At a recent Board of Education meeting, Flossmoor School District 161 recognized students and staff for academic, creative, and service accomplishments.
Several eighth-grade students from Parker Junior High were recognized for participating in a Veterans Day event and the acclaimed “Flossmoor Veterans’ Time Machine” program, a local history curriculum developed by the Flossmoor Veterans’ Memorial.
Kris Condon from Flossmoor Veterans’ Memorial expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with you, and we look forward to continuing the partnership,” she said.
The Time Machine program was awarded the 2024 “Best of Illinois History” in Public and Educational Programming by the Illinois State Historical Society. The curriculum is designed to immerse students in veterans’ stories through primary sources and community engagement.
“I’m just thrilled to see how that partnership has blossomed into a great opportunity for students in our community,” said Superintendent Dana Smith. “Thank you for all of your hard work.”
EduHam
With a win both years they have participated, Parker Junior High’s EduHam team once again earned national recognition as one of the top 20 teams in the country. An original poem about Philip Hamilton, based on historical primary sources, won Parker students Isabella Avendano, Minah Bobb, and Tabitha Waita an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to see Hamilton on Broadway and visit historic landmarks.
EduHam is part of the school’s seventh and eighth-grade humanities curriculum, with contributions from Tiffaney Washington, an instructional coach at Parker, who leads a unique poetry lesson focused on using primary sources.
Math Bowl
The district also celebrated its Math Bowl participants, who recently competed at Prairie State College among more than 20 local school districts.
- Edwin Stelk earned first place individually in Division A. The first and second grade team placed third overall.
- The third and fourth-grade team (Division B) placed fifth overall, and Martin Stelk earned first place individually in this division.
- In Divisions C and D (grades 5-8), students were also recognized for their participation and accomplishments.
#AboveandBeyond
Aleshia Hill, a Flossmoor Hills first-grade teacher, was honored with an Above and Beyond award for the fourth quarter. Nominated by her colleague Natalie Salter, Hill was praised for her unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and the lasting impact she has on students and families alike.
“Even with multiple students calling on her at once, Mrs. Hill is always patient. She helps each student,” Salter said. “She goes above and beyond to help support me whenever I need help or have any questions, and I know many of her parents feel the exact same way.”
HR Director Haley Marti said that Hill consistently leads her students to meet and exceed academic growth targets while maintaining a nurturing and structured classroom environment.
