Flossmoor School District 161

From the Desk of Dr. Smith

Greetings District 161 Students, Families, and Staff Members,

The unseasonably warm weather has been a nice treat as we make our way through the first half of Quarter 1!  In District 161, we recently held a parent forum to share information and answer questions about standards-based learning [SBL], assessment, and instruction.  At the event, we discussed the importance of this work, how parents can support their child[ren], and our next steps as a school district. 

The purpose of standards-based learning is to provide classroom experiences that are directly aligned with the grade level expectations in the Illinois Learning Standards.  In addition, we now provide specific feedback to students and parents that identifies each child’s academic skills, in relation to the grade level expectations.  This change is important because we are now able to implement consistently high expectations across our schools and grade levels, and the outcomes so far have been positive.  Student growth and achievement continue to trend upwards, and I am looking forward to our next data discussion with the Board of Education at its meeting on October 27, 2025.  In the November E-news, I will share additional thoughts about our progress, and I will include links to the data presentation for you to review.  In the meantime, I encourage you to check out the Department of Learning and Instruction’s webpage for additional information on this topic, including the Year-Long Plans and Proficiency Scales, which will tell you all of the skills that your child will master over the course of this school year.      

I would also like to draw your attention to the returning “Board Briefs” section of the newsletter this month.  Moving forward, you will receive meeting highlights  accompanied by  links to reports and documents that were recently addressed by the Board of Education.  The purpose of this section is to increase our transparency and to make sure that our school community is directly connected to the important work happening in our school district.  The Board of Education typically meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month and I would love to see you at an upcoming meeting.    

Sincerely,

Dr. Dana Smith, Superintendent

District 161 Board of Education Briefs

2025-26 Budget Approval

The Board of Education approved the 2025-26 Budget. The report and actual budget document can be found here. The budget was first discussed on September 8th and that presentation is here. Not counting capital expenditures for construction, we are running a balanced budget and are maintaining a strong financial position.

Department Improvement Plans

The Department Plans for Finance, Human Resources, Learning and Instruction, and Special Education were reviewed and discussed. The individual School Improvement Plans were reviewed at the end of the summer before school began. Plan updates will be shared with the Board of Education and community at quarterly intervals, so be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks.

Gifted Education Review

The gifted education program in District 161 includes early entrance to kindergarten or first grade, small group enrichment, and single-subject or whole grade level acceleration. Additional information about the programs can be found here.    

Inside Flossmoor School District 161:

Stories, Successes, and School Highlights. 

Flossmoor School District 161 continues to shine this year with achievements in the classroom, on the playing fields, and throughout our school community. From athletic victories to engaging family events, the stories of success across the district are a reminder of what makes 161 so special.

Athletic Highlights

Our students are excelling in athletics this season, and their accomplishments are inspiring the entire district.

• Golf Teams – Both the girls’ and boys’ golf teams had an outstanding season. The boys competed in the IHSA sectional golf tournament for the first time. Their commitment, discipline, and sportsmanship brought pride to District 161. On the girls’ side, Imani Green and Wakana Hill advanced to the state tournament, with Hill placing an impressive 6th in the state and Green placing 36th. Both were recognized for their achievements at the September 22 Board of Education meeting. Congratulations to all of our golfers!
• Softball Success at Parker Junior High – The Parker Junior High girls’ softball team completed an undefeated regular season, a rare and remarkable achievement. They carried that momentum into the postseason, capturing the regional champion title and advancing all the way to the sectional tournament. We could not be prouder of their determination, grit, and team spirit.

School Connections

Beyond the fields and courts, our schools have been filled with energy this fall as families and staff came together to celebrate learning.

• Open Houses Across the District – Each of our schools welcomed packed houses for their open house events. The hallways were filled with smiling faces, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Parents, guardians, and students connected with teachers and staff, strengthening the bonds that make District 161 a true community of learners.
• Standards-Based Learning Information Night – District 161 families gathered at Parker Junior High for an engaging evening focused on standards-based learning and student success. Hosted by the Department of Learning and Instruction under the direction of Amabel Crawford, the event featured an informative presentation, practical resources, raffle prizes, and light refreshments. Community partners, including the Flossmoor Public Library, You Matter 2, the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee, and more, were on hand to share valuable information and connect with families. Parents and guardians left with a deeper understanding of standards-based learning and how it supports students both in the classroom and at home.

Flossmoor School District 161 in the News

The Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee was recently featured in the Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle for their outstanding work during the Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Public Library National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Read the full article here.

A new pollinator garden will soon take root at Parker Junior High, thanks to a $1,000

matching grant from the ComEd and Openlands Green Region Program. In partnership with the Village of Flossmoor’s Green Commission, the project will provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn about biodiversity and the importance of supporting pollinators, all while enhancing the school grounds' beauty. Read the full story here.

New You Can Use: Understanding Your Student's

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Scores

Coming Up in Flossmoor School District 161: