SD161 Summer Spotlight!
We're celebrating our students and families. Show us your summer! Whether it was a big moment or a simple joy, we'd love to see it. Did you travel, learn something new, or just enjoy spending time together?
Send us a photo and a small description that captures your summer!
Send to Stephanie Wright:
Swright@sd161.org
☀️ ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏖️ 🥎 🤸♂️ 🫶
* These photos may be used in future enews editions and social media posts. ✅
Good Day Parker Families,
Due to yesterday's inclement weather and current field conditions, Softball Tryouts will be postponed to tomorrow Wednesday, July 29, 2026 starting at 9:00am. Thank you all for your understanding and please remain safe and well.
Good Morning Parker Families,
Due to projected weather conditions, Girls Softball Tryouts will be postponed today and continue tomorrow. Student athletes are to be prepared with proper attire, water, and all necessary equipment for tryouts. Please be well and continue to have a good day!
Save the Date Flossmoor School District 161!
The Back to School Bash is back, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of you!
The Back to School Bash is back, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of you!
The start of a new school year is approaching, and we are excited to welcome our students and families back!
Class Assignment Pick Up for all registered students will take place on Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6.
Pick Up Times:
Wednesday, August 5
8:30–11:30 a.m.
1:00–3:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 6
1:00–3:30 p.m.
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Important Reminder: Only students who are fully registered for the 2026–2027 school year will be able to pick up their class assignments. if you are not sure if your child is fully registered, please contact the office at your student's school.
Class assignments will be available for pick up at your student's school.
Parker Junior High students: Please note that class assignment pick up will take place at the District Office located at 41 E Elmwood Dr. Chicago Heights, IL 60411 during the times listed above.
We look forward to seeing our students and families as we prepare for a successful 2026–2027 school year!
Don’t forget to check out your student's school supply list and start preparing for the first day of school! Supply lists are available at sd161.org.
Class Assignment Pick Up for all registered students will take place on Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6.
Pick Up Times:
Wednesday, August 5
8:30–11:30 a.m.
1:00–3:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 6
1:00–3:30 p.m.
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Important Reminder: Only students who are fully registered for the 2026–2027 school year will be able to pick up their class assignments. if you are not sure if your child is fully registered, please contact the office at your student's school.
Class assignments will be available for pick up at your student's school.
Parker Junior High students: Please note that class assignment pick up will take place at the District Office located at 41 E Elmwood Dr. Chicago Heights, IL 60411 during the times listed above.
We look forward to seeing our students and families as we prepare for a successful 2026–2027 school year!
Don’t forget to check out your student's school supply list and start preparing for the first day of school! Supply lists are available at sd161.org.
Skyward will not be accessible beginning the evening of Tuesday, July 21, due to system maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We anticipate that Skyward will be accessible again beginning on Friday, July 24, 2026.
We know many of you are still in full summer mode, but now is a great time to take a quick peek at the upcoming school calendar and start getting prepared for the new school year.
Mark important dates, plan ahead for key events, and begin easing back into routines. A little preparation now can help make the transition smoother for both students and families.
We’re looking forward to a great year ahead in Flossmoor School District 161.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19cqWRdoXt_7-_94AavoEBrkg86iQQLJD/view
Mark important dates, plan ahead for key events, and begin easing back into routines. A little preparation now can help make the transition smoother for both students and families.
We’re looking forward to a great year ahead in Flossmoor School District 161.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19cqWRdoXt_7-_94AavoEBrkg86iQQLJD/view
Clean out those closets and show your school pride in a whole new way.
The Flossmoor Public Library & the Village of Flossmoor Green Commission are teaming up for a Spirit Wear Swap.
From July 10 through August 27, drop off your gently used SD 161 and HF school spirit wear at the Flossmoor Public Library to give it a second life with another student.
Then, join us at the Back-to-School Bash on Friday, August 28, from 4–6 p.m. to shop the swap—completely free.
This is a great way to support sustainability while celebrating our school spirit.
First-come, first-served. Supplies are limited.
Sponsored by the Flossmoor Public Library and the Flossmoor Green Commission.
The Flossmoor Public Library & the Village of Flossmoor Green Commission are teaming up for a Spirit Wear Swap.
From July 10 through August 27, drop off your gently used SD 161 and HF school spirit wear at the Flossmoor Public Library to give it a second life with another student.
Then, join us at the Back-to-School Bash on Friday, August 28, from 4–6 p.m. to shop the swap—completely free.
This is a great way to support sustainability while celebrating our school spirit.
First-come, first-served. Supplies are limited.
Sponsored by the Flossmoor Public Library and the Flossmoor Green Commission.
Clean out those closets and show your school pride in a whole new way.
The Flossmoor Public Library & the Village of Flossmoor Green Commission are teaming up for a Spirit Wear Swap.
From July 10 through August 27, drop off your gently used SD 161 and HF school spirit wear at the Flossmoor Public Library to give it a second life with another student.
Then, join us at the Back-to-School Bash on Friday, August 28, from 4–6 p.m. to shop the swap—completely free.
This is a great way to support sustainability while celebrating our school spirit.
First-come, first-served. Supplies are limited.
Sponsored by the Flossmoor Public Library and the Flossmoor Green Commission.
The Flossmoor Public Library & the Village of Flossmoor Green Commission are teaming up for a Spirit Wear Swap.
From July 10 through August 27, drop off your gently used SD 161 and HF school spirit wear at the Flossmoor Public Library to give it a second life with another student.
Then, join us at the Back-to-School Bash on Friday, August 28, from 4–6 p.m. to shop the swap—completely free.
This is a great way to support sustainability while celebrating our school spirit.
First-come, first-served. Supplies are limited.
Sponsored by the Flossmoor Public Library and the Flossmoor Green Commission.
A quick selfie with Ms. O’Dwyer captures a great moment of Parker Pride!
Last night, Ms. O’Dwyer and her students were recognized at the board meeting for their participation in both the #EduHam and National History Day trips. Their preparation and commitment to learning outside the classroom were on full display!
Bravo!
Last night, Ms. O’Dwyer and her students were recognized at the board meeting for their participation in both the #EduHam and National History Day trips. Their preparation and commitment to learning outside the classroom were on full display!
Bravo!
We regret to inform you that the event scheduled for today has been canceled. Please join us on July 13 to learn more about volunteering at Parker Junior High during the upcoming school year.
Our students are back from the National History Day (NHD) competition, and what an unforgettable experience!
They packed every moment with opportunity, forming friendships with history students from across Illinois and the country while getting a taste of 'college dorm life' and exploring Washington, D.C. It is safe to say this trip created core memories that will stay with them for years to come.
From the energy of the NHD Welcome Ceremony and the excitement of competition to the student dance and award ceremony, the trip was filled with memorable moments. Along the way, they explored some of our nation’s most powerful sites, including the National Holocaust Museum, National Archives, National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Mall. They also toured the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol with Team Illinois and experienced the monuments in a whole new way on a nighttime tour.
Congratulations to our students Avery, Sophie, Emma, and Dahlia. We are so proud of how you represented Parker Junior High with curiosity, enthusiasm, and excellence.
A huge thank you to Linda O’Dwyer for her dedication and leadership, and for her many years of guiding students to the National Competition. Her commitment continues to create meaningful, once in a lifetime opportunities for our students.
They packed every moment with opportunity, forming friendships with history students from across Illinois and the country while getting a taste of 'college dorm life' and exploring Washington, D.C. It is safe to say this trip created core memories that will stay with them for years to come.
From the energy of the NHD Welcome Ceremony and the excitement of competition to the student dance and award ceremony, the trip was filled with memorable moments. Along the way, they explored some of our nation’s most powerful sites, including the National Holocaust Museum, National Archives, National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Mall. They also toured the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol with Team Illinois and experienced the monuments in a whole new way on a nighttime tour.
Congratulations to our students Avery, Sophie, Emma, and Dahlia. We are so proud of how you represented Parker Junior High with curiosity, enthusiasm, and excellence.
A huge thank you to Linda O’Dwyer for her dedication and leadership, and for her many years of guiding students to the National Competition. Her commitment continues to create meaningful, once in a lifetime opportunities for our students.
Want to get more involved at Parker Junior High? Come learn how you can make a difference! Join us for an informational session tomorrow, June 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please note that the meeting location has been changed to Heather Hill Elementary School, located at 1439 Lawrence Crescent in Flossmoor. Another session will also be held on July 13 at Serena Hills School from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please note that the meeting location has been changed to Heather Hill Elementary School, located at 1439 Lawrence Crescent in Flossmoor. Another session will also be held on July 13 at Serena Hills School from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Congratulations to our fabulous students who participated in the National History Day competition in Washington D.C.
A big thank you to their teacher Ms Linda O'Dwyer for making this core memory moment possible for our students.
Stay tuned for more photographs from their trip and project!
Want to get more involved at Parker Junior High? Come learn how you can make a difference! Join us for an informational session at Serena Hills School on June 23 or July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
As we close out another wonderful school year, we wish all of School District 161 a joyful and relaxing summer vacation.
To our incredible staff, thank you for your dedication and care throughout the year. We hope you take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with family, friends, and the hobbies you love.
To our students, we hope your summer is filled with fun, adventure, and discovery. Be sure to spend time at your local library, participate in park district programs, explore new interests, and continue learning in ways that inspire you.
If you are enrolled in Summer Academy, we look forward to seeing you on the first day of class at Serena Hills School on Monday, June 15.
Have a safe and happy summer, District 161. We look forward to seeing you again in August!
To our incredible staff, thank you for your dedication and care throughout the year. We hope you take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with family, friends, and the hobbies you love.
To our students, we hope your summer is filled with fun, adventure, and discovery. Be sure to spend time at your local library, participate in park district programs, explore new interests, and continue learning in ways that inspire you.
If you are enrolled in Summer Academy, we look forward to seeing you on the first day of class at Serena Hills School on Monday, June 15.
Have a safe and happy summer, District 161. We look forward to seeing you again in August!
Congratulations to the 2026 class of Parker Junior High!
We are so proud of you!
❤️✨
Today was a sweet day at Parker Junior High!
The Dip ’n Double Ice Cream truck stopped by to celebrate 43 students who completed the May Beanstack Challenge by reading 300 minutes during the month.
Students were so excited to enjoy a well-earned ice cream treat as a reward for all of their hard work. Way to go, Parker readers. We are proud of you! Thank you to Ms. Rudenga for keeping us interested in reading as the year winds down.
The Dip ’n Double Ice Cream truck stopped by to celebrate 43 students who completed the May Beanstack Challenge by reading 300 minutes during the month.
Students were so excited to enjoy a well-earned ice cream treat as a reward for all of their hard work. Way to go, Parker readers. We are proud of you! Thank you to Ms. Rudenga for keeping us interested in reading as the year winds down.
Tonight the 8th graders trade in their classwork, athletic uniforms, and school bags for their very best party clothes!
Thank you to the staff and volunteers that make the 8th grade dance a night these students will never forget!
The end of the school year is quickly approaching!
Save the date and make plans to join us for our District End-of-Year Celebration. This year’s event will be held at Serena Hills School. We look forward to celebrating together!
Thursday, June 4, from 5-7 p.m.
Save the date and make plans to join us for our District End-of-Year Celebration. This year’s event will be held at Serena Hills School. We look forward to celebrating together!
Thursday, June 4, from 5-7 p.m.
