Parker Junior High Newsletter

Greetings Parker Community

Please see our weekly updates below. Feel free to select a specific topic by accessing the Table of Contents to the left.

Ursula Parris, Principal

Monday, March 2, 2026

Casimir Pulaski Day - Schools and District Closed

5 Essentials Parent Survey

We want to hear from you! Please access the 5 Essentials Parent Survey and provide valuable feedback that will be utilized for School Improvement. The survey window will close on March 13, 2026. Thank you in advance.

5 Essentials Student Survey

Please review the Parent Letter regarding our upcoming 5 Essentials Student Survey by accessing the links below:

5 Essentials Parent Letter

5 Essentials Spanish Version Parent Letter

Students in grades 4-8 will take the Illinois 5 Essentials Survey at all SD 161 schools between March 3rd and March 9th, 2026. This survey is based on 30 years of research at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research and will ask students about their experiences in school. The information collected from the survey will provide school leaders with critical student input to help develop school improvement plans.

According to the Protection of Pupil Rights Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 1232(c)(1)(A), you have the right to review a copy of the survey questions asked of your student(s). Please visit the following link to review the 5Essentials survey questions: Click here to review the survey questions.

If you do not want your child to participate in the survey, please complete the student survey opt-out form found here.

IAR/ISA Testing (Illinois State Assessment)

Save the Date! Testing begins March 10th. Scholars with perfect attendance on Testing Dates will participate in Friday Fun Attendance Rally (following completion of Testing). We're excited to see our Parker Scholars SOAR!

National Junior Honor Society

Are you interested in becoming a member of Parker's National Junior Honor Society? Please review our Mission Statement, Selection Procedure, and additional information by accessing the Parker Student Organization Website. Feel free to contact Ms. Bunting (bbunting@sd161.org) or Ms. Parchman (nparchman@sd161.org) with any questions.

Transportation

School Street is one way for Arrival and Dismissal

Please assist with maintaining proper traffic safety procedures.
Braemar Street to School Street to Douglass (Optional right or left turn).
No Parking on School Street! Please maintain traffic flow and drop off scholars from Braemar Street. NO STOPPING ON SCHOOL STREET!

For the safety of our Flossmoor residents, parking is only permitted on one side of residential streets.---The SAFE SIDE opposite fire hydrants AND No parking after 2 inches of snowfall until streets have been plowed.

Flossmoor SD 161 Elementary School Access

Parker JHS scholars are not permitted on FSD 161 Elementary School grounds until classes have been dismissed at 3:30 pm. If scholars are meeting or picking up a sibling, they must adhere to this procedure. Please reiterate this to your children as we strive to maintain safety for all schools of Flossmoor SD 161.

Above and Beyond Recognition

Our Staff Recognition Program, Above and Beyond, is designed to spotlight our staff members in all that they do for our students and community. Each school and department has the opportunity to nominate a staff member who exemplifies the characteristics and professional traits outlined below:
- participates above and beyond the defined boundaries of his/her duties and responsibilities
- takes initiative to develop or implement a creative solution to benefit the students, school, or
community
- positive, punctual, and professional
- demonstrates effective communication and outreach across all settings
- inspires others to make D161 a better place

Nominate a deserving Parker Staff Member by accessing the Above and Beyond link.

Flossmoor SD 161 Virtual Backpack

Access this link for Flossmoor and neighboring community events. Would you like your not-for-profit organization event advertised on the Flossmoor Sd 161 Virtual Backpack? Please access here for additional information.

Flossmoor Parking

Flossmoor parking is only permitted on the non-hydrant side of the street. Verne Lane has been recently congested, and Flossmoor Police Department will enforce parking laws in the area. This applies during all of our Athletic and After School Activities. Please assist us in abiding with traffic safety!

Transportation

School Street is one way for Arrival and Dismissal
- Braemar Street to School Street to Douglass (Optional right or left turn)
- No stopping on School Street. Please maintain traffic flow and drop off scholars ONLY on the curb side of School Street.

Flossmoor SD 161 Elementary School Access

Parker JHS scholars are not permitted on FSD 161 Elementary School grounds until classes have been dismissed at 3:30 pm. If scholars are meeting or picking up a sibling, they must adhere to this procedure. Please reiterate this to your children as we strive to maintain safety for all schools of Flossmoor SD 161.

Educationally Yours,

Ursula Parris, Principal

Parker Junior High School

3.2.26

Casimir Pulaski Day - School & District Closed

3.3.26

Speed & Endurance Practice - 3:05 p.m.
Spring Musical Practice - 3:05 p.m. - MUR
Gold Jazz Band Practice - 3:05 p.m. - LGI
Girls On the Run (GOTR) Practice - 3:05 p.m.
Scholastic Bowl Practice - 3:05 p.m. - Room 17
Boys Volleyball Game vs Brookwood - 3:30 p.m. - North Gym
6/7 Girls Volleyball Regionals - 4:30 p.m. - Columbia Central Middle School

3.4.26

H-F Late Start Day
LEGO/STEAM Lab - 2:40 p.m. - Room 20
Dungeons & Dragons Club - 3:05 p.m. - Media Center
Jazz Band Practice - Trumpets/Clarinets - 3:05 P.M. - LGI
Spring Musical Practice - 3:05 p.m. - North Gym
Boys Volleyball Game vs Colin Powell - 3:30 p.m. - Colin Powell
6/7 Girls Volleyball Regionals - 4:30 p.m. - Columbia Central Middle School
District Math Night - 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - PJH

3.5.26

Scholastic Bowl Conference - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Huth
Anime Club - 3:05 p.m. - Media Center
Blue Jazz Band Practice - 3:05 p.m. - LGI
Spring Musical Practice - 3:05 p.m. - MUR
Speed & Endurance Practice - 3:05 p.m.
Girls On the Run (GOTR) Practice - 3:05 p.m.
Boys Volleyball Game vs Obama - 3:30 p.m. - North Gym
(TBD) 6/7th Grade Girls Volleyball Regionals - 4:30 p.m. - Columbia Central Middle School

3.6.26

Falconette Mentoring - 3:05 p.m. - Media Center

Winter Assessment Data

The winter NWEA MAP and Aimsweb assessment results were discussed and reviewed by the Board of Education. In addition, we reviewed Behavior, Attendance, and Grade information for all schools. Schools are using this information to review processes and to make instructional decisions to improve student outcomes. Overall, the growth and achievement numbers continue to rise. Student attendance was consistently high during the especially busy holiday months. SD161 schools will continue to focus on attendance incentives and following up with families. Behavior indicators are steady or slightly increased, which will require a renewed focus on expectations and interventions to reduce classroom disruptions. The next assessment report will be shared in June, after the completion of the spring assessments and the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. The report is linked here and the data presentation is here.

Superintendent Search Firm Presentations

The Board of Education heard presentations from four executive search firms to fill the role of Superintendent of Schools. This link will take you to the presentations and proposals for each firm. School Exec Connect is the preferred firm and they will be recommended for approval at the March 9, 2026, Board meeting.

Special Education Department Update

Our annual Special Education Department review was shared with the Board of Education [report, presentation]. The department will continue to focus on providing accelerated learning opportunities for students with disabilities and will focus on meaningful inclusion practices for the general education learning environment.

February 2026

Cap and Gown Measurement Retakes - February 2, 2026 (During WIN)

Cap and Gown Pictures - February 11, 2026 - Parker Junior High School

March 2026

Retake Cap and Gown Pictures - March 20, 2026

April 2026

8th Grade Scholar Community Meeting - Monday, April 6, 2026 - WIN Class

8th Grade Parent Webinar - Monday, April 6, 2026 - 6:00 pm

Panoramic Photo - Wednesday, April 8, 2026

May 2026

Great America Trip- Wednesday, May 27, 2026

8th Grade Picnic - Thursday, May 28, 2026

8th Grade Dance - Friday, May 29, 2026

June 2026

Graduation Rehearsal - Monday, June 1, 2026

Graduation Rehearsal - Tuesday, June 2, 2026

8th Grade Graduation - June 2, 2026 - 6:00 PM at HF High School

Access HF High School Incoming Freshman Information Here

Entrance and Exit - Parker Staff will be available to escort scholars to Grade Level Entrance
- 6th Grade Scholars - Door B
- 7th Grade Scholars - Door G
- 8th Grade Scholars - Door J
School Street is one way for Arrival and Dismissal
- Braemar Street to School Street to Douglass (Optional right or left turn)
- No stopping on School Street. Please maintain traffic flow and drop off scholars ONLY on the curb side of School Street.
Transportation

Bus information is available in Skyward for families. If you have any transportation questions, please contact Ms. Wanda Alexander at 708-546-7072.

E-Bike / E-Scooter Update

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.

8th Grade commemorate Black History Month

Girls on the Run Registration Is OPEN!

Girls on the Run is back, and we’re excited to invite students to join this fun, empowering program that builds confidence, friendships, and healthy habits through movement and meaningful lessons.

Program Details:

First Practice: Tuesday, March 3rd at 3:05 PM
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:05–4:20 PM
Length: 10-week season (March 3-May 14)

Register here: [Registration Link]

Spots are limited, so don’t wait to sign up!

Questions? Please contact our Girls on the Run Coordinator, Mrs. Britten, at [708- 647-5438/tbritten@sd161.org].

We can’t wait to cheer your girls on as they grow, run, and shine!

Track

Track packets are coming!!! There will be a parent/guardian/athlete informational meeting for Track on Wednesday, March 4th. You must have a sports physical on file with the nurse in order to try out.

Girls Volleyball

Our 8th grade girls are undefeated with a record of 15-0! The 8th grade team beat both Brookwood and Huth this week making the girls undefeated in the conference for the second year in a row!!! Our 7th grade team beat Brookwood but fell short to Huth and are continuing to improve. The 7th grade team plays in the first round of Regionals against Dolton on Tuesday, 3/3 at Columbia Central and the 8th grade Regional brackets are pending. Good luck Falcons!

Boys Volleyball

Our 7th grade boys have a record of 7-5! 7th grade beat both Brookwood and Huth this week. The 8th grade team won their first game this week against Brookwood! The teams play against Colin Powell for their final game of the season on Wednesday, March 4th. The SSJHSA conference will be hosting a boys volleyball tournament on Monday, 3/9 and Tuesday, 3/10 at Chicago Heights Middle School for the top 4 teams in the conference. Good luck Falcons!.

Chess

Our chess team will be in Peoria this weekend for the State Chess Competition. Good luck Falcons!

Soccer

Boys and girls soccer packets are coming soon! Sports physicals must be on file with the nurse in order to try out.

Academic eligibility

Per IESA guideline 2.043 For all IESA activities, athletic as well as non-athletic, passing work shall be checked weekly. Eligibility will be applied to the Monday through Saturday following the week that was checked. Students must be passing each subject each week to be eligible.

SSJHSA conference rule: ALL Scholars MUST be accompanied by THEIR PARENT or Guardian in order to attend any home games. Parents must stay with their scholar for the duration of the game. If the parent leaves the game, so does the scholar.

Scholars attending home athletic events

There is a fee for admittance to all home games.

$2 for Adults

$1 for All Students and Seniors

Kids 5 and under FREE

Cash only please, no cards are accepted!

The Capturing Kids’ Hearts trait of the month is courage. Read the newsletter below and use the conversation starters with your scholars!

Upcoming Testing Window

Illinois Assessment of Readiness (Math and Reading) (All Grade Levels)

March 10 - 27, 2026

Illinois Science Assessment (8th Grade Only)

April 6 - 10, 2026

NWEA MAP

Spring: April 27 -May 1, 2026

Congratulations to our Milestone Monday Scholars! Great Work!

Are you curious about Standards or Assessments provided to your child? Access the SD 161 Learning and Instruction webpage for detailed information specific to Standards Based Grading and Year Long Plans for every grade level content.

SD 161 Learning and Instruction - Standards Based Learning (Click Here)

Homework Help

Quarter 3 Incentives

We are currently planning third quarter incentives. Based on Quarter 2 behavioral data and teacher input, all grade levels will include Significant Defiance and Significant Disrespect to the Quarter 3 recognition Field Trip or Activity (by Grade Level). All students are eligible for quarterly incentives even if they were not allowed to attend the previous incentive for not following school wide PBIS expectations. Please remind your scholar that the following criteria will result in loss of the Grade Level Quarterly Incentive:

In-School Suspension [ISS]
Out-of-School Suspension [OSS]
Physical Aggression
Technology Violation
Significant Defiance
Significant Disrespect

Community Grade Level Meeting

Meetings were conducted with 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Scholars and they received reminders of Parker's PBIS expectations. Scholars are expected to Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Ready. to Learn every day. Please reference the Grade Level Community Meetings below:

6th Grade Community Meeting

7th Grade Community Meeting

8th Grade Community Meeting

From the 7th Grade Dean

The faculty at Parker Jr. High has observed an increasing trend of students bringing tablets into the school. These devices are being used for communication among students during school hours, which disrupts the educational environment. We kindly request that parents ensure these devices remain at home. Please note that Parker Jr. High cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen devices. Our priority is to minimize distractions and support our students' academic success. Thank you for your cooperation.

From the 8th Grade Dean

Families, please be advised that Smart watches, iPads/tablets, Ai/meta glasses, etc. are prohibited, along with cell phones and listening devices while at Parker! Students using such devices will receive a referral for a Technology Violation and be assigned a Saturday Detention. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a distraction-free learning environment!

Please do not send scholars to school with food, or drink items larger than personal size. We’ve seen scholars bring liter drinks recently, which have caused disruptions. There is no time in the day to consume such large quantities. Additionally, water is the only beverage allowed to be consumed and carried throughout the day. If staff sees a scholar with anything other than water during the day (besides lunch), they will be asked to discard it. Thank you for your cooperation.

Physical Aggression is not tolerated at Parker JHS!

Parker scholars are encouraged to be Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Learn.

We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a positive school culture.

Together, we can ensure that our school remains a safe space for all scholars.

We have noticed an uptick in lost ID’s in all grade levels; ID’s must be worn daily- NO EXCEPTIONS. There is a $5.00 replacement fee billed to your scholar's Skyward account for each printed ID and we encourage you to check your scholar's Skyward account. Scholars can request a replacement ID by going to Parker’s Canvas Media page and clicking on Parker Announcements; replacement ID’s are issued on Mondays only. Below are our ID Policy Guidelines.

In order to maintain a safe and secure learning environment, all students and staff are required to wear their school ID badges during school hours. This ensures quick identification of people in the building and fosters accountability.

Parker ID Policy Guidelines:

IDs must be visible at all times, worn on your Parker issued grade level lanyard.
Students are responsible for keeping their IDs in good condition and bringing them to school EVERY day.
Lost or damaged IDs must be replaced; replacement fees may apply. Request a replacement ID using this google form ONLY if your ID is lost and not if you’ve FORGOTTEN it somewhere else.
Scholars will be issued temporary sticker IDs in the event that they do not have their ID, but they will escalate through the consequences listed below.
Scholars with their IDs and barcodes are called first for lunch to accommodate the lunchroom scanning process; scholars without IDs must wait and are unable to purchase ala carte items.
IDs are required for entry to all after school activities and sporting events.
Temporary sticker IDs will be issued, but consequences will follow as outlined below:

1st → Warning

2nd → Parent Contact

3rd → 30-minute after school detention

4th → 60-minute after school detention

5th → Saturday Detention & $5 replacement ID fee

6.20 School Dress Code

We expect all students to be dressed appropriately and comfortably for school each day. Students are expected to be reasonably dressed and prepared to participate in a professional and hard working school environment. Any student whose dress is deemed to be inappropriate will be provided with a shirt or shorts that will appropriately cover the dress code violation.

Clothes must be worn in such a way that the genitals, buttocks, stomach, sides, back and chest area are fully covered with opaque fabric. All undergarments must be fully covered.

The following apply to all student attire:

a) Shirts must have opaque fabric in the front, back and on the sides under the arms that extends to the waistband.

b) Pants/sweatpants/shorts/ skirt/dress/leggings must be worn at waist level and in such a way that genitals, buttocks, undergarments are fully covered with opaque fabric.

c) Shoes must be worn at all times.

The following guidance is intended to illustrate implementation of the above requirements for students, parents, and school personnel while on school property:

1. Jackets, coats, hats, hoods, gloves, and other forms of outerwear apparel are not to be worn in school. Fleece and sweatshirts may be worn in school as long as a hood is not covering a student’s head.

2. No head covering or cap may be worn in the school unless for religious or health reasons.

3. Only prescription glasses may be worn in school.

4. Attire, earrings, jewelry, pins, or any other type of wearing apparel or accessories that advertise, promote, or depict alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs, gangs, weapons, nudity, obscenity, or profanity are not to be worn in school.

5. Students are not permitted to wear or advertise in any manner drug, alcohol, weapons, or any controlled substance paraphernalia.

6. Pajama attire is not to be worn in school, unless given special permission [PBIS reward, etc.].

Access SD161 Parent - Student Handbook Here

30 day grace period for free and reduced lunch

30 day grace period for free and reduced lunch has expired. If parents have not either been confirmed by the state for SNAP/TANF or Medicaid status or have not completed a new free/reduced lunch application in Skyward, their lunch status may be back to paid. Complete a lunch form in Skyward to correct your status!

Text Message Opt-In
Signing up for District 161’s text message alerts is quick and easy. Simply text the word “YES” to 67587 from the cell phone on which you wish to receive text messages. Please make sure that your cell phone number is up-to-date in Skyward. If you need to update your phone number, please contact the office at your child’s school. Click here for more information.