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
4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
kids at a table
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!
4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Visual Arts expo
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
4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Evil queen and her mirror
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.
4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
kids learning
trees
kids learning
kids learning
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.
4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Early Dismissal
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.
4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
5th to 6th grade transition day!

Thank you to everyone who joined us.

We appreciate the time and thoughtful input shared during the community forum as part of the superintendent search for Flossmoor School District 161. Your voice plays an important role in shaping the future of our district.

If you were unable to attend or would still like to share your feedback, the survey will remain open through April 22.

Learn more and access the survey link below.
https://www.sd161.org/o/flossmoor-sd161/article/2819119?fbclid=IwY2xjawRR5kRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeE9qs88xBMNfPjibayo8AnU0RYwuG7EpkHSAf5BfsrSqnh95d6bA8BP-G6Xg_aem_e9b8YZ-DEQuCRlREv5bAWQ

4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Superintendent Search

Flossmoor School District 161 wants to hear from you.

As part of the superintendent search, the Board of Education is inviting families, staff, and community members to share their input through a brief survey and upcoming community forums.

Join us TODAY, Monday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. for a community forum. Attend in person or via Zoom.

Your voice will help shape the future leadership of our district. Take a few minutes to complete the survey by April 22.

Learn more and access the survey and meeting links below.
https://www.sd161.org/o/flossmoor-sd161/article/2819119?fbclid=IwY2xjawRR5kRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeE9qs88xBMNfPjibayo8AnU0RYwuG7EpkHSAf5BfsrSqnh95d6bA8BP-G6Xg_aem_e9b8YZ-DEQuCRlREv5bAWQ

4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Superintendent Search
Get ready for an evening full of energy, wellness, and fun! 🎉 The Flossmoor Hills PTO is excited to invite you to our Family Wellness Night—a FREE community event for all SD 161 families!
🗓 Wednesday, April 22
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Flossmoor Hills Elementary
Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of engaging activities focused on health and well-being:
✨ Fun Physical Activities
🥗 Nutrition Information
🩺 Health Screenings
🧠 Mental Health Services
🎁 Giveaways & More!
We’ll also have amazing wellness partners on-site offering resources, services, and interactive experiences for both kids and adults.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is completely FREE and open to everyone in the community—so feel free to invite friends and neighbors!
👉 For full event details and to sign up, please visit our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../flossmoor-hills-family...
We can’t wait to see you there for a fun and impactful evening of health and wellness!
4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
health expo

Flossmoor School District 161 wants to hear from you.

As part of the superintendent search, the Board of Education is inviting families, staff, and community members to share their input through a brief survey and upcoming community forums.

Join us tomorrow, Monday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. for a community forum. Attend in person or via Zoom.

Your voice will help shape the future leadership of our district. Take a few minutes to complete the survey by April 22.

Learn more and access the survey and meeting links below.
https://www.sd161.org/o/flossmoor-sd161/article/2819119?fbclid=IwY2xjawRR5kRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeE9qs88xBMNfPjibayo8AnU0RYwuG7EpkHSAf5BfsrSqnh95d6bA8BP-G6Xg_aem_e9b8YZ-DEQuCRlREv5bAWQ

4 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Superintendent Search
Happy Monday, Wolves!
We hope you had a great weekend. Check out the latest school news by clicking the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/k3f9r
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
kids with the principal who is dressed in a silly costume.
Welcome back, Wolves!
We are thrilled to have you back in the den and ready to begin a new week.
Check out the latest school news by clicking the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/y5jcv
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Finding Nemo!
The District 161 Summer Academy Musical Program offers a wonderful opportunity for students of all experience levels interested in theater. We are excited to provide this program for current 3rd–7th grade students who have not already been recommended for Summer Academy.

Classes will be held at Serena Hills School, 255 Pleasant Drive, Chicago Heights, IL 60411, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. There are no classes on Fridays. Final performance dates and locations will be announced soon. Please review the Musical Flyer for additional details.

The SD 161 Summer Academy Musical Program is free of charge. Transportation will be provided for qualifying students, and breakfast will be available for all students attending Summer Academy.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtktr-2YE7sV5cvpZEUYgfr80X1aN7p25QP5lA7AWz45qTAA/viewform
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
We are monsters
Spring Break is here, and it is a wonderful time to pause, recharge, and enjoy a change of pace. We hope our students, families, and staff take this opportunity to rest and enjoy the signs of spring all around us.

Looking for something to do? Consider checking out a new book from the library or visiting a local park to enjoy the fresh air.

Whether your plans include traveling, staying close to home, or simply relaxing, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Spring Break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready to learn, on April 6.
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Spring Break March 31-April 4 classes resume april 6
Herbicide Application Notification:

On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, March 30th, 31st, and April 1st, 2026, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will be applying an herbicide and a fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Ave, and Parker Junior High. The products to be used for this application are The Andersons Turf Products Fertilizer with Barricade Herbicide and Trimec 992 Broadleaf Herbicide. These products comprise a selective broadleaf herbicide and a lawn fertilizer that will be used to control weeds/dandelions in these areas and to fertilize all district lawns.

 If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
Logo
Finding Nemo memories loading...
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
kids in the finding nemo cast
We are still reliving the memories of the Western Avenue musical Finding Nemo and are excited to share photos from this incredible production.

What a show. Our students brought so much energy, heart, and talent to the stage, and it truly showed in every moment.

Stay tuned as we share photos throughout the week.
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
finding nemo
finding nemo
jellyfish
turtles
turtles
finding nemo
finding nemo
Family Reading Night is tonight at Parker Junior High.

Join us for “Escape Into a Good Book,” an evening filled with food trucks, fun, puzzles, surprises, and a little mystery along the way. It is a great opportunity for families to come together, explore reading in a new and engaging way, and enjoy time as a community.

Food trucks will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing our PJH families there for a night of reading, connection, and fun.
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
prizes and sponsors
Escape into a good book
SHELL-ebrate good times! Wishing our Thursday night cast of Finding Nemo an amazing show! We can't wait to see you make a big splash!
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
cast of finding Nemo
Break a fin, everyone! Wishing the Wednesday cast and crew of finding Nemo an incredible performance. Your hard work and talent are about to shine on stage and we can't wait to see it all come together. A very special thank you to the directors, Ms Hanzelin, Ms Pasqua, and Ms Watson, for the time, care, and creativity you pour into making these productions so meaningful for our students. This performance also marks an amazing milestone, the 21st production under the direction of Miss Pasqua. What an extraordinary legacy! If your student has ever been part of one of Miss Pasqua's shows, drop the name of the production in the comments below or share a well wish for the cast!
5 months ago, Flossmoor School District 161
ms Pasqua giving the cast notes
cast