We are less than two weeks away from the District 161 STEAM Night. We hope to see you on February 12 from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Parker Junior High.
Get ready for an evening where curiosity takes the lead and ideas come to life. STEAM Night will bring together science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on experiences designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, and wonder.
Whether you love experimenting, building, coding, creating, or asking big questions, this is a night you won’t want to miss. More details are coming soon, but for now, mark your calendar and get ready to explore, discover, and innovate together.
Get ready for an evening where curiosity takes the lead and ideas come to life. STEAM Night will bring together science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on experiences designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, and wonder.
Whether you love experimenting, building, coding, creating, or asking big questions, this is a night you won’t want to miss. More details are coming soon, but for now, mark your calendar and get ready to explore, discover, and innovate together.
Join us for the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:30 pm.-7:30 pm. at Serena Hills Elementary School, located at 255 Pleasant Drive in Chicago Heights. This meeting will feature Dr. Valentina M Pacheco-Cornejo, Psy.D., an adolescent psychologist and nutritional expert who will share tips and strategies to support a healthy family lifestyle and mental health.
Join us for the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:30 pm.-7:30 pm. at Serena Hills Elementary School, located at 255 Pleasant Drive in Chicago Heights. This meeting will feature Dr. Valentina M Pacheco-Cornejo, Psy.D., an adolescent psychologist and nutritional expert who will share tips and strategies to support a healthy family lifestyle and mental health.
Den Depot Volunteers Needed! 🐾
Our Den Depot school store is a favorite PBIS incentive for students, and we need parent volunteers to help make it a success! Volunteers assist with organizing items, supporting students as they shop, and helping create a fun, positive experience for everyone. Sign up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEA929A1FAC07-52838903-dendepot#/
If you’re able to volunteer for a time slot, please sign up below. Your support helps reinforce positive behavior and keeps Den Depot running smoothly.
Our Den Depot school store is a favorite PBIS incentive for students, and we need parent volunteers to help make it a success! Volunteers assist with organizing items, supporting students as they shop, and helping create a fun, positive experience for everyone. Sign up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEA929A1FAC07-52838903-dendepot#/
If you’re able to volunteer for a time slot, please sign up below. Your support helps reinforce positive behavior and keeps Den Depot running smoothly.
FREE!
Looking for a fun way to support your child’s early math learning?
Join our Math Magic Family program at Homewood Science Center!
Families complete short, hands-on math activities together during STEM Saturdays—and every visit earns a raffle entry for a Lakeshore Learning math kit!
Saturdays | 10–11 AM
👶 Ages 3–8 with parent or caregiver
📍 Homewood Science Center
Free. Fun. Meaningful learning.
#MathMagicFamily #EarlyMathMatters #STEMForAll
Looking for a fun way to support your child’s early math learning?
Join our Math Magic Family program at Homewood Science Center!
Families complete short, hands-on math activities together during STEM Saturdays—and every visit earns a raffle entry for a Lakeshore Learning math kit!
Saturdays | 10–11 AM
👶 Ages 3–8 with parent or caregiver
📍 Homewood Science Center
Free. Fun. Meaningful learning.
#MathMagicFamily #EarlyMathMatters #STEMForAll
Winter Theme Days are here at Western Avenue School!
This week, we’re celebrating Winter Theme Days. While our first day will look a little different due to inclement weather and an E-Learning day, the fun continues from home.
Day 1 is Pajama Day, so students can stay cozy and learn in their PJs while participating in E-Learning.
We look forward to continuing our Winter Theme Days together as the week goes on. Stay safe and warm!
This week, we’re celebrating Winter Theme Days. While our first day will look a little different due to inclement weather and an E-Learning day, the fun continues from home.
Day 1 is Pajama Day, so students can stay cozy and learn in their PJs while participating in E-Learning.
We look forward to continuing our Winter Theme Days together as the week goes on. Stay safe and warm!
Because of the dangerously low temperatures for tomorrow, District 161 will have E-learning and
no in-person school on Monday, January 26, 2026. In addition, all extracurricular activities are
cancelled. Please refer to the document below for specific E-learning information and if you have any
questions, please contact your building principal or me at your earliest convenience. The District
161 school and district offices will be open tomorrow in case you have any issues. We are
planning to resume in-person learning on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11E81jXPWavakgfTJmavz0ydhX-Egwadm/view
Spanish:https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tFfJkMn39maQT1wWrGQ7SlZAC8G4Sr1/view
no in-person school on Monday, January 26, 2026. In addition, all extracurricular activities are
cancelled. Please refer to the document below for specific E-learning information and if you have any
questions, please contact your building principal or me at your earliest convenience. The District
161 school and district offices will be open tomorrow in case you have any issues. We are
planning to resume in-person learning on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11E81jXPWavakgfTJmavz0ydhX-Egwadm/view
Spanish:https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tFfJkMn39maQT1wWrGQ7SlZAC8G4Sr1/view
Due to the anticipated cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, District 161 will transition to E-learning tomorrow, Friday, January 23.
Specific E-learning information can be found in English at https://shorturl.fm/CpPdU and in Spanish at the following link. https://shorturl.fm/wYrZC
School and District offices will be open tomorrow. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or building principal. Flossmoor School District 161 is planning to resume in-person learning on Monday, Ja...
Specific E-learning information can be found in English at https://shorturl.fm/CpPdU and in Spanish at the following link. https://shorturl.fm/wYrZC
School and District offices will be open tomorrow. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or building principal. Flossmoor School District 161 is planning to resume in-person learning on Monday, Ja...
Due to the anticipated cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, District 161 will transition to E-learning tomorrow, Friday, January 23.
Specific E-learning information can be found in English at https://shorturl.fm/CpPdU and in Spanish at the following link. https://shorturl.fm/wYrZC
School and District offices will be open tomorrow. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or building principal. Flossmoor School District 161 is planning to resume in-person learning on Monday, January 26, 2026.
What an incredible day we had at Western Avenue Elementary! ✨
The Jack and Jill Monarch Cities Chapter delivered amazing programming and meaningful service that truly made an impact. A highlight of the day was the living museum tour which featured powerful portrayals of historical figures from Ruby Bridges to President Barack Obama. It was moving, inspiring, and unforgettable. Congratulations to everyone involved in marking this day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with such purpose and heart. ❤️
Bravo!!
A reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 18, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day. If you decide to make this DAY OFF a DAY ON, please join us at Western Avenue School while we partner with Jack and Jill Monarch City Chapter.
Project Description: Join with Jack and Jill to come together for a meaningful, hands-on service experience, designed to uplift families in our community. During the Dream in Unity Service Project, participants will help pack essential items and assemble bundles of care that will directly support those in need. We are also inviting donations of children's coats, hygiene items, no-sew blankets and non-perishable food items to help bring warmth, comfort and nourishment to local households during the winter season. Come early at 10 a.m. for special musical performances, a living museum and a guest speaker. Jack and Jill are partnering with Restoration Ministries for this event.
Project Day/Time: Monday, Jan. 19, 10-11 a.m. (Optional Educational Program); 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Donation Drop Off); 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (No-Sew Blanket Assembly)
Project Location: Western Avenue Elementary School, 940 Western Avenue
Volunteers Needed: 50
Volunteer Requirements: Willing to sort, inspect and repack items. These tasks require some level of physical activity, from standing for several hours to occasionally lifting heavy items.
About This Organization: Through service projects, Jack & Jill of America, Inc. creates a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development. Through lobbying, educational programming, dissemination of education materials, and the organization of community and charitable events, Jack & Jill has promoted the public awareness and interests of children, including child development, child growth, child quality of life, child care and the promotion of children's rights.
Sign Up Info: Register on Sign Up Genius here
Project Description: Join with Jack and Jill to come together for a meaningful, hands-on service experience, designed to uplift families in our community. During the Dream in Unity Service Project, participants will help pack essential items and assemble bundles of care that will directly support those in need. We are also inviting donations of children's coats, hygiene items, no-sew blankets and non-perishable food items to help bring warmth, comfort and nourishment to local households during the winter season. Come early at 10 a.m. for special musical performances, a living museum and a guest speaker. Jack and Jill are partnering with Restoration Ministries for this event.
Project Day/Time: Monday, Jan. 19, 10-11 a.m. (Optional Educational Program); 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Donation Drop Off); 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (No-Sew Blanket Assembly)
Project Location: Western Avenue Elementary School, 940 Western Avenue
Volunteers Needed: 50
Volunteer Requirements: Willing to sort, inspect and repack items. These tasks require some level of physical activity, from standing for several hours to occasionally lifting heavy items.
About This Organization: Through service projects, Jack & Jill of America, Inc. creates a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development. Through lobbying, educational programming, dissemination of education materials, and the organization of community and charitable events, Jack & Jill has promoted the public awareness and interests of children, including child development, child growth, child quality of life, child care and the promotion of children's rights.
Sign Up Info: Register on Sign Up Genius here
Western Avenue is looking to increase the Alpha Dads engagement in our learning community!
If you’re interested in getting involved, please take a moment to complete the form below:
Western Avenue Alpha Dads
We’d love to have you join us in supporting our students and school community.
I Invite you to sign up for "Alpha Dad Opening Schedule" at SignUpGenius!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAEAF2DA5FACF8-60435457-alpha
If you’re interested in getting involved, please take a moment to complete the form below:
Western Avenue Alpha Dads
We’d love to have you join us in supporting our students and school community.
I Invite you to sign up for "Alpha Dad Opening Schedule" at SignUpGenius!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAEAF2DA5FACF8-60435457-alpha
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
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.
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!
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
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
