Greetings Parker Families!
Thank you for taking the time to review our updates for this week:
As a reminder, we have a 2023-2024 Calendar Change that is upcoming:
Because of the upcoming Primary Elections on March 19, 2024, we will be moving to E-Learning on that date. We are specifically moving to E-Learning because Flossmoor Hills, Serena Hills, and Parker Junior High School are used as polling places and will have community members in the buildings on that day.
The elementary and junior high school schedule can be found here: K-8 E-Learning Schedule. Parker will follow the eLearning Day 1 Schedule.
Did you know that turning on the subtitles on your TV at home is the easiest way to get your child reading?
Doing this can double the chance of your child becoming a good reader. Yes, it’s really that simple.
If you found this helpful, please share it with as many other parents as possible.
2023-2024 Parker Yearbook
Click on the link below to order a Parker Yearbook! It’s not too late!
https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1015288184163831
5 Essentials Parent Survey
Deadline for completing Parent Surveys is March 29th. Please access the 5 Essentials Parent Survey and provide valuable feedback that will be utilized for School Improvement practices. Help us reach our 20% goal by completing the 5 Essentials Parent Survey today! Thank you in advance.
PJH Book Fair
The Book Fair is coming soon! Parker's Spring Book Fair will run March 18, 20, 21, and 22 during the school day. Parents, if you would like to volunteer, a link to sign up is on the Book Fair Webpage! At the Book Fair we will be accepting cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Play, and Scholastic eWallets. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Rudenga at srudenga@sd161.org.
Reminder for Morning Drop Off Procedures:
Please do not drop off or pick up your scholars in the front circle of Parker
Do not block the entrance for buses when dropping off your scholar in the morning. This creates a backup of traffic
Please be sure to follow Parker Facebook for real time updates: https://www.facebook.com/PJHS161
Best Regards,
Ms. Ursula Parris, Principal
IAR State Assessment will begin April 3rd
6th, 7th, 8th Grade Scholars
NWEA Spring MAP Assessment will begin April 22nd
6th, 7th, 8th Grade Scholars
AIMSWeb Assessment will begin May 7th
Selected Scholars (based upon assessment data)
If there are any questions regarding our Testing processes or procedures, please contact Mario Ford, Assistant Principal - Testing and Accountability at mford@sd161.org.
Cap & Gown Picture Retakes, Wednesday, April 3, during 1st and 2nd period in the Media Center. Retakes are for students who were absent. If you are not happy with your photo, there will be $10 fee for anything other than photographic error.
Panoramic Photo, Wednesday, April 10, during 4th period. Order forms will be sent home this week.
Graduation Rehearsal - Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Graduation Rehearsal - Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Graduation Ceremony - Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at HF High School- 6:00 PM (Graduates must be present no later than 5:30 PM)
Saturday Detention
Parents, please be aware when your child is scheduled for Saturday Detention, the hours are 8:00 am - 11:00 am. If you arrive after 8:15, you will need to reschedule with your grade level Dean. Also, TWO No Shows/No Calls for Saturday Detention will result in your scholar being assigned an ISS. Thank you for your support and please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Please see the Dress Code Policy below:
6.20 - School Dress Code We expect all students to be dressed appropriately and comfortably for school each day. Students are expected to be reasonably dressed and prepared to participate in a professional and hard working school environment. Any student whose dress is deemed to be inappropriate will be provided with a shirt or shorts that will appropriately cover the dress code violation. Clothes must be worn in such a way that the genitals, buttocks, stomach, sides, back and chest area are fully covered with opaque fabric. All undergarments must be fully covered. The following apply to all student attire:
a) Shirts must have opaque fabric in the front, back and on the sides under the arms that extends to the waistband,
b) Pants/sweatpants/shorts/ skirt/dress/leggings must be worn at waist level and in such a way that genitals, buttocks, undergarments are fully covered with opaque fabric, and,
c) Shoes must be worn at all times.
The following guidance is intended to illustrate implementation of the above requirements for students, parents, and school personnel while on school property:
1. Jackets, coats, hats, hoods, gloves, and other forms of outerwear apparel are not to be worn in school. Fleece and sweatshirts may be worn in school as long as a hood is not covering a student’s head.
2. No head covering or cap may be worn in the school unless for religious or health reasons.
3. Only prescription glasses may be worn in school.
4. Attire, earrings, jewelry, pins, or any other type of wearing apparel or accessories that advertise, promote, or depict alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs, gangs, weapons, nudity, obscenity, or profanity are not to be worn in school.
5. Students are not permitted to wear or advertise in any manner drug, alcohol, weapons, or any controlled substance paraphernalia.
6. Pajama attire is not to be worn in school, unless given special permission [PBIS reward, etc.]
Mr. Small, 6th Grade Dean
Ms. Bennett, 7th Grade Dean
Mr. Metanias, 8th Grade Dean
Our March Goal is to decrease the number of referrals for skipping class. Remind your students to get to class on time. If we make our goal we will wear pajama pants Thursday, 3/21/24. (Thursday before Spring Break)
The next lesson will be taught Monday, 3/18/24.
The 4th Quarter Incentive criteria will be the same. All scholars with no In-School Suspension or Out of School Suspension will attend (Scholars that engage in Physical Aggression will not be able to participate). This includes 8th grade end of the year activities.
AVID 2024-2025
The AVID program is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Scholars new to the AVID program can pick up applications in the main office or outside of room 61. Scholars continuing in the AVID program will need to complete an application as well. Applications are available in our classroom. If you have any questions, please email Dewey at adewey@sd161.org.
Girls Volleyball
Our 8th grade Lady Falcons lost their sectional game to Mokena on Monday March 11, 2024. The team ended their season with a record of 19-1. Congratulations on a great season!
Track
Track season is upon us! The first meet will be April 3 @ Columbia Central. Good luck Falcons!
Soccer
Tryouts will begin on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 3:05-4:30pm. Sports physicals MUST be on file in order to try out! March 19 is a remote learning day. We will still have tryouts. If your student does not have transportation to Parker, please email Coach Gauna (Girls Coach) at tgauna@sd161.org or Coach Edwards (Boys Coach) at pedwards@sd161.org.
Athletic Eligibility
For all IESA activities, athletic as well as non-athletic, passing work shall be checked weekly. Eligibility will be applied to the Monday through Saturday following the week that was checked. Students must be passing each subject each week to be eligible. Grades will be pulled every Friday. Emails will be sent to parents/guardians of those scholars who are not passing their classes.
SPECTATORS
Per South Suburban Junior High School Association (SSJHSA), students MUST be accompanied by THEIR parent/guardian to attend any home or away athletic events in the conference. Parents/guardians MUST remain with their scholar during the entire game.
Parker Junior High School
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