The Village of Flossmoor celebrated the start of the 2024-25 school year with a unique twist on Friday, Aug. 16. The Back-to-School Birthday Bash welcomed students and their families to a new educational chapter and commemorated the village’s 100th birthday.
The event, held at Flossmoor Park, offered attendees a variety of activities. Sweet treats, schwag, and community resources made the party even more enjoyable.
Representatives from HF High School gave students water bottles and notebooks. Flossmoor police officers handed out cupcakes and sunglasses while playing catch with brave participants willing to catch a filled water balloon. The Flossmoor Fire Department handed out fire hats to the kids.
Clinton Alexander, principal at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, said the school is eager to implement its strategic plan to increase “student engagement and student achievement.”
Destiny Watson, founder and CEO of You Matter 2, said she is happy she can support more kids in the community again now that school has resumed. She hopes her organization can help more students with homework and other needs. “I’m looking forward to getting more students involved and being more present in the community so people know we’re here and can take advantage,” Watson said.
Bryce Stewart, president of the HF Theatre Club, said they are already preparing for the children’s play at the end of September. HF High School students will perform The Wizard of Oz for area elementary schools this year. “They’ll get to take a field trip to see our production and see what HF has to offer because many of those kids will be coming to HF,” Stewart said.
“Back to School Birthday Bash was a huge success,” District 161 Board of Education President Carolyn Griggs said. “I always love to see the community come together in celebration of the start of another school year. The weather was wonderful, and neighbors gathered for a fun evening together. Dr. Smith came with 500 Zarlengo (Italian ice) treats and gave away every single one.”
The birthday bash was a collaborative effort by the Village of Flossmoor, Flossmoor Public Library, and Flossmoor School District 161.