Trumpeter Judah Crowder is not one to toot her own horn – even when it comes to her impressive accomplishments. The Hazel Crest resident is modest, upbeat, exudes positivity and proudly uplifts and praises her Illinois State University bandmates. But when Judah Crowder was named Illinois State University’s first Black[Read More…]
Education
Executive chef stirs the pot and H-F student interest
As Jerl Griffin, regional executive chef for Thompson Hospitality, stirred the arborio rice for his risotto demonstration dish, he also hoped to stir up interest among the Homewood-Flossmoor High School students in the Culinary II class. Griffin has been a chef for years. During his presentation March 19, he wanted[Read More…]
H-F agreement with Prairie State College will allow students to take college courses
Homewood-Flossmoor High School is expanding its dual credit program with Prairie State College that allows qualified H-F students to take up to six courses for college credit. At the Feb. 17 District 233 meeting, Superintendent Jennifer Norrell said the test program is being expanded next school year with more offerings.[Read More…]
Parker Junior High, Serena Hills staffers honored with Those Who Excel awards
The Illinois State Board of Education has selected two District 161 staff members to receive special recognition through the Those Who Excel program. Honorees are Dana King, a school social worker at Parker Junior High in Flossmoor, and Kelsey Molden, a special education teacher at Serena Hills School in Chicago[Read More…]
Four District 153 staffers selected for Those Who Excel Awards
The Illinois State Board of Education has selected four District 153 staff members to receive special recognition through the Those Who Excel program. Honorees are James Cassidy, administrator in the Information Technology Office, recognized in the School Administration category; Caroline DiLuia, a Willow School kindergarten teacher, recognized in the Early[Read More…]
Two H-F musicians selected for IPO’s Rising Stars concert March 22
Two Homewood-Flossmoor High School musicians have been selected to perform in the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s Rising Stars program. Annie Ford of Flossmoor and Sophia McManus of Homewood, both seniors, will perform pieces during the program at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Road in Flossmoor, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March[Read More…]
Churchill Black History event features live music, art, vendors and student projects
Hundreds of community members, about a dozen local Black-owned businesses and student musicians from Homewood and Flossmoor schools gathered at Winston Churchill Elementary School for the annual Black History Museum Night on Thursday, Feb. 26. The halls were lined with student-made posters celebrating Black historical and contemporary figures. The event[Read More…]
Where are the dads? They are pitching in at Flossmoor Hills School
What started as a few fathers helping out at school has grown into a visible, energetic presence at Flossmoor Hills Elementary. Known as “Dad Force One,” the group officially launched in January 2025 with a simple goal: Increase the presence of positive male role models in the school community. “We[Read More…]
District 161 school board selects search firm to find the next superintendent
The District 161 school board is expected to immediately open its search for superintendent, but board members agreed there may be the possibility of an interim superintendent appointed for the 2026-27 school year if a suitable candidate is not found by June. The school board heard proposals from four firms[Read More…]
School calendars set for 2026-27 school year
Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233, Flossmoor School District 161 and Homewood District 153 school boards approved school calendars for next school year. The schools try to coordinate calendars to help families with children in various districts. H-F and Homewood District 153 welcome students on Aug. 19 with the final day[Read More…]
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