Want to get more involved at Parker Junior High? Come learn how you can make a difference! Join us for an informational session tomorrow, June 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please note that the meeting location has been changed to Heather Hill Elementary School, located at 1439 Lawrence Crescent in Flossmoor. Another session will also be held on July 13 at Serena Hills School from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please note that the meeting location has been changed to Heather Hill Elementary School, located at 1439 Lawrence Crescent in Flossmoor. Another session will also be held on July 13 at Serena Hills School from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Want to get more involved at Parker Junior High? Come learn how you can make a difference! Join us for an informational session at Serena Hills School on June 23 or July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
As we close out another wonderful school year, we wish all of School District 161 a joyful and relaxing summer vacation.
To our incredible staff, thank you for your dedication and care throughout the year. We hope you take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with family, friends, and the hobbies you love.
To our students, we hope your summer is filled with fun, adventure, and discovery. Be sure to spend time at your local library, participate in park district programs, explore new interests, and continue learning in ways that inspire you.
If you are enrolled in Summer Academy, we look forward to seeing you on the first day of class at Serena Hills School on Monday, June 15.
Have a safe and happy summer, District 161. We look forward to seeing you again in August!
To our incredible staff, thank you for your dedication and care throughout the year. We hope you take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with family, friends, and the hobbies you love.
To our students, we hope your summer is filled with fun, adventure, and discovery. Be sure to spend time at your local library, participate in park district programs, explore new interests, and continue learning in ways that inspire you.
If you are enrolled in Summer Academy, we look forward to seeing you on the first day of class at Serena Hills School on Monday, June 15.
Have a safe and happy summer, District 161. We look forward to seeing you again in August!
We hope to see you this Thursday at Serena Hills School from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the District 161 End of the Year Celebration.
To catch up on all of your Western Avenue news, please click the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/dqyamt
To catch up on all of your Western Avenue news, please click the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/dqyamt
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.
Our 5th graders had a great time at the dance last week. Thank you to all parents and staff who made this such a fun celebration! Check out the latest newsletter to keep up with all of your school information.
https://app.smore.com/n/y8jz3
https://app.smore.com/n/y8jz3
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!
Last week, Assistant Principal Ms. Dunwoody represented Western Avenue School at the Illinois Principals Association Student Recognition breakfast, where outstanding students from across the state are honored for their leadership, character, and academic achievement. We are proud to celebrate Liam McKrieth and Charlotte Kelly, who are recognized for their positive impact and contributions to the Western Avenue community. Moments like these highlight the bright future ahead for our students and strong leadership guiding them every day!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
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.
Join us in celebrating Western Avenue School Principal Dr. Mario J. Ford on earning his doctorate in Urban Education Leadership from the University of Illinois Chicago, with a focus on Equity-Driven Leadership.
Dr. Ford’s dedication to advancing equity and excellence in education will make a meaningful impact on students, staff, and the entire Western Avenue School community. Congratulations Dr. Ford!
Dr. Ford’s dedication to advancing equity and excellence in education will make a meaningful impact on students, staff, and the entire Western Avenue School community. Congratulations Dr. Ford!
Girls on the Run is so much fun!
Congratulations to all our runners, and thank you to the coaches and volunteers who make this event possible.
To catch up on all of your Western Avenue News, please click the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/5as9j
Congratulations to all our runners, and thank you to the coaches and volunteers who make this event possible.
To catch up on all of your Western Avenue News, please click the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/5as9j
Staff Appreciation Week continues, and today we’re giving a special shoutout to our amazing nurse, Ms. Bryant—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 Western Avenue such a special place.
https://app.smore.com/n/fg9pj
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 Western Avenue such a special place.
https://app.smore.com/n/fg9pj
You don’t have to travel downtown to experience incredible art. Come see fine artwork created by our very own District 161 students at the Visual Arts Expo this week at Normandy Villa.
Join us for the Student Reception on May 6 from 6:00–8:00 p.m., where you can celebrate our talented young artists and view their work.
Community viewing will also be available May 7–8 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Normandy Villa is located at 41 E Elmwood Drive, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
We hope to see you there as we celebrate the creativity and talent of our students!
Join us for the Student Reception on May 6 from 6:00–8:00 p.m., where you can celebrate our talented young artists and view their work.
Community viewing will also be available May 7–8 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Normandy Villa is located at 41 E Elmwood Drive, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
We hope to see you there as we celebrate the creativity and talent of our students!
Don't miss your chance to see the Evil Queen and her mirror in Parker Junior High's production of The Rockin' Tale of Snow White
Showtimes:
Friday (TONIGHT!), May 1 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults & $7 students/seniors
Showtimes:
Friday (TONIGHT!), May 1 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults & $7 students/seniors
The Western Avenue wolves had a TREE-mendous day celebrating Arbor Day! We were thrilled to welcome the Village of Flossmoor Public Works arborist, Dave Becker, who spent time sharing his incredible knowledge about trees and the importance of caring for our environment. Students had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the benefits of native trees, and how they support, local ecosystems, wildlife, and long-term sustainability. A special highlight of the day was planting a beautiful Kentucky Coffee tree on campus. This native tree will grow alongside our students for years to come! Thank you to Mr. Becker for helping our students *branch* out and grow their appreciation for the natural world.
Tomorrow, Friday, April 24, will be an early dismissal for our students as SD 161 holds a districtwide School Improvement Day. Staff will be busy collaborating and planning to support student success. Western Avenue will dismiss at 11:40 a.m.
Big things are ahead for our future Parker Falcons!
If your child is currently in 5th grade, it’s time to start getting excited for the transition to Parker Junior High. We have several important (and fun!) opportunities coming up to help students and families feel confident and ready for 6th grade.
Save the dates:
• April 29 – In-person presentation and campus tours at Parker (6:00 PM) for parents and students
• April 30 – Spring musical visit (during the school day with 5th grade teachers)
• June 5 – Step Up Day at Parker (9:30–11:00 AM)
• August – Schedule Pick-Up Day (date and time coming soon)
We can’t wait to welcome our newest group of students to Parker. It’s going to be a great year ahead.
If your child is currently in 5th grade, it’s time to start getting excited for the transition to Parker Junior High. We have several important (and fun!) opportunities coming up to help students and families feel confident and ready for 6th grade.
Save the dates:
• April 29 – In-person presentation and campus tours at Parker (6:00 PM) for parents and students
• April 30 – Spring musical visit (during the school day with 5th grade teachers)
• June 5 – Step Up Day at Parker (9:30–11:00 AM)
• August – Schedule Pick-Up Day (date and time coming soon)
We can’t wait to welcome our newest group of students to Parker. It’s going to be a great year ahead.
