Western Avenue Elementary -

These clever students joined forces and combined their #WOLFPACK tickets for the chance to give Mr. Ford a costume challenge. As you can see from the 📸, the challenge was accepted!

Support the Black History Month Committee by purchasing an item from its wish list. Every contribution helps the committee create an unforgettable experience for all students during Black History Month and brings our celebrations to life. Your support makes a difference in inspiring and educating our students.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/360Z2VQD2TRN1?ref_=wl_share

Join Jack and Jill for a meaningful, hands on MLK Day of Service that brings our community together to support local families this winter.

During the Dream in Unity Service Project, volunteers will pack essential items, assemble care bundles, and create no-sew blankets for families in need. Donations of children’s coats, hygiene items, no-sew blankets, and non-perishable food are also welcome.

Come early at 10 a.m. to enjoy special musical performances, a living museum, and a guest speaker. This event is hosted by Jack and Jill in partnership with Restoration Ministries.

Monday, January 19
10 to 11 a.m. Optional educational program
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Donation drop off
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No-sew blanket assembly

Western Avenue Elementary School
940 Western Avenue

Volunteers needed 50
Volunteers should be comfortable standing, sorting items, and occasionally lifting heavier donations.

Interested in helping Register by using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EAEA82EA0FE3-61349395-mlkday#/


Let’s come together to spread warmth, care, and unity in our community this winter.

We hope everyone is having a great first week back at school! To keep feeling your best as routines settle in, try these three tips:

1. Wash your hands regularly to reduce the spread of germs.

2. Get enough sleep each night to stay alert and energized.

3. Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated to fuel your body and mind for learning.

Staying healthy helps make every day at school a great day!

Black History Month is almost here and the committee is excited to celebrate with students. Make sure we have your child’s T-shirt size and sign up for their free Black History Month T-shirt courtesy of the PTO. The order form closes Friday, January 9.

There are many ways for families to get involved! Volunteer at events during February or help contribute to the daily announcements by creating a three-minute video about a pre-selected author. Videos can be recorded on Zoom or an iPhone and should be uploaded by 11:59 pm on Friday, January 23. This is a great way to educate and energize students while celebrating incredible trailblazers in literature.

Sign up for your student’s T-shirt here: https://shorturl.at/RieDb

Updated Car Line Pick-Up Procedures — Starting January 9

To strengthen student safety during dismissal, official school-issued car tags will be required for all car line pick-ups beginning January 9.

What families need to know:
• Car tags must be clearly visible when picking up your child
• Need a car tag? Stop by the main office to receive one
• Vehicles without a car tag after January 9 will be directed to the office for verification before a student is released

This week and next, we will continue preparing families to help ensure a smooth transition. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe.

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!
Read through the latest Western Weekly to catch up on all of the news from school.
https://app.smore.com/n/6qbzj

Looking for a simple and fun way to keep your child’s reading and math skills sharp over Winter Break, encourage independent learning, and earn a chance to win a gift card while still enjoying time off? Take our Winter Break Learning Challenge by clicking the link below!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1saOUpkx9nfQCCl-J9U3SSkQwB4M6M3p1/view

Last week of school vibes: When the pressure is high and the competition is....ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS! This last week of school included a friendly game of rock, paper, scissors, amongst staff. It was all good natured competition, plenty of laughs, and a nice moment to unwind together. In the end, Mrs. Vitale took home the first place prize! Congratulations to our winners and thanks to everyone for being such great sports as we wrap up this last week.

We wrapped up Friday with a burst of energy in Ms. Pasqua's music class. Once the parachute came out, the room turned into a swirl of color and end of week excitement. Our wolves definitely knew how to finish the week on a high note.

We hope families make plans to swing by the Flossmoor Library on Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. for a lively musical performance for kids. You might even get lucky and walk away with a tasty treat. A great way to start the weekend together.
The Flossmoor Library is located at 1000 Sterling Avenue.

Don't forget! Friday is a School Improvement Day, and all SD161 students have an early dismissal.

The District is working with Studer Education to help strengthen our systems and support even better experiences and outcomes for our students, staff, and school community. Our survey is open from November 14 to 29, 2025, and we invite parents and guardians to complete one for each child enrolled in District 161. Please check your email for the survey link and take a few moments to share your feedback.

The District is working with Studer Education to help strengthen our systems and support even better experiences and outcomes for our students, staff, and school community. Our survey is open from November 14 to 29, 2025, and we invite parents and guardians to complete one for each child enrolled in District 161. Please check your email for the survey link and take a few moments to share your feedback.

The District is working with Studer Education to help strengthen our systems and support even better experiences and outcomes for our students, staff, and school community. Our survey is open from November 14 to 29, 2025, and we invite parents and guardians to complete one for each child enrolled in District 161. Please check your email for the survey link and take a few moments to share your feedback.

The District is working with Studer Education to help strengthen our systems and support even better experiences and outcomes for our students, staff, and school community. Our survey is open from November 14 to 29, 2025, and we invite parents and guardians to complete one for each child enrolled in District 161. Please check your email for the survey link and take a few moments to share your feedback.

Take the Whitsons School Dining Program Survey!

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

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.