Flossmoor School District 161

From the Desk of Dr. Smith

Greetings District 161 Students, Families, and Staff Members,

It is hard to believe that we have now entered the 4th quarter of the 2025-26 school year! All of our initiatives for this year are almost complete and the teams are beginning the planning work for 2026-27. As a quick reminder, the 2026-27 school calendar is available here. As we move into April, I encourage you to join us for the many school events and activities that highlight the hard work and dedication of our students and staff members. This link will direct you to the complete District 161 calendar of events and there are several student performances and evening events that you may find interesting.

While the events linked above will take us through the end of the school year, this will be a very busy summer in District 161, from a construction perspective. This summer, Parker Junior High School will be refreshed and updated. The general scope of that work includes new lighting, paint, furniture, classroom technology, and general physical plant improvements, such as replacing aging air conditioners, etc. Elsewhere in the district, work is scheduled to solve the humidity issues at Flossmoor Hills and Western Avenue Schools. It is critical that the humidity issues are addressed before those two schools are renovated in the summer of 2027. By the start of the 2027-28 school year, all District 161 schools will have been updated and will be ready to serve generations of students for years to come.

While the students and staff members are enjoying some time off during Spring Break [March 30th through April 3rd], the school and district offices will remain open every day except Friday, April 3rd. We will be excited to welcome all of the students back to school on Monday, April 6th!

Sincerely,

Dr. Dana Smith, Superintendent

District 161 Board of Education Briefs

Experience Survey Results

The results of this year’s Studer Experience Surveys were shared at Monday’s meeting. This report highlights the top 3 and the bottom 3 indicators for the student, parent, and staff groups. This information will now be used to update School Improvement and Department Plans, so that we can maintain our focus on continuous improvement.

Construction Update

This presentation outlines the recent and upcoming work in our Long Range Construction plan. Our 2026 construction plan has increased in both scope and price to address unplanned humidity remediation at Flossmoor Hills and Western Avenue Schools. Parker Junior High School will be renovated this summer, with Flossmoor Hills and Western Avenue Schools to follow in the summer of 2027. We plan to begin working during Spring Break, with the bulk of the work to be completed this summer.

Parker Junior High Course Catalog

A draft of the PJHS Course Catalog was reviewed. The catalog provides information about the Core and Encore classes offered to students in grades 6-8.  

Preschool Expansion

The Board of Education discussed a proposal to add a full day Preschool class at Flossmoor Hills School. The class would serve up to 20 students and would be the only full day Preschool class available in District 161. This topic will return to the Board of Education for discussion on April 27, 2026.

Inside Flossmoor School District 161:

Stories, Successes, and School Highlights. 

Celebrating Progress and Community Across

Flossmoor School District 161

It has been an exciting and activity-filled month across the district, with students and staff continuing to shine both inside and outside the classroom.

At Parker Junior High, the 8th-grade girls' volleyball team completed an incredible, undefeated season and advanced to the State tournament. While the final outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for, we are incredibly proud of their hard work, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the season. Parker students have also been making us proud academically. National History Day continues to be a highlight, with six teams advancing to State, a school record, and a testament to the dedication of both students and staff.

At Serena Hills, families came together for a highly engaging Family Reading Night, complete with games, activities, and a free book store that ensured every student could take home something new to enjoy.

Flossmoor Hills welcomed Dad Force 1 for a memorable event focused on etiquette, friendship, and, of course, pizza, creating a fun and meaningful experience for students.

Western Avenue wowed audiences with its production of Finding Nemo, an absolutely adorable performance that showcased the talents of our young performers. This production also marked an impressive milestone: Director Valerie Pasqua’s 21st show.

Heather Hill hosted an engaging Career Day, giving students the opportunity to explore a wide range of professions. A special thank you goes to Mx. Gorecki for bringing together such a diverse and interesting group of presenters.

From the arts to athletics to academics, it’s been a month full of achievement, growth, and community across the district.

News You Can Use

Illinois State Law Regulations - E-Bike/E-Scooters

At its meeting on Monday, Feb. 2, the Flossmoor Village Board of Trustees approved an ordinance prohibiting the riding of e-scooters on all sidewalks in the central business district. Flossmoor also currently abides by the other e-bike and e-scooter regulations set by the State of Illinois, including the 18+ age requirement for low-speed e-scooters and the 16+ age requirement for Class 3 e-bikes. View more regulations in the shown graphic. Questions? Please contact the Police Department at 708-957-4500 or info@flossmoor.org.

Community Resources – Park Districts