The Eagle's Nest
Soaring High with the Eagles...
September 13, 2026
Hi Eagle Families,
Thank you to everyone who joined us this past Friday for our PTO sponsored Back to School Bash! It was wonderful to see our school community come together to kick off the year. From the local food trucks, bounce houses, games and delicious food, it was an unforgettable evening of family fun. A massive shoutout to our incredible PTO organizers and volunteers who dedicated their time to make this event a massive success!
We look forward to seeing everyone at open house on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. Please see the schedule below for classroom session times.
Next Monday: No School – Classes will resume on Tuesday following the school closure in observance of Yom Kippur.
Health Requirement
Students entering preschool, kindergarten, sixth grade, and students who are new to the District must provide proof of the required Illinois State physical examination and immunizations.
All required health documentation must be submitted by October 15, 2026 to the school nurse. Students who have not met these requirements by this date will be excluded from school beginning October 15, 2026, in accordance with Illinois requirements, until the necessary documentation is received.
Please note: A sports physical does not meet the Illinois school physical examination requirement.
Let's connect.....
Email address: emcneil@sd161.org
Office number: 708-647-7100
Important Arrival and Dismissal Reminders
For the safety of our students, any changes to your child's normal afternoon dismissal routine must be submitted to the main office by 2:15 p.m. If the office is not notified of an alternate plan by this time, your child will be sent home using their standard dismissal route on file. Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe, smooth, and organized!
Upcoming Events
Sept. 14th - Tornado Drill during the school day
Sept. 15th - Elementary open house - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16th - One Book One School Kick Off - Dr. Sanders visits for DEAR Time
Sept. 18th - Teacher Institute Day - No school for students
Sept. 21st - Yom Kippur - No school for students
Sept. 23rd - Code Red Drill with FPD
Sept. 24th - Fall Picture Day
Oct. 9th - Fire Prevention Assembly with FFD - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Oct. 12th - Indigenous Peoples' Day - No school for students
Back to School Bash
Standards Based Learning
Standards based learning identifies and communicates how students are performing in relation to the learning standards. Instruction, grading, and assessments are based on students demonstrating understanding and mastery of the grade level standards. To learn more about how Flossmoor utilizes standards based learning for growth, click the link below.
Transportation and Dismissal
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 Alma Gonzalez at 708-647-7023.
- 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, Lunch and Recess
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.
August and September - Breakfast and Lunch Menus
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.
September Breakfast Menu
September Lunch Menu
Nurse Update
Health Requirements
State law requires that your student’s health records (physical, immunization record, religious exemptions) be submitted PRIOR to Thursday, October 15, 2026. Incomplete paperwork will not be accepted. If paperwork is not submitted on time your student will not be able to attend school until proof of the proper immunizations and/or physical exam have been given to the school Health Coordinator.
Preschool/Early Childhood/Kindergarten/New Students
Submit a physical and immunization record.
All physicals must be from the State of Illinois.
Local Urgent Care clinics offer low cost physicals for $30, no appointment needed
Free Back-to-School Immunizations
CCDPH is providing back-to-school immunizations at no cost for the 2026-27 school year to suburban Cook County children ages 6 months to 18 years old, regardless of immigration or insurance status, now through mid-October. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome. See clinic schedule.
Medications at School
Any student that needs medication while at school must have a medication authorization form completed by their doctor and turned into the nurse before medication can be brought to school. This includes over the counter medications. If you need this form please contact Nurse Cheryl.
Please consider sending the following items with your student to store in their locker
A full change of clothes: accidents happen!
An extra snack: to avoid afternoon stomachaches!
An extra water bottle: drinking water makes us feel good, having one on the desk is great!
When should my child stay home from school?
Click here for health guidelines.
Please make sure emergency contacts are in Skyward. If your student is sent home we ask that you or an emergency contact picks up the child within 30 minutes.
Traffic and School Bus Safety
- Please do not pull or park vehicles in the bus lane. These lanes are for school buses only.
- 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.
- It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus.
- Cell phone usage in a school zone is prohibited.
- 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.
Visitors During the School Day
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.
Birthday Celebrations During the School Day
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.
Good Things in the Neighborhood
Birthday Princess
Congratulations to Miss KiKi, a new 5 year old princess! She celebrated her birthday princess style surrounded by friends and family.
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.
Text Message Opt In
Text Message Opt In
Text Message Opt In
Flossmoor School District 161 26-27 School Calendar
PTO Corner
The PTO is ready to plan amazing events for our school community! They are seeking volunteers to help with activities and events during the year.
Flossmoor Hills Elementary School Contact Information
3721 Beech Street,
Flossmoor, Illinois 60422
708-647-7100
Evita McNeil-Dobson, Principal