Graphic announcing that Rich Township High School District 227 has been awarded a $7,500 Next ACRE Grant from Compeer Financial to expand hands-on agriculture education. The collage features the district’s agriculture classroom, indoor vertical growing towers, outdoor garden and greenhouse area, and a Rich Township student in the agriculture learning space. The graphic highlights Veterinary Science, Urban Agriculture, and Student Entrepreneurship.

Rich Township District 227 Awarded $7,500 Next ACRE Grant

September 23, 2026
Rich Township High School District 227 has been awarded a $7,500 Next ACRE Grant from Compeer Financial to expand hands-on learning in veterinary science, urban agriculture, and st...
READ MORE >
Celebratory Rich Township High School District 227 graphic recognizing junior Kylah A. Burns for earning first place in The Pitch Black Competition. The design features a large portrait of Kylah, photos of her presenting Ksquared Lemonade, Inc. and holding a $7,500 award check, along with red, black, white and gold district branding and the message “Celebrating Student Excellence.”

Rich Township Junior Kylah A. Burns Wins 1st Place in The Pitch Black Competition

September 21, 2026
Rich Township Junior Kylah A. Burns Wins 1st Place in The Pitch Black Competition Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to celebrate junior Kylah A. Burns for earning...
READ MORE >
Four-photo collage showcasing Rich Township STEM Campus programs: students and visitors in Ag Science, Aviation, Construction Trades, and Automotive learning spaces. Text reads, “STEM Campus Receives Honorable Mention — 2026 Exhibition of Educational Environments, Illinois Association of School Boards.”

Rich Township STEM Campus Earns Statewide Recognition for Outstanding School Design

September 20, 2026
Rich Township High School District 227’s STEM Campus additions and renovations have received an Honorable Mention in the Illinois Association of School Boards’ 2026 Exhibition of ...
READ MORE >
Red, black and white “Raptors to Salukis” follow-up graphic featuring Rich Township STEM Campus graduates Aaliyah Benitez and Dainelle Ellington. Aaliyah is studying pre-dentistry and Dainelle is studying accounting at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Raptors to Salukis: Rich Township Alumni Begin Their Next Chapter at SIU

September 18, 2026
Last school year, Rich Township High School District 227 proudly celebrated STEM Campus graduates Aaliyah Benitez and Dainelle Ellington after they were awarded prestigious Chance...
READ MORE >
English: Bilingual red, black, white, navy and orange graphic announcing a new dual-credit partnership between Rich Township High School and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The design includes an Illinois outline, university building, graduation cap and open book. English and Spanish partnership messages appear alongside “2026–2027” and “#richinstudentsuccess.” Español: Gráfico bilingüe en rojo, negro, blanco, azul marino y naranja que anuncia una nueva alianza de crédito dual entre Rich Township High School y University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. El diseño incluye el contorno de Illinois, un edificio universitario, un birrete y un libro abierto. Los mensajes en inglés y español aparecen junto a “2026–2027” y “#richinstudentsuccess.”

Rich Township High School Selected for University of Illinois Dual-Credit Initiative

September 4, 2026
Rich Township High School has been named one of 21 high schools across Illinois partnering with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign through its Dual Credit @ Illinois initi...
READ MORE >
Wide Rich Township High School District 227 news graphic featuring photos from the LAUNCH College Admissions Event. Rich Township students and representatives are pictured alongside messaging about colleges and universities visiting the South Suburbs and expanding college access. The graphic uses Rich Township’s red, black, and white branding and references coverage by the Chicago Tribune.

Rich Township Helps Expand College Access Across the South Suburbs

September 2, 2026
Rich Township High School District 227 continues to work with regional partners to expand college access and create meaningful postsecondary opportunities for students and familie...
READ MORE >
Bilingual LAUNCH College Admissions Event graphic with English on the left and Spanish on the right. The event is Monday, August 31, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at Southland College Prep in Richton Park. A U.S. map highlights five participating colleges and universities.

LAUNCH College Admissions Event Hosted by Southland College Prep Charter High School

August 24, 2026
Rich Township students and families are invited to meet admissions representatives from Cornell University, Emory University, Pomona College, Rice University, and Washington Unive...
READ MORE >
Jackie Sonsiadek names PowerSchool Champion

PowerSchool Champion Spotlight: Jackie Sonsiadek

August 13, 2026
Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to recognize Jackie Sonsiadek, a member of our Information Technology Department, who was recently invited to participate in PowerSc...
READ MORE >
Graphic explains LaTricia Varnado names Co-Principal at Rich Township High School. Mrs. Varnado has worked for the district for 20 years and is a former Rich Township student.

Leadership Spotlight: LaTricia Varnado Named Co-Principal of Rich Township High School

August 12, 2026
Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to recognize LaTricia Varnado on her appointment as Co-Principal of Rich Township High School. Varnado’s connection to Rich Townsh...
READ MORE >
Richton Park, IL - Rich Township High School senior Queen Thigpen walked across the graduation stage in May with more than a high school diploma. Before completing her senior year, Queen earned an Associate degree in Computer Science from Prairie State College, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.

Rich Township Senior Earns Associate Degree Before High School Graduation

May 19, 2026
Richton Park, IL - Rich Township High School senior Queen Thigpen walked across the graduation stage in May with more than a high school diploma. Before completing her senior year...
READ MORE >
Winter 2026 - March Newsletter

RTHS Quarterly Newsletter Now Available

March 12, 2026
We’re excited to share the latest edition of the Rich Township High School District 227 Quarterly Newsletter. This edition reflects the continued work, growth, and accomplishments ...
READ MORE >
“A wide view of a school gym during a drone competition with teams, spectators, and competition fields set up on the floor.”

Rich Township High School to Host Regional Drone Competition at STEM Campus

March 6, 2026
Rich Township High School will host the Olympia Fields, IL Rich Township Drone Competition on Saturday, March 7, 2026 , at the Rich Township High School STEM Campus , located a...
READ MORE >
UNCF’s “We are Stronger Together” Scholarship Gala is Friday, February 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The goal is to raise over $250,000 in scholarships for students in our community. Families can donate or purchase tickets using the link in this week’s email.

Superintendent-Led Scholarship Gala Expected to Surpass $1 Million; Jacqueline Jackson Named First Recipient of Rev. Jesse Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award

February 24, 2026
WHEN: Friday, February 27, 6 p.m. WHERE: Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Drive Tinley Park, IL 60477 WHO: The Superintendents’ Commission for t...
READ MORE >
More than 500 students from five south suburban school districts took the stage Thursday evening at the Governors State University Center for the Performing Arts for the 2026 Black History Showcase, a regional celebration of African American history, culture and achievement. Participating districts included Matteson School District 162, Matteson School District 153, Elementary School District 159, Rich Township High School District 227 and Southland College Prep Charter High School. The evening opened with a musical tribute to the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who passed away earlier this week, setting a reflective tone for a program that blended history with the contemporary. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Johnnie Thomas, superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227, and developed in partnership with Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent of Matteson School District 162 and CEO of Southland College Prep Charter High School. Throughout the evening, students delivered performances that brought Black history to life — including a musical presentation about Black Wall Street in Tulsa, selections inspired by The Lion King, tributes to Chicago House music and a celebration of the Jackson 5. “This showcase demonstrates what is possible when districts collaborate with purpose,” Dr. Thomas said. “Our students are not only performing — they are learning, leading and honoring history.” Dr. Davis added, “When we come together across districts, we show our students that their legacy is not just something to study — it is something to live.”

More Than 500 Students From Five Districts Unite for 2026 Black History Showcase

February 20, 2026
More than 500 students from five south suburban school districts took the stage Thursday evening at the Governors State University Center for the Performing Arts for the 2026 Bl...
READ MORE >
Group photo outdoors with school and university leaders, students, the marching band, and a red mascot; two people hold an “SIU Southern Illinois University” banner.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale to Present Chancellor’s Scholarship at Rich Township High School District 227

February 3, 2026
Scholarship presentation follows SIUC Chancellor Austin Lane’s October 2025 visit announcing expanded admissions access, full-ride opportunities, and continued investment in Co...
READ MORE >
Title: RTHS Fall 2025 Quarterly Newsletter Now Available! Body: The Fall 2025 edition of our Rich Township High School District 227 Quarterly Newsletter is here! Explore inspiring stories of student achievement, innovation, and community pride—including the grand opening of our new CTE Wing, district goals for 2025-2026, Raptor Spotlights, and more. 📖 Read it now: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/RTHSFALL2025NOVNEWSLETTER #OneSchoolOneRoar #RichInStudentSuccess

RTHS Fall 2025 Quarterly Newsletter Now Available!

November 5, 2025
Dear Rich Township Families and Community, We’re excited to share the Fall 2025 edition of our Rich Township High School District 227 Quarterly Newsletter ! This issue highl...
READ MORE >
Rich Township High School FAC Media Center Wins Competitive State Grant to Boost Social-Emotional Learning Collection RICHTON PARK, IL [October 21, 2025] — The Rich Township High School (RTHS) Fine Arts Campus (FAC) School Media Center is proud to announce it has been awarded a $2,000.00 Feed Your Need Grant from the Association of Illinois School Librarians (AISLE) / Library Book Selection Service (LBSS) Endowment Fund. RTHS FAC is one of only 26 school libraries across Illinois to receive this competitive, annual, statewide award. The grant funds must be used exclusively to purchase books and/or e-books to update an area of the collection that is outdated or does not meet curricular standards. RTHS FAC Media Center Specialist Danielle Baker successfully applied for the grant to significantly enhance the library’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) resources. “This grant is critical because SEL resources empower students to better understand themselves and others, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies,” said Baker. “In a post-pandemic educational landscape, our students are navigating unprecedented emotional and social challenges. A robust SEL collection can serve as a safe space for exploration, healing, and growth, especially for students who may not have access to mental health support outside of school.” The Feed Your Need Grant recognizes the importance of specialized library collections that support specific curricular needs and AISLE’s I-SAIL Standards. The rigorous application process required Mrs. Baker to: • Identify the specific need for the SEL materials in the current book collection. • Detail how school staff, students, parents, and the community will be involved in the project. • Outline the evaluation plan for assessing the effectiveness and use of the new book collection. The updated SEL collection will provide RTHS FAC students with timely and relevant materials to support their emotional well-being and academic success. For more information about this grant and the LBSS Endowment Fund, visit http://lbssfund.org

Rich Township High School FAC Media Center Wins Competitive State Grant to Boost Social-Emotional Learning Collection

October 21, 2025
RICHTON PARK, IL [October 21, 2025] — The Rich Township High School (RTHS) Fine Arts Campus (FAC) School Media Center is proud to announce it has been awarded a $2,000.00 F...
READ MORE >
Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to announce a remarkable increase in the number of students recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board. In 2025, 158 students earned the prestigious AP Scholar designation—triple the number from 2024, when 52 students achieved the honor.

Rich Township High School District Sees Significant Growth in AP Scholars

September 25, 2025
Matteson, IL — Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to announce a remarkable increase in the number of students recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board. In 2025...
READ MORE >
Dr. Johnnie Thomas- Superintendent of Rich Township High School District School District 227- is proud to announce the dedication of the musical arts center at the Fine Arts & Communication (FAC) campus of Rich Township High School in honor of longtime Band Director Phillip Crews. The ceremony took place on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL.

A Legacy in Harmony: Rich Township Honors Band Director Phillip Crews with Musical Arts Center Dedication

June 9, 2025
Dr. Johnnie Thomas- Superintendent of Rich Township High School District School District 227- is proud to announce the dedication of the musical arts center at the Fine Arts & Comm...
READ MORE >
SOUTHLAND LEADERS TO OFFICIALLY PRESENT PUBLIC PLANS FOR THE FORMER RICH EAST HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS SITE

SOUTHLAND LEADERS TO OFFICIALLY PRESENT PUBLIC PLANS FOR THE FORMER RICH EAST HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS SITE

April 9, 2025
In a bold move to expand educational and workforce opportunities across the south suburbs, six superintendents and educational leaders representing school districts and colleges in...
READ MORE >