Parker Jr High Newsletter

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

Report Card

Your child’s report card for the first quarter is posted in Skyward. Please review the report card with your child and contact your child’s teacher with any questions. To view daily grades and the status of your child’s assignments, please log in to Canvas at https://sd161.instructure.com/login/canvas on a web browser. If you are new to Canvas, please log in using your full email address listed in Skyward and your Skyward password. No pairing code is needed. Should you have any questions regarding your child’s report card, please call your child’s teacher or me. Thank you for your support of District 161 schools.

Calling All Veterans

If you are a veteran and would like to celebrate Veterans Day with us, please complete the form by clicking the link below. We will celebrate Veterans Day November 9, 2023 from 8am - 10am. Please provide your information by accessing the Veterans Day Form. Thank you in advance for your support!

Staff of Parker JHS are also looking forward to joining our scholars in wearing costumes October 31st. Please see costume guidelines below:

• No Masks.

• No Hoods or Hats

• No Inflatables

• No Fake Blood

• No Bald Caps like for Steve Harvey

• If any costume is a distraction from learning it is not allowed

As a reminder, Tuesday, October 31st is School Improvement Day and the school day will end at 10:45 AM.

We are still recruiting Guest Teachers and asking for your assistance. If you are interested in this role, please contact Mr. Ford (Assistant Principal). Please review our PJH Vacancies for additional available positions. We sincerely appreciate your support.

Parker scholars that are pIcking up a sibling from one of the FSD 161 Elementary buildings are not allowed on the playground. Parker scholars are expected to wait on the sidewalk for their sibling. Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Ms. Ursula Parris, Principal

PJHS Fall Play, “All’s Well in Roswell (Isn’t It)"

Thank you Ms. Nicotra, Ms. Lynch, and Parker Scholars for a Great Performance!

...

Do you REALLY know what your child is doing with their cell phone? Please take a moment to review and discuss with your child the following: 1)Teach Responsible Usage. 2) Set Limits. 3) Protect Your Privacy. 4)Be the Example of Etiquette. Technology is a wonderful tool when used appropriately!

We’re seeing an increase in students not wearing ID’s. Ensure that your scholar is properly prepared everyday with ID’s and ALL class materials. These are essential to a successful day!

If a scholar is 5 minutes or more late to class without a pass, it is considered skipping. Teachers will call parents, write a referral, and the Grade Level Dean will give a consequence. Please encourage your child to arrive to class timely.

Bluetooth, wireless headphones and air pods are not allowed during the school day and should be placed in lockers. Scholars with electronic devices will result in Saturday Detention.

Mr. Small, 6th Grade Dean

Ms. Bennett, 7th Grade Dean

Mr. Metanias, 8th Grade Dean

8th Grade Scholars (Health Class) participating in the “ No Bake” cooking event with Chef Chad Hemminger. Thank you Chef Chad for creating learning experiences for our Parker Scholars!

Athletic Fundraiser

Parker is doing amazing things! We are hosting a blanket fundraiser that will benefit all Parker Athletics. If you're interested in purchasing a blanket, please click the link below for the order form. Order forms are also available in the main office. Spirit Blanket Order Form

Girls On the Run last day of the season is November 2. The girls will complete a Fun Run outside around the school. Come cheer our runners on!

Book Club has started, however, it is not too late for your scholar to sign up! Book Club meets in the Media Center on Wednesdays during lunch to discuss the books we are reading. Schoalrs who are interested can sign up on the Media Center Canvas page. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Rudenga at srudenga@sd161.org.

Boys Basketball

First game is Monday, October 30th at home. The 6th/7th grade game will start at 4:00 p.m. 8th grade will start immediately after. Students need to be accompanied by a parent to attend.

Girls Basketball

Both teams lost to Colin Powell this week, but we are proud of our Lady Falcons! They fought hard!

Spectators

Scholars are allowed to attend home games accompanied BY THEIR PARENT. Scholars MUST have their School ID in order to enter the game.

Academic eligibility will be verified weekly for IESA activities (athletic as well as non-athletic). Eligibility will be reviewed based upon course work completed Monday through Friday. Scholars must have a passing grade for each subject during the week of eligibility. Grades will be reviewed every Friday. Emails will be sent to parents/guardians of those scholars who have not met eligibility requirements. For any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Michelle Wisniewski, Assistant Principal

SPORTS PHYSICALS MUST BE ON FILE IN THE NURSE’S OFFICE IN ORDER TO TRY OUT, NO EXCEPTIONS!

Thank you for supporting our Yondr Phone Free Learning Environment! Our scholars are making great academic improvements every day.

ALL 6th grade students are required to have a physical with updated immunizations completed and turned in to the nurse PRIOR to exclusion day October 15th.

The physical must be on the Certificate of Child Health Examination form.

A sports physical DOES NOT meet the requirement of a school physical.

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.

COVID-19. Please report all positive COVID cases to the Nurse (708- 647-5437).

• Entrance and Exit

  • 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

  
  

• Transportation

• Bus information is available in Skyward for families. If you have any transportation questions, please contact Ms. Wanda Alexander at 708-546-7072.

• Parking on School Street

• Remember that there is NO PARKING on school street from 7-8AM. Traffic flow is one way. Please do not block the driveway when dropping off your scholars.

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.

Email: uparris@sd161.org
Website: https://www.sd161.org/o/parker-junior-high

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PJHS161
Location: 2810 School Street, Flossmoor, Illinois 60422