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[Read More…]
Author: Chris Weber
Governors State University President Cheryl Green announces retirement
Cheryl Green, president of Governors State University, announced her retirement, effective March 1, 2025. In an email addressed to the GSU community, Green shared that her decision to retire from a 37-year career in higher education comes after receiving cancer treatment last year, during which she took a brief leave[Read More…]
District 161 begins the school year almost fully staffed despite resignations
Like many schools in Illinois, Flossmoor School District 161 has struggled to fill positions in past years. The district is in a better position this academic year. According to Superintendent Dana Smith, District 161 has one open certified teaching position for the 2024-25 school year. A candidate has been identified[Read More…]
D161 prepares parents for a new grading system based on state standards
As Flossmoor School District 161 teachers and staff get ready to welcome students back to classrooms, administrators are also preparing parents for changes in how teachers calculate grades. This year, the district will transition from letter grades to a standards-based grading system(SBG), a significant shift in student performance evaluation and[Read More…]
D161 appoints two new assistant principals
In July, the Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education appointed two new assistant principals. Deborah Dunwoody will assume the role at Western Avenue School, and Nora Dandurand will be the newest administrator at Parker Junior High. According to press releases from the district office, “assistant principal responsibilities will include[Read More…]
Prepare to get weird at the Feast of the Goat Queen
Beer, baby goats, fae, and all manner of entertaining oddities! The Feast of the Goat Queen, organized by Rabid Brewing, might be the most unique gathering in the area. Celebrating Floralia, an ancient Roman festival, with costumes, new beers, live goats, live music, food vendors, exotic entertainment and an artisan[Read More…]
Juneteenth mural represents a vibrant community
Organized by the artist Jess Timeless, a mural and collective masterpiece painted by community members united visitors to the HF Juneteenth Festival on June 15. Jess Timeless is a visual and expression artist dedicated to creating art representing her culture and heritage. In addition to painting, Chicago artist Jess Patterson,[Read More…]
Riders for Jackie’s Warriors raise more than $6,000 for dementia research
The second “Warrior Ride” to support the Jackie’s Warriors Foundation began bright and early on June 7. The biggest obstacle the riders faced was not the distance, but the wind. Jackie’s Warriors started in 2022 to honor Jackie Frangella. Jackie’s husband, Art Frangella, and son, Brian Frangella, witnessed Jackie’s struggles[Read More…]
Woman led businesses and organizations stand out at Juneteenth fest
Of the many local and regional businesses and organizations represented at the Homewood Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival, one common theme stood out. Many were founded, owned or managed by Black women. Below is a brief sampling of these, along with what Juneteenth means to the women and leaders. The Jassac Charitable Foundation,[Read More…]
D161 raises administrator salaries
At the June 10 meeting, the Flossmoor District 161 Board of Education voted to increase the salaries of district administrators. Raises for administrators will range from 5% to 7%. Non-administrative employees who are not part of the certified and classified staff bargaining unit will receive an 8% salary increase for[Read More…]
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