Flossmoor Hills Elementary -

Please devote a few minutes today to discussing school communications. The survey closes on March 25th! https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt

We are having a great time at the Scholastic book fair!

Parents and guardians we need your help! Please complete our survey and share your input on our school. https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/

Don't miss this week's Eagles Nest newsletter! It contains up-to-date information on all things happening at Flossmoor Hills School. https://www.smore.com/n/2w67j

Flossmoor School District 161 is administering the survey of school climate and learning conditions. The survey provides a unique opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to have a voice in improving their schools. We encourage all District 161 teachers, parents, and students to make their voices heard to impact positive change. You can find the link to the parent site at https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/?target_name=parent

As a reminder, Tuesday, March 19, is an E-Learning Day. The E-Learning Day schedules for K-8 can be found by clicking the link. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZK1xJ3UmTekTBZAkpGLdp0SXcrp6gF3F/view  

Three great districts and one outstanding survey! Help us answer the question, "How are we doing with communication?" All staff, parents/guardians, and community members are invited to take a 15-minute confidential online survey now-March 25: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt

Flossmoor Hills had a visit from our new Assistant Principal for the 24-25 school year, Abby Girard! Abby received her first piece of spirit wear, she is officially an Eagle!

Flossmoor Hills had a great day looking for gold at the end of the rainbow! ☘️ 🌈 💚

HF area schools ask, “How are we doing with communication?” Homewood School District 153, Flossmoor School District 161 and Homewood-Flossmoor High School are joining forces to conduct a community-wide survey to gather input about the districts’ communications efforts. By participating in the survey, you play an active role in shaping how each of the school districts communicate with you. All staff, parents/guardians, and community members are invited to take a 15-minute confidential online survey now-March 25: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt

We are so proud of this AMAZING 5th grader for representing Flossmoor Hills and Flossmoor School District 161 in the South Cook Regional Spelling Bee last night! You are a shining star!

Register to attend the Flossmoor School District 161 Diversity Dinner at Parker Junior High School on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reservations are required by Friday, March 22, 2024. We hope to see you there! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe17vlx0EQhAnK8ALaJtm_H358EqfsJoDtREKscy7x0rep5zQ/viewform

Kindergarten registration is underway at Flossmoor Hills!

The third grade African American Wax Museum was amazing today! Thank you to all the parents for coming out to press the button and listen to presentations. Students worked hard to research, write and dress up like historical figures!

The second graders invited their friends and family to their African American inventors program. Students researched inventors and dressed up to present their inventors!

Welcome to the Flossmoor Hills team! Beginning on July 1, 2024, Ms. Abby Girard will join the Flossmoor Hills administrative team as the assistant principal. Ms. Abby Girard brings six [6] years of administrative experience to Flossmoor School District 161. She has served as an Associate Principal, Student Services Coordinator, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports [MTSS] Coordinator. Her experience with Pre-Kindergarten and Early Intervention Programming, Special Education, and leading teams will be valuable to our District and to Flossmoor Hills Elementary School. Ms. Girard earned a Master of Arts in Education Administration and a Chief School Business Official [CSBO] Endorsement from Governors State University.

Please welcome Ms. Abby Girard to the Flossmoor Hills administrative team. Beginning on July 1, 2024, Ms. Girard will Ms. Girard brings six [6] years of administrative experience to Flossmoor School District 161. She has served as an Associate Principal, Student Services Coordinator, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports [MTSS] Coordinator. Her experience with Pre-Kindergarten and Early Intervention Programming, Special Education, and leading teams will be valuable to our District and to Flossmoor Hills Elementary School. Ms. Girard earned a Master of Arts in Education Administration and a Chief School Business Official [CSBO] Endorsement from Governors State University.

The Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education is pleased to announce the assistant principal selections including Abby Girard at Flossmoor Hills School, Cameron Small at Heather Hill School, and Laura De Biasio at Serena Hills School beginning on July 1, 2024. The Assistant Principal positions are new positions for the 2024-25 school year. Out of an initial pool of 39 candidates, the interview committee screened 16 applicants in Round 1 before moving forward with 8 candidates for Round 2, and 4 finalists for Round 3. The different interview committees included administrators, teachers, and staff. The selected candidates were approved at the Board of Education meeting on February 19. Assistant Principal responsibilities will include leading teachers in improving instruction, facilitating Special Education meetings, communicating with families, evaluating staff, supervising students, and managing daily routines and procedures. The Assistant Principals will promote the educational well-being of each student in the school and will support the District’s academic and behavioral expectations. With regard to the appointment of the new assistant principals, District 161 Superintendent, Dr. Dana Smith, stated, “Ms. De Biasio, Ms. Girard, and Mr. Small will make an immediate impact in District 161 because of their shared focus on creating great learning experiences for children. I am excited for their contributions to our school district and the success that will follow.” Mr. Cameron Small is currently a Dean of Students at Parker Junior High School. Mr. Small spent 15 years as a Health teacher before being hired by District 161. Mr. Small has great experience in building relationships with students and families and promoting a collaborative school culture. He has experience in coaching students in a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, and track. Mr. Small earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Ms. Abby Girard brings six [6] years of administrative experience to Flossmoor School District 161. She has served as an Associate Principal, Student Services Coordinator, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports [MTSS] Coordinator. Her experience with Pre-Kindergarten and Early Intervention Programming, Special Education, and leading teams will be valuable to our District and to Flossmoor Hills Elementary School. Ms. Girard earned a Master of Arts in Education Administration and a Chief School Business Official [CSBO] Endorsement from Governors State University. Ms. Laura De Biasio has spent the past 5 years in District 161 as a Special Education teacher. Prior to being employed in District 161, Ms. DeBiasio taught in therapeutic day schools. She has extensive knowledge in how to scaffold learning to meet the needs of all students. In addition, Ms. De Biasio has served as a school mentor, cooperating teacher for local University students, and has served as a leader on multiple building level committees. She has her Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement and earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. District 161’s Board of Education President, Dr. Carolyn Griggs, stated, The Board of Education is thrilled about the addition of the assistant principal positions at the elementary schools. There were many great candidates and these individuals were selected based on their strengths and the needs at each school. Ms. Girard, Mr. Small, and Ms. De Biasio are excellent additions to the District 161 administrative team.”

The Illinois State Board of Education has presented the Those Who Excel program since 1970 to commend educators who have made noteworthy contributions to our elementary and junior high schools. School District 161 proudly announces 9 honorees across four categories. Congratulations to all! • Dr. Gina Isabelli, Principal of Western Avenue School, is celebrated with the Special Recognition Award. • Gayle Dickerson, Student Support Personnel at Flossmoor Hills Elementary School, is acknowledged with the Meritorious Service Award. • Lesa Waishwell, a Western Avenue Elementary School teacher, is honored with the Special Recognition Award. • The Instructional Coaching Team from all buildings is recognized with the Meritorious Service Award. This team includes Nancy Larocca, Jennifer McLean, Amy Gehrt, Christina Bollenbacher, Tiffaney Washington, Stephanie Levy, and Alyssa Zajack (not pictured) Congratulations to all the recipients for their exceptional achievements!

• Dr. Gina Isabelli, Principal of Western Avenue School, is celebrated with the Special Recognition Award. • Lesa Waishwell, a Western Avenue Elementary School teacher, is honored with the Special Recognition Award. • Gayle Dickerson, Student Support Personnel at Flossmoor Hills Elementary School, is acknowledged with the Meritorious Service Award. • The Instructional Coaching Team from all buildings is recognized with the Meritorious Service Award. This team includes Nancy Larocca, Jennifer McLean, Amy Gehrt, Christina Bollenbacher, Tiffaney Washington, and Stephanie Levy. Congratulations to all the recipients for their exceptional achievements!