Summer is upon us, and it is time for renewal. At this time of year, we prepare for our end-of-year events. We say good-bye to our 904 graduates and wish them the very best in their future endeavors.

Now, we begin our summer curriculum work while developing a budget that will support our school's initiatives for the upcoming school year. To this end, we are reviewing this year's achievements and making decisions regarding where we need future improvements, areas we want to change, and things that can make our distict "The Best Place to Learn." We are anxiously awaiting the results of the Prairie State Achievement Exams (PSAE) to be posted in August 2008.

In response to our increasing student body, all three of our high schools will be impacted by major construction over the summer months. Projects at Rich Central include a 21,000 square foot administration annex that will provide twelve additional classrooms, as well as renovations to the boys' and girls' locker rooms, baseball field, football field and press box. At Rich East, we've added four additional classrooms, with renovations to the lighting, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as outdoor renovations to the concession stand, press box, football field, baseball field and parking lot. And at Rich South, renovations include updates to the tennis courts, press box, and football field, along with a new 26,000 square foot cafeteria annex, a new media center, and nine additional classrooms.

Innovations in technology helped to make this year a pivotal milestone with the addition of a computer in every classroom and the introduction of PowerSchool, an online database that allows parents, students, and staff to access student data including grades, attendance, scheduling and more. Our Autodialer system, also introduced this year, delivered timely phone messages to parents and students on current events, school programs and community information. The eCommunicator system, an integral part of our communication efforts, continues to bring online messages to members of the Rich Township family.

As a reminder, the first semester of summer school will be from June 9 through June 26, and the second semester will be from June 30th through July 17th. Our first day of school is August 13 for freshman and August 14 for all other students.

In closing, I would like to say thank you for your continued support of Rich Township High Schools. Thanks for a great 2007-2008 school year. May you and all of your families have a safe, restful and enjoyable summer.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (708) 679-5738.
 
Sincerely,

Superintendent Hunigan