Western Avenue Elementary -

Officer Bausch from the Village of Flossmoor Police Department visited a 5th grade classroom for DARE instruction. The students asked excellent questions and exhibited excellent listening skills. Thanks Officer Bausch!

Our first dress, your principal coupon, was purchased by William. He chose Santa, so today, I am Dr. Clause.

Tonight’s Parent University focusing on Building Stress Awareness and Understanding Burnout will now be taking place via Zoom.  The session will take place from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Please follow the link below to attend. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9583817339?pwd=ZnFmVXVkSE5vMVJzNmVQQUJWWGRydz09#success

It was an amazing day of service at Western Avenue, partnering with Jack and Jill Monarch Cities chapter. This year's learning focus was on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Afterward, numerous volunteers came to help make care packages for students at Prarie State College.

All Flossmoor District 161 buildings will be closed on Tuesday, January 16th, due to the extremely cold temperatures. Students will participate in their learning activities from home. The school day will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m. Teachers will share coursework and Zoom meeting links through the Canvas Learning Management System. Students in early childhood and kindergarten previously brought home packets and materials to complete. If you have any questions regarding the schedule for the day, please contact your child’s teacher or building principal. We anticipate returning to in-person learning on Wednesday, January 17.

All Flossmoor District 161 buildings will be closed on Friday, January 12th due to inclement weather. Students will participate in their learning activities from home. The school day will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m. Teachers will share coursework and Zoom meeting links through the Canvas Learning Management System. Students in early childhood and kindergarten previously brought home packets and materials to complete. If you have any questions regarding the schedule for the day, please contact your child’s teacher or building principal. As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 15th. We are also anticipating dangerously cold temperatures on Tuesday, January 16th, so please be on the lookout for additional information that will be emailed to all District 161 families and posted on all school websites as needed.

Dr. Smith met with our Alpha Pup mentors today to hear about the work they our doing with their mentees. The Alpha Pups also shared with him ideas for what activities they would like to see at our elementary schools.

District 161 is hosting several Parent University Sessions over the next few weeks. Paula Davis, founder of the Stress and Resilience Institute, will present information for parents/guardians on topics such as building stress awareness and understanding burnout, maintaining strong connections, leveraging mental strength in parenting, and building parental efficacy and hope. The first session is Thursday, January 18 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Normandy Villa. We hope that you will be able to attend. Follow the link below to register. https://forms.gle/QWhG6zK8m8uPfiSz8

The WA 4th & 5th-grade choir had a wonderful time yesterday traveling around Flossmoor to our district office and local nursing homes to spread holiday cheer through song.

Congratulations to our December Leaders of the Pack!

The staff of Western Avenue wishes you all a very happy holiday season. Have a safe, relaxing, fun-filled break with family and friends. See you all in 2024!

Congratulations to all of our 3rd - 5th grade Spelling Bee participants. A special congratulations to Dahlia and Mila, who will represent WA at the District Spelling Bee!

Kicking off our 12 Days of Holiday Spirit Dress. Keep joining in the fun all the way until winter break.

What a wonderful week of collaborative learning. Explaining your thinking to others is the best way to learn and grow.

Gifted Art is working on the winter collaborative school mural they decided to create. Each grade level has contributed a different part.

The WA musical practice officially kicked off today as the cast list was posted. Congratulations to all of our rising thespians. Annie is coming to you in March!!

We earned our PBIS mini monthly reward and played a fun all school Kahoot.

We are adding to our personal libraries with our Fall book fair. Don't forget to shop today after school and next week during conferences.

We were humbled to be able to honor our veterans today with an assembly to show our appreciation for all that they do for us. The students sang their songs, we provided some sweet treats, and the veterans shared with our wolves why they joined the military, where they have traveled, and how long they have served. Thank you, veterans, for all you do!

Tomorrow, Nov. 9th, is our Veteran's Day assemblies. Make sure to wear your red, white, and blue tomorrow.