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.
What a beautiful evening at Parker Junior High for the Serena Hills Elementary musical, What a Beautiful World.
The students filled the room with their beautiful voices, bringing so much heart and joy to every song. During their sweet performance of What a Beautiful World, it was nearly impossible to find a dry eye in the house.
A truly memorable night celebrating our students' talent, hard work, and spirit. Bravo!!!!!
A special thank you to Ms. Pedigo for guiding and inspiring these incredible performers.
The students filled the room with their beautiful voices, bringing so much heart and joy to every song. During their sweet performance of What a Beautiful World, it was nearly impossible to find a dry eye in the house.
A truly memorable night celebrating our students' talent, hard work, and spirit. Bravo!!!!!
A special thank you to Ms. Pedigo for guiding and inspiring these incredible performers.
Good morning, Serena Hills!
Check out the latest school news by clicking the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/3ktp6-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
Check out the latest school news by clicking the link below.
https://app.smore.com/n/3ktp6-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
A reminder that there is no school on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We invite you to join the Parker Junior High Band at the Veterans Memorial in Homewood at 10:15 a.m. for a special ceremony.
The memorial is located at 18161 Morris Avenue.
Check out this opportunity for our SD 161 students made possible by our friends from Dad Force 1.
See you there!
See you there!
Thank you to the Bilingual Parent Action Committee (BPAC) for a wonderful closing meeting. Food, books, and laughter were enjoyed by all in attendance. We look forward to more opportunities for connection and community next school year.
The Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at Serena Hills Elementary School was a joyful and vibrant event filled with crafts, games, music, and meaningful connections.
Thank you to everyone who helped plan and bring this special celebration to life. Your time, care, and creativity made it a truly memorable experience, and a good time was had by all as our community came together to celebrate.
Thank you to everyone who helped plan and bring this special celebration to life. Your time, care, and creativity made it a truly memorable experience, and a good time was had by all as our community came together to celebrate.
We’re nearing the middle of May, and Flossmoor School District 161 continues to offer meaningful ways to connect with our community.
Join the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) for its final meeting of the school year.
Thursday, May 14
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Serena Hills School
Connect with other bilingual families and gain helpful insights on supporting your child’s growth and success.
Join the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) for its final meeting of the school year.
Thursday, May 14
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Serena Hills School
Connect with other bilingual families and gain helpful insights on supporting your child’s growth and success.
Join us tomorrow for the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at Serena Hills Elementary School from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Participants will enjoy crafts, games, music, and more!
A sincere thank you to everyone who helped plan and organize this special evening. We’re looking forward to celebrating together as a community.
Participants will enjoy crafts, games, music, and more!
A sincere thank you to everyone who helped plan and organize this special evening. We’re looking forward to celebrating together as a community.
Check out the latest news from Serena Hills!
https://app.smore.com/n/egpqn-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
https://app.smore.com/n/egpqn-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
Assistant principal, Ms. Rodriguez proudly represented Serena Hills at the Illinois Principles Association Student Recognition breakfast, where outstanding students from across the state are honored for their leadership, character, and academic achievement. We are proud to celebrate Kaidyn Dixon and Vincent Mendoza-Fernandez, who are recognized for their positive impact and contributions to the Serena Hills community. Moments like these highlight the bright future ahead for our students and strong leadership guiding them every day!
Congratulations!
Staff Appreciation Week continues, and today we’re giving a special shoutout to our amazing nurse, Ms. Lindsey—and to our English teachers, who taught us how to write an acrostic poem:
Nurturing hearts with steady care
Uplifting others everywhere
Resilient through each passing day
Serving in a selfless way
Every life you touch you change
Happy Nurses Day 💙
Nurturing hearts with steady care
Uplifting others everywhere
Resilient through each passing day
Serving in a selfless way
Every life you touch you change
Happy Nurses Day 💙
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 Serena Hills such a special place.
https://app.smore.com/n/u1wkc-the-serena-scoop?ref=email
During Staff Appreciation Week, we’re recognizing the people who keep things running every single day. From teachers to support staff, administrative assistants, custodians, bus drivers, crossing guards, and school leadership—everyone plays a role in making Serena Hills work.
It’s a team effort, and it shows. The consistency, the care, and the way people step in wherever they’re needed make a difference for students every day.
Thank you for everything you do to keep our Stars shining bright!
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!
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!
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
Showtimes:
Friday (TONIGHT!), May 1 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults & $7 students/seniors
Flossmoor School District 161 is proud to share some exciting news!
Flossmoor Hills Elementary School and Serena Hills Elementary School have both been named 2025–2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools. This national recognition highlights each school’s commitment to building strong relationships, fostering student engagement, and creating a positive, supportive learning environment.
Under the leadership of Principals Evita McNeil-Dobson and Elizabeth Reich, both schools have created cultures where students feel seen, valued, and connected every day. This honor reflects the meaningful work happening in classrooms and throughout each building, where strong relationships help drive student success.
We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, and school leaders for creating spaces where everyone belongs and thrives.
As warmer weather arrives, more families are out walking, biking, and enjoying time outdoors. It is a great time to remind everyone to stay alert and prioritize safety in our neighborhoods. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about practicing safe habits while riding bicycles, including wearing helmets, watching for traffic, and being mindful of their surroundings.
The City of Chicago Heights Municipal Code also includes regulations related to motor-driven scooters:
ARTICLE XXIII. – PROHIBITION OF MOTOR-DRIVEN SCOOTERS
Sec. 28-470. – Motor-driven scooter defined
For purposes of this article, a “motor-driven scooter” is any electric or gas-driven wheeled scooter, motor-driven cycle, or similar motor-driven vehicle for which the state does not issue a title document, license plates, or registration.
Sec. 28-471. – Operation of motor-driven scooters restricted
Motor-driven scooters are not permitted to be operated on any public street, sidewalk, parking lot, bike path, park, or other public property.
Taking a few moments to review these guidelines and reinforce safe riding practices can help ensure a fun and safe season for everyone.
The City of Chicago Heights Municipal Code also includes regulations related to motor-driven scooters:
ARTICLE XXIII. – PROHIBITION OF MOTOR-DRIVEN SCOOTERS
Sec. 28-470. – Motor-driven scooter defined
For purposes of this article, a “motor-driven scooter” is any electric or gas-driven wheeled scooter, motor-driven cycle, or similar motor-driven vehicle for which the state does not issue a title document, license plates, or registration.
Sec. 28-471. – Operation of motor-driven scooters restricted
Motor-driven scooters are not permitted to be operated on any public street, sidewalk, parking lot, bike path, park, or other public property.
Taking a few moments to review these guidelines and reinforce safe riding practices can help ensure a fun and safe season for everyone.
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. Serena Hills will dismiss at 11:40 a.m.
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.
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.
