The Eagle's Nest

Hello Eagle Families,

All families will be receiving your child's NWEA and AIMSweb score reports soon. Students are assessed three times a year in the fall, winter and spring. The score report will show each child's grade level proficiency and growth so far this year. The NWEA Family Guide will provide more information on the assessment. If you have any questions, please contact our instructional coach Amy Gehrt, or Mrs. McNeil-Dobson.

Fifth grade parents if you would like your child to participate in Operation Snow Flurry, the registration form is due on February 11th. Please contact our social worker, Gayle Dickerson for more information.

We look forward to seeing families at STEAM night this Thursday at Parker Jr. High School. It will be a fun night of creativity and innovation.

Please take a look at the updates in this week's newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Let's connect.....

Email address: emcneil@sd161.org

Office number: 708-647-7100

1. Institute Day / No school for students - February 6th
2. Lincoln's Birthday / No school for students - February 9th
3. Black History Program at PJH at 6:00 p.m. - February 17th

4. Early dismissal for students at 11:40 p.m. - School Improvement Day - February 20th

5. 3rd Grade Wax Museum in gym room at 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - February 26th

6. 2nd Grade Wax Museum in gym room at 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. - February 27th

Each year, the Illinois State Board of Education provides parents, teachers, and 4th-8th grade students with an opportunity to have their voice heard. The Illinois 5Essentials Survey is a research-based survey to help identify strengths and areas for growth in our schools. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including:

• Effective Leaders

• Collaborative Teachers

• Involved Families

• Supportive Environments

• Ambitious Instruction

  
  

We ask our families to please take the Illinois 5Essentials Survey for by Friday, March 13th.

Hello Dad Force One Community,

Dad Force One is gearing up for an exciting second half the school year with after-school activities, and we need your help to make it all happen!

Who We Are
Dad Force One is a group of dedicated volunteer fathers committed to supporting and enriching after-school experiences for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade. From fun activities to positive role modeling, our goal is to create safe, engaging environments where kids can learn, play, and grow.

What’s Coming Up
We have several upcoming after-school events and activities planned, including games, enrichment programs, and special event days. These experiences rely on the energy, involvement, and support of volunteers like you.

How You Can Help
We’re looking for volunteers to assist with:

• Supervising and supporting after-school activities

• Helping set up and clean up events

• Leading or assisting with games, crafts, or enrichment activities

• Being a positive role model for our students

No special experience is required—just a willingness to help and have fun!

Why Volunteer?

• Make a direct, positive impact on kids in our community

• Spend meaningful time supporting your child’s school

• Connect with other dads and families

• Be part of something that truly makes a difference

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, please email Robert Kyler or watch for upcoming sign-up opportunities.

Thank you for supporting Dad Force One and helping us create memorable after-school experiences for our kids. Together, we’re stronger—and a lot more fun!

With appreciation,
Dad Force One Leadership Team

Powered by dads. Driven by community.

Contact Robert Kyler: (312) 572-0194 or mrkyler@gmail.com

Parents can 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.

Cell Phones & Smart Watches:

Cell phones and smart watches should be kept in a safe place—such as a locker (devices should be neither seen nor heard)—and are not to be used during the school day or during on-campus school activities during school hours.

All K-5 students enter the building at 8:30 a.m. daily. The school day begins at 8:40 a.m. and students are dismissed at 3:15 p.m. Students may arrive on campus at 8:25 a.m. and line up on their playground areas. There is no supervision before 8:25 a.m. Students that arrive before 8:25 a.m. will have to wait on their playgrounds unsupervised. Breakfast will be available in the gym room at 8:25 a.m.

• Pre-K Morning Session: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Pre-K Afternoon Session: 12:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Bus Routes

• Student bus routes are available in Skyward. Log into your Skyward account to check where your child's bus stop is located. If you have any questions regarding bus routes, call Wanda Alexander at 708-546-7072.

• If your child is routed for a bus and will not ride the bus due to you dropping them off or picking them up daily, email Rose Spotora at rspotora@sd161.org.

• If your child will not ride the bus everyday, the front office needs a schedule for your child. Please email Rose Spotora at rspotora@sd161.org AND your child's classroom teacher.

• Sign up to receive bus bulletins. You can learn more here.

Dismissal Changes

• Parents must call the office or email the administrative assistants by 2:15 p.m. if you need to make a change to your child's dismissal procedure (i.e., not riding the bus, not attending an after school program, etc.). The procedure helps to ensure the safe dismissal for all students.

• The office number is 708-647-7100. Our administrative assistants can be contacted at rspotora@sd161.org and nfonseca@sd161.org.

Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. Students eating breakfast should enter the main entry doors (Door A) upon arrival to school.

Grade Level Lunch Times

• Kindergarten and 5th Grade - 11:30 a.m. - recess begins at 11:50 a.m.
• 1st Grade and 3rd Grade - 12:10 p.m. - recess begins at 12:30 p.m.
• 2nd Grade and 4th Grade - 11:50 a.m. - recess begins at 12:10 p.m.

If you need to drop off lunch to your student after the school day has started, you may utilize the grade level bins on the cart in the foyer. Please label your child's lunch bag.

Reminder: Lunches sent to the school by food delivery services such as Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash, etc. are not allowed.

1. Please do not pull or park vehicles in the bus lane. These lanes are for school buses only.
2. Parents and guardians should never board a school bus. The bus company is instructed to call the police if any adult other than school personnel boards the bus. If you have an issue with the bus or driver contact Mrs. McNeil - Dobson.
3. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus.
4. Cell phone usage in a school zone is prohibited.
5. Students will learn bus expectations during the first days of school. Please reinforce at home that students should be seated at all times to be safe.

All visitors staying in the school building must be scanned in by our administrative assistants using the raptor. You will have to present your driver's license as proof of i.d. Once you have been cleared through the system, you will receive a name badge to wear. No visitors or volunteers will be allowed in the school without being cleared by the system.

If you would like to celebrate your child's birthday in school, please send non edible items to share (i.e., pencils, bubbles, stickers, etc.). We cannot allow students to share outside food/treats in school. Food items will be returned to you.

If you would like to share good news happening in the FH neighborhood or share an achievement for your child outside of school, please email me a photo and blurb detailing the event. I will be sure to include it in the weekly newsletter.

Now introducing a brand-new style for Flossmoor Hills.

https://www.schoolstore.com/cgi/SSCHomePage?asd_number=undefined&userid=undefined

3721 Beech Street,

Flossmoor, Illinois 60422

708-647-7100

emcneil@sd161.org

Evita McNeil-Dobson, Principal