Take the Whitsons School Dining Program Survey!
Attendance Matters!
Every day in school counts. Regular attendance helps children build routines, stay connected with friends, and keep up with their learning. Even a few missed days can make it harder to catch up.
Here are a few ways to help your child get to school every day:
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Get clothes, lunches, and backpacks ready the night before.
• Plan appointments outside of school hours.
• Talk about why showing up every day matters.
When students show up, they grow.
Every day in school counts. Regular attendance helps children build routines, stay connected with friends, and keep up with their learning. Even a few missed days can make it harder to catch up.
Here are a few ways to help your child get to school every day:
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Get clothes, lunches, and backpacks ready the night before.
• Plan appointments outside of school hours.
• Talk about why showing up every day matters.
When students show up, they grow.
The Serena Hills PTO is calling all students in grades K-2 for a Trolls 2 movie night on Friday, November 14, from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 and include pizza and water.
Serena Hills was alive with gratitude today as students and staff came together to honor and thank the Veterans within our families and community. The celebration was filled with appreciation, respect, and pride for those who have served our country. We are thankful for the opportunity to express our gratitude and learn from the heroes among us.
TOMORROW!
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Today we pause to honor all who have served our country. Your courage and sacrifice inspire us every day. A special thank you to our staff members who have served, as well as the parents, guardians, and family members of our SD161 community who are veterans.
Tomorrow our schools will recognize and celebrate our veterans in a variety of meaningful ways. Stay tuned for photos and highlights from across the district.
Tomorrow our schools will recognize and celebrate our veterans in a variety of meaningful ways. Stay tuned for photos and highlights from across the district.
On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, November 8th, 9th, and 10th, 2025, weather permitting, Flossmoor School District 161 will apply an herbicide and a fertilizer to the field areas at Normandy Villa, Serena Hills, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill, Western Avenue, 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 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.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Stachacz, Director of Buildings and Grounds, at (708) 647-7005.
A friendly reminder!
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Our Serena Hills Stars were having the best time today! Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
Smash those pumpkins sustainably!
Join the Southland Green Committee on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Coyote Run Golf Course parking lot for Flossmoor’s annual Pumpkin Smash event. Instead of tossing your jack-o’-lanterns, give them a second life by turning them into compost that helps our environment.
Let’s break down pumpkins, not the planet—see you Saturday!
Join the Southland Green Committee on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Coyote Run Golf Course parking lot for Flossmoor’s annual Pumpkin Smash event. Instead of tossing your jack-o’-lanterns, give them a second life by turning them into compost that helps our environment.
Let’s break down pumpkins, not the planet—see you Saturday!
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.
Let us know you plan to attend by registering using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJiGcpHNS_FOQb8B0k09wNDnU4V-s31Nbtfa7MScdFjEtmFQ/viewform
Don't miss all of the great information in this week's edition of The Serena Scoop!
https://app.smore.com/n/gy0aw-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
https://app.smore.com/n/gy0aw-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
It’s Principal’s Week, and we sat down with Ms. Reich from Serena Hills to ask her a few fun questions!
Q: Which school event do you look forward to each year?
A: “The Serena Hills Back-to-School Bash! I love seeing all of our families back together. It’s such a joyful way to start a new school year.”
Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be?
A: “A reading specialist! I’ve always loved reading and watching students light up when they discover the joy of it for themselves.”
Q: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: “Chocolate peanut butter! The perfect pairing!” 🍫🥜
Q: What’s your favorite hobby?
A: “Cooking! I love trying new recipes and sharing good food with family and friends.”
Thank you, Ms. Reich, for leading with warmth, enthusiasm, and Serena Hills pride every day!
Q: Which school event do you look forward to each year?
A: “The Serena Hills Back-to-School Bash! I love seeing all of our families back together. It’s such a joyful way to start a new school year.”
Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be?
A: “A reading specialist! I’ve always loved reading and watching students light up when they discover the joy of it for themselves.”
Q: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: “Chocolate peanut butter! The perfect pairing!” 🍫🥜
Q: What’s your favorite hobby?
A: “Cooking! I love trying new recipes and sharing good food with family and friends.”
Thank you, Ms. Reich, for leading with warmth, enthusiasm, and Serena Hills pride 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!
The Penny War continues at Serena Hills!
We're just hanging around to say we hope you check out this week's newsletter!
https://app.smore.com/n/3x0u7-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
https://app.smore.com/n/3x0u7-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
Get your latest school news by clicking the link!
https://app.smore.com/n/3txu4-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
https://app.smore.com/n/3txu4-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
Last night, our Stars were shining brightly during our National Hispanic Heritage Night with over 100 families in attendance. The evening was filled with music, cultural activities, and meaningful connections as we came together to celebrate Hispanic heritage. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a night to remember.
Fourth graders from Serena Hills Elementary School took a field trip to the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University. Students had the opportunity to experience art up close as they explored gallery exhibits and large-scale outdoor sculptures throughout the park. It was an inspiring day of creativity, curiosity, and connection with the arts.
