Parker JHS Newsletter

I am thrilled to be returning as the principal of this amazing school and look forward to working with each and every one of you to ensure the success and well-being of our scholars. Our dedicated staff has been hard at work preparing for the new school year, and we are excited to welcome back our returning scholars and meet our new additions to the Falcon family.

The 1st day of school is Thursday, August 15th. Our school hours are 7:45 AM- 2:33 PM. Scholars will be able to enter the building at 7:35 AM. 6th graders will enter Door F (Adjacent Door B) ,7th graders will enter Door G, and 8th graders will enter Door J. Parker Staff will be available to escort scholars to their Grade Level Entrance. Breakfast will be available for scholars and they are expected to report to their HR Class upon entry. HR Teachers will introduce PBIS lessons and scholars will participate in PBIS Stations Thursday, August 15th and Friday, August 16th. If you have not had a chance to review the previously published School Supply List, please access the link here.

Upon arrival, 6th Grade scholars will be escorted to the North Gym by 6th Grade Teachers and Administrators. 7th and 8th Grade scholars will report to HR Teacher. Staff will be available to assist.

The PJHS Open House is scheduled Wednesday, August 28th 7:00pm to 8:30pm and we look forward to seeing each of you there

Our goal this year is to provide a safe, nurturing, and rigorous learning environment for all scholars. We will continue to focus on academic excellence, character development, and social-emotional growth to ensure that each scholar reaches their full potential.

As parents, you play a crucial role in your child's education, and we welcome your partnership and involvement in our school community. I encourage you to stay connected with us through our various communication channels, attend school events and meetings, and volunteer your time and talents to support our school and students.

I am confident that together, we can make this school year the best one yet. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and care of your children. I look forward to a successful and rewarding school year ahead.

Educationally Yours,

Ursula Parris, Principal

Parker Junior High School

Back to School Dates

8.14.24 - Chalk the Walk 4:00 PM

8.15.24 - First Day of School for all students [Students can begin arriving at 7:35 a.m.]

8.16.24 - Back to School Event 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

8.21.24 - Fall Pictures

8.28.24 - Parker Open House 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

City Year and its philanthropic partners work together toward a common goal: ensuring all scholars have access to personalized learning environments that help them reach their full potential. City Year AmeriCorps members build strong relationships with scholars to help them develop the academic and social-emotional skills necessary to stay on track during Middle School and properly build a foundation for their High School Pathway. We're excited to have City Year AmeriCorp join Flossmoor SD 161 / Parker JHS!

6th Grade Assistant Principal - Nora Dandurand

8th Grade Dean - Habeeba Pasha

Admin Assistant - Elisheva Cole

6th Grade

• Morgan Weber, ELA
• Michael Duckett, Science

7th Grade

• Saul Mares, Math

8th Grade

• Beth Bunting, ELA
• Maureen Holt, French

Encore

• Patrick Favazza, Health

Kaitlin Damiani, SPED Resource

Nakia Parchman, SPED Resource

Sharesse Tovar, SPED Para

Kneandra Cooper, SPED Para

Araceli Sotelo Lopez, Spanish

Kristina Bellamy, Reading Specialist

Tamika Britten, Instructional Coach

Dana King, Social Worker

Rebecca Routson, Social Worker

• Entrance and Exit - Parker Staff will be available to escort scholars to Grade Level Entrance

  • 6th Grade Scholars - Door F adjacent to Door B ( Due to construction at 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 Parking on School Street. Please maintain traffic flow and drop off scholars from Braemar 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.
• Please prepare to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled pick up time on the first day of school.

Parker Junior High School will be a phone-free space. Scholars will be required to use the Yondr Pouch while in school. 6th Grade scholars will receive a Yondr pouch Thursday, August 15th before the end of the school day. 7th and 8th grade scholars are expected to use the Yondr pouch that was issued the previous school year. Scholars new to FSD 161 and PJHS will receive a Yondr pouch.

Step by Step training video for families regarding "My School Menus" can be found here: https://vimeo.com/395170590

No Cash Policy

Cash will no longer be accepted in the cafeteria. If you are unable to replenish your scholar’s lunch account via Skyward, Parents/Guardians are permitted to bring cash into the main office before 9am. It will be applied to your scholar’s account the same day.

Email: uparris@sd161.org
Website: https://www.sd161.org/o/parker-junior-high
Location: 2810 School Street, Flossmoor, Illinois 60422