Dear Rich Township Families,
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this time. In-person
instruction is scheduled to resume Monday, October 18, for all students and
we are planning to continue to put methods in place to reduce the spread of
COVID-19. I’d also like to reiterate that we are creating advisory councils for
each of our stakeholder groups to help improve our schools as is relates to our
curriculum, safety and discipline. We would like your input, as this is a team
effort. There will be advisory councils for students, staff, and parents and the
community, and more information will be announced soon on how to join. We are
also addressing concerns as it relates to student schedules in order to maximize
class time and space and reduce overcrowding.
I’m also pleased to announce that our district is strengthening its leadership team.
Effective immediately, Janice Wells, former Director of Fine Arts & International
Baccalaureate, will now serve as the Interim Co-Principal of Rich Township High
School alongside Mr. Larry Varn. We heard our community concerns and worked
with our Board of Education to respond responsibly. We are confident that this
leadership team will assist us in working towards our mission of focusing on
students and student success.
Read more to learn important information regarding parent-teacher conferences,
food service and more. Please read the following communication in its entirety for
additional updates.
Click here to watch the weekly video message.
Parent Teacher Conferences
There has been a change to the Parent Teacher Conferences schedule. Teachers
will be virtually meeting with parents from 9 am to noon and 5:30 to 8:00 pm
on Thursday, October 14. This day will be asynchronous instruction only. We
will not hold parent teacher conferences on Friday, October 15.
Parents will be provided with access to the appointment booking site this week. If
the available times pose an inconvenience for you, please reach out to your
student’s teacher to schedule a conference. If you are having technical difficulties
and need tech support, please email tech support at technology@rich227.org.
Exclusion Protocols
Recent guidance from ISBE and IDPH to keep students and staff safe and prevent COVID-19
outbreaks requires school districts to exclude any student or school personnel who is a confirmed COVID-19 case or probable case for at least 10 days and to exclude anyone who is considered a close contact for a minimum of 14 days or as otherwise directed by the local health authority.
School districts must provide remote instruction for students who test positive during such
time. Teachers will inform students of the assignments posted on Schoology that need to be
completed or the assigned modules in Edgenuity that need to be completed while they are on
quarantine.
Medical Exclusion
Under state law, all students in public schools must have up-to-date documentation on their
immunizations or have an exemption. Immunization is the best way to protect children against
vaccine-preventable diseases. School Exclusion Day is October 15.
This is a reminder to parents that students will not be able to attend school starting October
15 if their records on file show missing immunizations or physicals.
If you provided proof of an upcoming appointment during registration, were contacted by the
school nurse for additional information, or have not provided your updated documentation, please submit to your respective school nurse BEFORE October 15. Letters have been mailed containing this information as well. Fine Arts and Communications Campus - Laura Chapman lchapman@rich227.org STEM Campus - Sheila Allen-Stokes sallenstokes@rich227.org
Homebound
A child qualifies for homebound instruction if it is anticipated that, due to a medical condition,
the child will be unable to attend school, and instead must be instructed at home. A written
statement from a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches is required stating the existence of such medical condition, the impact on the child's ability to participate in
education, and the anticipated duration or nature of the child's absence from school. Please
contact your child’s counselor for more information regarding the application process for
homebound instruction.
FAFSA
State law now requires all Illinois public high school seniors to complete either the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial
Aid (Alternative Application) as a requirement to receiving a high school diploma. The Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps students secure funds to support their postsecondary endeavors. This new requirement ensures students have a chance to discover what resources are available to fund their next steps after high school. Completing the FAFSA or Alternative Application counts as an automatic application for a variety of financial aid resources including scholarships offered at many institutions. Financial aid obtained through the FAFSA can also pay for technical or vocational school. FAFSA forms must be submitted by April 30, 2022, in order to be eligible to participate in the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony. We recognize that completing the FAFSA can be intimidating. Rich Township High School is ready to support our young adults and families in navigating this process. You may also contact your child’s counselor or contact one of our College, Career, Military Liaisons for assistance or more information.
Ms. Myranda Scott
mscott@rich227.org
Mr. Duane Willingham
Dwillingham@rich227.org
Below you will find links for the FASFA and the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial
Aid:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply...
Alternative Application for Illinois Financial
Aid https://studentportal.isac.org...
If you have any questions or need any support, please do not hesitate to contact one of our postsecondary success team members which includes your child’s counselor, College Career, Military liaison, or transition coordinator.
Food Service
Please be advised that the Food Service Department will provide meal boxes to students while the building is closed during the COVID-19 shutdown. Three days of meals will be served on
Tuesday, October 12 from 9 to 10:30 am at both the STEM and Fine Arts and Communications Campuses. The meals will be delivered curbside to your car. Parents must bring an ID for each student to receive a food box of their student(s). No exceptions.
Families must pick up food boxes at their home campus. The meals are for Rich Township High School District 227 students only.
Thank you for taking the time to read this important information. Feel free to reach out to the
appropriate person if you have additional questions.
You may also follow us on social media:
· Facebook: @District227 @richtownshiphs
· Twitter: @District227 @DrJohnnieThomas @richtownshiphs
· Instagram: @district227_ @richtownshiphs
· Superintendent's Message on our district website:
http://www.rich227.org/Superin...
Your continued support of Rich Township High School District 227 is appreciated and vital to
ensure student success.
Respectfully,
Dr. Johnnie Thomas
Superintendent