Western Avenue Elementary -

HF area schools ask, “How are we doing with communication?” Homewood School District 153, Flossmoor School District 161 and Homewood-Flossmoor High School are joining forces to conduct a community-wide survey to gather input about the districts’ communications efforts. By participating in the survey, you play an active role in shaping how each of the school districts communicate with you. All staff, parents/guardians, and community members are invited to take a 15-minute confidential online survey now-March 25: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt

Way to go, WA, on our Plastic Bag Drive. This year, we achieved well over our goal of 150 lbs and reached 270 lbs!!!!! The classroom winners were Ms. Veit and Ms. Newton. The entire school earned a pajama day with a date to come. Thank you for helping our Green Team with this recycling project.

Register to attend the Flossmoor School District 161 Diversity Dinner at Parker Junior High School on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reservations are required by Friday, March 22, 2024. We hope to see you there! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe17vlx0EQhAnK8ALaJtm_H358EqfsJoDtREKscy7x0rep5zQ/viewform

A fun time was had by all at the MATH NIGHT at Western Avenue School. Thank you to Mrs. Rudolph and her team of math magicians for orchestrating tonight's numerical extravaganza! Special thanks to the PTO for hosting the silent auction in the school gym, where adding up bids was just as thrilling as solving equations!

The Illinois State Board of Education has presented the Those Who Excel program since 1970 to commend educators who have made noteworthy contributions to our elementary and junior high schools. School District 161 proudly announces 9 honorees across four categories. Congratulations to all! • Dr. Gina Isabelli, Principal of Western Avenue School, is celebrated with the Special Recognition Award. • Gayle Dickerson, Student Support Personnel at Flossmoor Hills Elementary School, is acknowledged with the Meritorious Service Award. • Lesa Waishwell, a Western Avenue Elementary School teacher, is honored with the Special Recognition Award. • The Instructional Coaching Team from all buildings is recognized with the Meritorious Service Award. This team includes Nancy Larocca, Jennifer McLean, Amy Gehrt, Christina Bollenbacher, Tiffaney Washington, Stephanie Levy, and Alyssa Zajack (not pictured) Congratulations to all the recipients for their exceptional achievements!

• Dr. Gina Isabelli, Principal of Western Avenue School, is celebrated with the Special Recognition Award. • Lesa Waishwell, a Western Avenue Elementary School teacher, is honored with the Special Recognition Award. • Gayle Dickerson, Student Support Personnel at Flossmoor Hills Elementary School, is acknowledged with the Meritorious Service Award. • The Instructional Coaching Team from all buildings is recognized with the Meritorious Service Award. This team includes Nancy Larocca, Jennifer McLean, Amy Gehrt, Christina Bollenbacher, Tiffaney Washington, and Stephanie Levy. Congratulations to all the recipients for their exceptional achievements!

We are so very proud of our Wolves representing District 161. in the Math Bowl this year. Across the district, we had over 300 students from 1st-8th grade participate! Congratulations and good luck to these students as they prepare for the Math Bowl competition at Prairie State College in May! Division A, 1st grade - Charles W. Division A, 2nd graders - Connor C. & Alternate: Jasper G. Division B, 3rd graders - Harrison G. & Alternate: Joshua C. Division B, 4th graders - Jackson S., Eric A. & Alternate: Anaiah H. Division C, 5th grader - Raheem S.

Flossmoor School District 161 will join the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in the eleventh statewide survey of school climate and learning conditions. The survey provides a unique opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to have a voice in improving their schools. From January 30, 2024, through March 29, 2024, students and teachers will be asked to take a 30-minute research-based survey to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their school’s learning environment. The parent survey supplement will also be administered during the same survey window. These surveys will serve as an opportunity for schools to reflect on progress since the last statewide implementation. https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois/5e/2023/ Thank you for your participation!

Last week, the Western Avenue Black History Month Committee kicked off Black History Month in an electrifying manner! This year's theme, 'Sounds of Blackness,' set the tone for an immersive journey celebrating gospel, reggae, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, jazz, and hip hop, all skillfully curated by DJ Stephen Alec on February 1. Students were also treated to performances and speeches by Boo of Boo & Gotti Leon Q, a hip hop trumpet artist. Western Avenue school extends heartfelt gratitude to the Black History Month Committee for their tireless efforts in organizing a month filled with celebrations and acknowledgments. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events as we continue to honor and celebrate Black History.

The 3rd - 5th Den Depot shopping was today. Dr. Isabelli is crossing her fingers to see how many students purchased dress the principal coupons. This week, students chose a totally tacky ensemble for her and ended the week with her dressed as a baby.

Congratulations to our January Leaders of the Pack and Wolves in Bloom!

Happy 100 days of Learning Western Avenue!

Western Avenue Elementary School would like to congratulate 5th grade student, Dahlia on her amazing performance at the District Spelling Bee. Dahlia took second place and made us all very proud! Well done!

Good luck tonight Dahlia, representing Western, in the District Spelling Bee!

Good luck to all students participating in the Flossmoor School District 161 District Spelling Bee. Tonight! 6 pm Hosted at Parker Junior High G-O-O-D-L-U-C-K

Tonight’s Parent University focusing on Maintaining Strong Connections will now be taking place via Zoom. Please follow the link below to attend. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9583817339?pwd=ZnFmVXVkSE5vMVJzNmVQQUJWWGRydz09

Officer Bausch from the Village of Flossmoor Police Department visited a 5th grade classroom for DARE instruction. The students asked excellent questions and exhibited excellent listening skills. Thanks Officer Bausch!

Our first dress, your principal coupon, was purchased by William. He chose Santa, so today, I am Dr. Clause.

Tonight’s Parent University focusing on Building Stress Awareness and Understanding Burnout will now be taking place via Zoom.  The session will take place from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Please follow the link below to attend. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9583817339?pwd=ZnFmVXVkSE5vMVJzNmVQQUJWWGRydz09#success

It was an amazing day of service at Western Avenue, partnering with Jack and Jill Monarch Cities chapter. This year's learning focus was on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Afterward, numerous volunteers came to help make care packages for students at Prarie State College.