The Serena Scoop

• 🏫School Resumes
• 🔢 3rd & 5th Grade Elevate Math Tutoring 7:30-8:30AM
• 🎤Choir Rehearsals 7:45-8:30AM
• Leadership Club 3:15-4:15PM
• 📝Writing Club 3:15-4:15PM
• Girls on the Run🏃🏻‍♀️ 3:15-4:30PM
• 1st Grade Tutoring 3:15-4:15PM
• 2nd Grade Tutoring 3:15-4:15PM

• 🤫IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grades
• 🔢 4th Grade Elevate Math Tutoring 7:30-8:30AM
• ✨5th Grade Glow Girls Club 3:15-4:15PM
• 👾3rd Grade Game Club 3:15-4:15PM
• 2nd Grade Green Team🌳
• 🎶Musical Rehearsals 3:15-4:30PM
• Spanish Club 2.0 3:15-4:15PM 🦜
• 🏃🏻‍♂️ Boys on the Run 3:15-4:15pm

• 🤫IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grades
• 🔢 3rd & 5th Grade Elevate Math Tutoring 7:30-8:30AM
  
• Girls on the Run🏃🏻‍♀️3:15-4:30PM
• 4th Grade Game Club 3:15-4:15PM 👾

• 🤫IAR Testing 3rd-5th Grades
• 🔢 4th Grade Elevate Math Tutoring 7:30-8:30AM
  
• 🎶Music Rehearsals 3:15-4:30PM

• 🎨Gifted Art 7:30-8:30AM
• 1st Grade Tutoring 3:15-4:15PM
• 2nd Grade Tutoring 3:15-4:15PM
• 🏃🏻‍♂️ Boys on the Run 3:15-4:15pm
  

• 👓 Screening for Vision and Hearing Friday 04/17👂

🌷6th Dallas S

🌷10th Autumn F.

🌷11th Daell B.

Call to schedule an appointment 708-647-7300

🏫Virtual Backpack News

🏭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.

⛄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.

For the comfort and well-being of our students, children will remain inside during the following weather conditions:

• Rain
• Temperature below 20°F
• Wind chill of 10°F or below
• Icy conditions
• Extremely high winds

Please make sure your child is dressed warmly with a coat, hat, gloves, and other appropriate layers to ensure they stay comfortable and safe. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep all children safe and prepared for the elements.

Breakfast/Lunch Funds can be added to your child's food account online via Skyward Family Access. Exact cash or check are accepted in the school office.

2025/2026 Fee's

Breakfast $ 1.85 per day

Lunch $3.75 per day

Milk Only $.050

Free/Reduced Lunch Applications are available online via Skyward Family Access.

NOTE:

🚫 We do not allow any outside food service delivery such as UberEats, GrubHub DoorDash for students.

Follow us on our Serena Hills PTO Facebook page for updates, events, and school news. Click here to join: Serena Hills PTO Facebook!

Board of Education Briefs

Click the link below to see the latest Board of Education updates:

• January 2026
• October 27, 2025

The goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for the efforts our tremendous staff make to be recognized in a big way and shared among everyone in our district! Our dedicated staff strives to make a positive impact on your child’s learning and life, so it is important to let everyone know of the excellent job that has been done.

Introducing #AboveAndBeyond in D161! Please CLICK HERE to read more about our program and nominate a staff member that has made a positive impact on your child’s or family’s life today...and beyond!

• 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.

Arrival - 8:30AM

Instructional Day - 8:40-3:15PM

• 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.

• Serena Hills Office number - (708) 647-7300

Email: ereich@sd161.org
Website: https://www.sd161.org/o/serena-hills
Location: 255 Pleasant Drive, Chicago Heights, IL, USA
Phone: (708) 647-7300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/district161sh