Parker JHS Newsletter

Thank you for taking the time to review our important updates and information below:

Teacher Institute Day

Friday, February 7th is Teacher Institute Day and there is NO SCHOOL for sudents.

Yearbook Order

Click on the link below for instructions on how to order.

Parker 2024-2025 Yearbook

Fall/Winter Group Yearbook Pictures - February 5, 2025

Group photos will be taken throughout the day on February 5th. If your student is a part of a sport or club and has a shirt or jersey, please make sure they bring it or wear it to school on Wednesday.

Photos will start promptly at 8:00 a.m. so students should arrive at school on time. Thank you!

Erin's Law Presentation

In 2011, Illinois passed Erin’s Law in honor of Erin Merryn, a courageous young woman

advocating for laws to increase awareness of crimes against children. Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades Pre-K to 12. Grade Level Presentations are scheduled Monday, February 3rd and will be facilitated by our Social Workers. A follow up presentation is scheduled for Monday, February17th.

Operation Snowflake Program

The Operation Snowflake Program (for 7th and 8th graders) will occur on March 15th this year at HF High School. Registration is now open. Please access this link: https://manage.snap.app/register/hf/dashboard/catalog for registration and be sure to select Operation Snowflake - Parker as your activity. Spaces are limited!

What is Operation Snowflake? Find more information HERE

In the event that you have younger children (5th or 6th grade) and are interested in Operation Snowflurry (same date - March 15th), that will still be a paper registration beginning on February 3rd. Stay tuned for more information, as it becomes available.

If there are any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Maclin at bmaclin@sd161.org

We are receiving an increase of students misplacing personal items during the school day. Scholars are responsible for all personal items brought to school. Items should be secured in assigned lockers. Locks have been provided for both the gym lockers and the hallway lockers.

See consequences for not wearing a school ID in the Dean's section of this newsletter.

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!

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

2.1.25

• 8th Grade Boys Basketball Regional Tournament - 10:00 a.m. - Southland College Prep

2.3.25

• Erin’s Law Presentation

• Knitting and Crochet Club - 3:05 p.m. - Room 9

• Boys Volleyball Game vs Huth - 4:00 p.m. - Huth

• Girls Volleyball Game vs Huth - 4:00 p.m. - North Gym

• Boys Basketball Practice - 3:05 p.m. - South Gym

• Scholastic Bowl Practice - 3:05 p.m. - Room 17

• Chess Meet vs Huth - 3:30 p.m. - Huth

• Scholastic Bowl Match vs Huth - 4:00 p.m. - Media Center

2.4.25

• Jazz Band Practice - 3:05 p.m. - LGI

• Chess Meet vs Brookwood - 3:30 p.m. - Media Center

• Boys Volleyball Game vs Brookwood - 4:00 p.m. - North Gym

• Girls Volleyball Game vs Brookwood - 4:00 p.m. - Brookwood

• TBD - 8th Grade Boys Basketball Regional Championship - 4:15 p.m. - Southland College Prep

2.5.25

• H-F Late Start Day

• Group Yearbook Picture Day

• Lego/Steam Lab - 2:40 p.m. - Room 20

• AVID Art Club - 3:05 p.m. - Room 56

• Scholastic Bowl Practice - 3:05 p.m. - Room 17

• Chess Meet vs Memorial - 3:30 p.m. - Memorial

• Boys Volleyball Game vs Memorial - 4:00 p.m. - Memorial

• Girls Volleyball Game vs Memorial - 4:00 p.m. - North Gym

• Scholastic Bowl Match vs Memorial - 4:00 p.m. - Media Center

2.6.25

• Anime Club - 3:05 p.m. - Media Center

• Scholastic Bowl Practice - 3:05 p.m. - Room 17

• Student Council Meeting - 3:05 p.m.

• Chess Meet vs Hart - 3:30 p.m. - Media Center

• Boys Volleyball Game vs Hart - 4:00 p.m. - North Gym

• Girls Volleyball Game vs Hart - 4:00 p.m. - James Hart

2.7.25

• Teacher Institute Day - No School for Students

Congratulations to Flossmoor School District 161 Spelling Bee Champion, Ben Wool.

Ben is an 8th grader at Parker Junior High and said his best advice to future spelling bee participants is to look for patterns in words and pay attention to the ending of words. Ben's winning word was incessant. Congratulations, Ben!!!! B-R-A-V-O

Our amazing NJHS students recently volunteered at Feed My Starving Children, an incredible organization dedicated to ending world hunger. Students worked together to pack nutritious, life-saving meals that will be shipped to children in need across the globe. These meals provide hope and nourishment to communities facing food insecurity. We’re so proud of our students for making a meaningful impact and showing the power of service. Thank you to the teachers and parent volunteers who made this experience possible for our students. Bravo!

Graduation Ceremony

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM

HF High School

Graduation Pictures

Van Gogh School Photographers will be here on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 during science classes to take graduation photos of our 8th grade scholars. Two poses will be taken, one with the cap and gown and one with the gown only, no cap.

No payment is needed at this time. A proof will be sent home in approximately two weeks with instructions on how to view the pictures and place your orders online. Orders will be shipped directly to your home.

Recommendations for what to wear:

Boys should wear a shirt and tie. Sport coats, suits or sweaters are optional. Girls should avoid up-dos, turtleneck sweaters or high neck dresses. All students should avoid wearing shades of green as everyone will be photographed against a green screen.

If you have any questions, please contact the main office at (708) 647-5400.

Thank you Dr. Alexander, Principal of HF High School, HF Staff, and HF Scholars for providing valuable information to our 8th grade Scholars. We're excited about our upcoming high school journey!

Incoming HF High School Families

Viking Voyage: Comprehensive Guidebook for Incoming Freshmen & Families.

The publication has all the details you need as you prepare to join the HF family!

• Schedule of events for incoming freshmen & families
• Steps to enrollment and residency verification
• Course selection
• Integrated math phase-in
• Student support - academic, social-emotional, health services, special education, grade reporting
• SchooLinks for college, career and life planning
• Technology and communication tools
• Activities & Athletics coaches and contacts
• AND MORE!!

Every day and every lesson counts at Parker Junior High. As we are well into second semester, and state testing is upon us we ask that all scholars make a the effort to be here every day.

• 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 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 708-647-7001.
• Please prepare to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled pick up time on the first day of school.

Boys Basketball

Our 7th grade boys finished their season during regional play Saturday 1/25/25 against Mokena. Our 8th grade team plays in their regional games this Saturday 2/1/25 at Southland College Prep. Tip off for their first game is at 10:15 am against Harvey Brooks. Good luck Falcons!

Girls Volleyball

Both Lady Falcon teams are undefeated so far this season! The girls dominated the court this week against Columbia Central and Crete. The girls have their next game Monday, February 3 against Huth. Good luck Falcons!

Boys Volleyball

Our 7th grade boys lost their first game against Columbia on Monday in 2 sets. The boys beat Crete at home 1/29/25. 8th grade boys won both of their games this week. The teams play against Huth on Monday 2/3/25.

Chess

Our team continues to master their strategy in playing the game. The team overall beat Crete 11-3. The team faces Huth on Monday 2/3/25. Good luck Falcons!

Scholastic Bowl

Our scholars have been giving their opponents a run for their money! The team beat Crete 185-170 and are currently 3-0. Good luck next week!

Scholars be sure to check the Media Center Canvas page for additional announcements!

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!

SSJHSA conference rule: ALL Scholars MUST be accompanied by THEIR PARENT 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.

Eligibility for all activities is pulled every Friday. 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. Parents will receive an email if their scholar is failing a class.

School ID Policy

School ID Policy

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:

1. IDs must be visible at all times, worn on your Parker issued grade level lanyard.

2. Students are responsible for keeping their IDs in good condition and bringing them to school EVERY day.

3. 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.

4. Scholars will be issued temporary sticker IDs in the event that they do not have their ID.

5. 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.

6. IDs are required for entry to all after school activities and sporting events.

Prevention of Lost Items

We are receiving an increase of students misplacing personal items during the school day. Scholars are responsible for all personal items brought to school. Items should be secured in assigned lockers. Locks have been provided for both the gym lockers and the hallway lockers.

Grade Level Community Meetings were conducted this week with the return of our scholars. We reinforced school-wide expectations based on our PBIS matrix of being Respectful, Responsible and Ready to Lean in every environment. Additionally, we outlined exclusionary criteria for participation in the End of Quarter 3’s celebration: No In School Suspension [ISS], Out of School Suspension [OSS], Physical Aggression or Technology Violations. Please take a moment and review the PJH 3rd Quarter Community Meeting.

Deans reiterated the headphone policy during our Community Meeting as students have been wearing headphones, particularly Beats headphones in the hallways. Headphones are not to be worn in the hallways which includes around their necks for two reasons; if an emergency arises we need to ensure that we have their attention and to monitor what they are listening to during the school day. Violating this practice will result in headphone confiscation until it is picked up by a parent/guardian and a technology violation resulting in a Saturday detention.

Please see our updated 2024-2025 dress code policy below. We ask that you review it with your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your grade level dean.

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.].

Scholars are expected to follow Student Conduct and Dress Code as noted in the Parent Student Handbook. See both sections by accessing the link below (p. 34-39).

The Flossmoor Public Library has incredible events and programs coming up for children of all ages! View the calendar and sign up for the library newsletter at https://www.flossmoorlibrary.org.

District 161 Health Update

The new year has arrived and along with it we have seen an increase in respiratory illnesses. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that in line with the national trend, the state’s overall respiratory illness level has ticked up from Moderate to High, driven by an expected early winter jump in hospital admissions.

According to the IDPH Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard, the impact on children between the ages of 5-17 is 30.6% of hospital admissions for Acute Respiratory Illness, 8.9% for Flu, 2.3% for RSV and 1.5% of COVID-19 cases.

The most effective tools in staying well and preventing illness include washing your hands, wearing a mask, and receiving vaccinations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Transfer/new students to PJH must present a 6th grade physical. It is the parent's responsibility to provide a copy of the physical/immunization forms from previous school records. Out of state transfers must have a physical on the Illinois form.

Medications - The only 2 medications (over the counter or prescription) that a student can have in their possession (including backpack, purses, etc.) is an inhaler or epi-pen with authorization. An epi-pen requires physician and parent authorization on the required forms. An inhaler requires parent authorization on the District form and the inhaler prescription box. Students may not have any over the counter or prescription medications at school at any time without the required district authorization forms.

Action Plans - An annual updated action plan is requested for all students with allergies, asthma, seizures, diabetes and other medical conditions.

Illinois State Assessments - ISA and IAR Testing Window

• IAR/ISA SPED Testing March 10th - 28th

• Math: March 10 - 14

• ELA: March 17- 21

• 8th Grade ISA: March 24-28

• IAR/ISA Testing March 24 - April 17

• Math: March- 24- 28

• ELA: April 8- 11

• 8th Grade ISA: April 14-17

Upcoming NWEA Math and Reading Testing Dates

Spring: Testing Dates

April 23 - 30, 2025

Testing Tips

• Get a good night's rest

• Charge Chromebook the night before

• Eat a healthy breakfast

Homework Help is available Tuesday - Thursday from 2:35 pm - 3:05 pm. Please make sure your child has transportation home. Bus Transportation will not be provided.

Please remind scholars to utilize the 3 Ring Binders and Tab Dividers for their classes. Parker teachers are providing lessons to help our scholars with organization and these tools are required for academic success of our scholars.

• Have no fear, FALCON DADS are here! We appreciate the dads of the PTO coming out to motivate our scholars on their first morning of testing. If you would like to be a Falcon Dad, join the committee by contacting Mario Ford, Assistant Principal (mford@sd161.org)
• PBIS Volunteers please check your inbox for an email from the PJHPTO@GMAIL.COM. If you are interested in running the PBIS store or volunteering for PBIS activities please signup on the PTO Google form below and we will add you to the committee.
• Black History Month Celebration February 2025
• Aurelios Takeover February 2025

PTO is kicking off the Krispy Kreme Digital Dozens Fundraiser!

Scan the QR code and start buying dozens today!

• Digital Dozens fundraiser $14 per dozen

• Family and friends all over the world can help raise funds with the Parker Falcons, February 1-21st by buying a digital dozen coupon, redeemable at a Krispy Kreme near you.

• Insert your scholars homeroom at checkout. Pizza party for the homeroom who sold the most digital dozens!

January Sneaker Ball- PBIS Incentive

Scholars who earn 33+ points will participate in the sneaker ball. Sneaker Ball will take place during WIN/Advisory in the North Gym Thursday, February 6th.

Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH)

Our CKH theme for January is Honor Me, Honor You which reiterates the need for self respect and doing what makes yourself proud.

Erin's Law Presentation

In 2011, Illinois passed Erin’s Law in honor of Erin Merryn, a courageous young woman

advocating for laws to increase awareness of crimes against children. Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades Pre-K to 12. Grade Level Presentations are scheduled Monday, February 3rd and will be facilitated by our Social Workers. A follow up presentation is scheduled for Monday, February17th.

Parker Junior High School will be a phone-free space. Scholars will be required to use the Yondr Pouch while in school. All scholars have been issued a Yondr pouch and are expected to place their cell phone inside the Yondr pouch every day upon arriving to school.

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