#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!
Join us on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Parker Junior High School for an informative and family-friendly evening focused on learning in District 161!
We enjoyed meeting so many families at our annual Open House meeting last night! Have a great day, Wolves.
The Village of Flossmoor is making improvements to some of the sidewalks around Western Avenue School. While the improvements are exciting, we ask that everyone use a little extra caution while traveling to school.
Please be especially mindful of the construction zone shown on the map and cross safely with the assistance of the crossing guards.
• Brassie/Flossmoor Road
• Vardon Lane/Western Avenue
Together, we can make sure everyone gets to school safely and with a smile! Thanks for your cooperation!
Please be especially mindful of the construction zone shown on the map and cross safely with the assistance of the crossing guards.
• Brassie/Flossmoor Road
• Vardon Lane/Western Avenue
Together, we can make sure everyone gets to school safely and with a smile! Thanks for your cooperation!
We've had a great two days in Flossmoor School District 161. We are looking forward to the middle of the week tomorrow and even further ahead to Friday, when we can celebrate as an entire district at the Back to School Bash in Flossmoor Park from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
See you then!
See you then!
Do you have a 5th grader interested in beginning band? Make a plan to attend the Zoom meeting on Tuesday, September 2, at 6:30 p.m.
There’s still time to Chalk the Walk! Head up to your school anytime this weekend and leave an encouraging message for our students and staff as they get ready for the year.
Calling all Western Avenue Wolves! Bring your gently used Western Avenue merch to the Flossmoor Public Library and then SHOP THE SWAP at the Back to School Bash on Friday, August 29, in Flossmoor Park. See you there!
Turn your errands into a school supply scavenger hunt and make it fun for the whole family. Grab the notebooks, pencils, markers, and everything else you need to start the year strong. Get it done now so you can skip the last-minute scramble and actually enjoy the excitement of the first day. Being prepared means less stress, more smiles, and a great start to the school year.
Class Assignment Pick-Up is August 13-14, but there’s one thing you need before the big reveal—registration! Only registered students can pick up their assignments and find out who’s in their class.
Visit sd161.org and be ready for the excitement at your child’s school!
Visit sd161.org and be ready for the excitement at your child’s school!
While you're out running errands, take a minute to grab those school supplies. Stock up on the notebooks, pencils, and folders now so you can skip the last-minute rush. The first day will be here before you know it, and being ready makes it way more fun for everyone. https://shorturl.at/zZjdl
Skyward will not be accessible beginning the afternoon of Monday, July 21, through Wednesday, July 23, 2025, due to system maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We anticipate that Skyward will be accessible again beginning on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
