 🎶
Happy Halloween, Wolves!
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!
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!
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Hanging around? Please take a moment to swing by our latest Western Avenue newsletter for all the news and highlights!
https://secure.smore.com/n/nr2qz-western-weekly
https://secure.smore.com/n/nr2qz-western-weekly
#ICYMI
Check out our fantastic staff who dressed in orange in support of Unity Day on October 22.
Unity Day, created by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, is all about coming together to build commUNITY through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Wearing orange sent a powerful message to students and promoted a culture of care and respect.
Check out our fantastic staff who dressed in orange in support of Unity Day on October 22.
Unity Day, created by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, is all about coming together to build commUNITY through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Wearing orange sent a powerful message to students and promoted a culture of care and respect.
It’s Principal’s Week, and we sat down with Mr. Ford from Western Avenue to ask him a few fun questions!
Q: Which school event do you look forward to each year?
A: “Since this is my first year at Western Avenue, I’d have to say the Principal Meet and Greet. Getting to meet our families over a delicious Italian ice really hit the spot. It was the perfect start to the year.”
Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be?
A: “A writer. I have always loved crafting stories and using words to connect, inspire, and imagine new possibilities. I would also love to own a coffee shop, maybe a cozy spot where writers could gather over great coffee and good conversation.”
Q: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: “Black walnut ice cream. Have you tried it? It’s rich, unique, and full of flavor."
Thank you, Mr. Ford, for bringing creativity, warmth, and community spirit to Western Avenue every day.
Q: Which school event do you look forward to each year?
A: “Since this is my first year at Western Avenue, I’d have to say the Principal Meet and Greet. Getting to meet our families over a delicious Italian ice really hit the spot. It was the perfect start to the year.”
Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be?
A: “A writer. I have always loved crafting stories and using words to connect, inspire, and imagine new possibilities. I would also love to own a coffee shop, maybe a cozy spot where writers could gather over great coffee and good conversation.”
Q: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: “Black walnut ice cream. Have you tried it? It’s rich, unique, and full of flavor."
Thank you, Mr. Ford, for bringing creativity, warmth, and community spirit to Western Avenue 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!
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!
Lilliana ‘Lily’ Santos, a 5th-grade student at Western Avenue, used her Paw Bucks to purchase a social media shoutout from our Den Depot! Lily wanted everyone to know that she is a passionate and creative student who loves learning and expressing herself through music. Her current favorite song is ‘Break Free’ by Ariana Grande. Thank you Lily for making Western Avenue a great place!
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!
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.
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!
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!
Enjoy a morning filled with activities, including a station hosted by members of the SD161 Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee!
