Superintendent's Message
Superintendent's Message
Office of the Superintendent
May 10, 2024
Dear Rich Township Families,
As we step into a new week brimming with potential, I am thrilled to share some exciting news from our district. Our steadfast dedication to fostering a nurturing and dynamic educational atmosphere plays a pivotal role in our endeavors, and your ongoing support is crucial for our shared achievements.
With May marking the final stretch of our academic year, it's a time to reflect on the remarkable journey we've shared. The upcoming graduation of the Class of 2024 stands as a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our students and staff alike. This milestone event is not just a celebration of achievements, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence. Let's continue to motivate and inspire our students to stay engaged and push through to their graduation day with the same zest and determination they have consistently shown. Together, we can make this a memorable and joyous conclusion to their high school journey.
Read more to learn important information regarding Summer School Schedule, Chromebook Collection, and more. Please read the following communication in its entirety for additional updates.
Para obtener una copia traducida del mensaje semanal del Superintendente, visite nuestro sitio web y seleccione el idioma preferido de las opciones ubicadas arriba a la izquierda de la página.
Click here to watch the weekly video message.
Class of 2024 Graduation Information
We are excited to celebrate the upcoming graduation of our seniors! Please find important information below regarding the events leading up to and on graduation day.
Graduation Week Schedule:
· Chromebook Collection: Seniors should return their Chromebooks during May 8-10. Please ensure all stickers are removed.
· Last Day of School: Senior activities on May 10, including a cookout from 10 am - 2 pm.
· Senior Grad Night at Great America: Tickets are required for this event on May 11. Buses depart from FAC Door 11 at 8 pm.
· Graduation Practice: Attendance is mandatory on May 16 from 9 am - 2 pm at FAC, West Fieldhouse Door F2.
· All White Brunch Cruise: This ticketed event is on May 17. Buses depart from FAC Door 11 at 12:30 pm.
Graduation Day - May 18:
· Time and Location: The ceremony begins at 3:30 pm at FAC Stadium. Gates open at 3:00 pm.
· Parking: Available at the West and East Parking Lots on campus and auxiliary parking areas. Shuttles will be available from auxiliary parking lots. Please refer to the attached map for details. Link to parking map
· Tickets: Each graduate receives four tickets. Inclement weather tickets will be distributed at the practice.
· Attire: Graduates should wear formal clothing appropriate for walking distances on the field. More detailed guidelines are provided in the attachment.
· Inclement Weather Plan: The ceremony will move indoors to the FAC Fieldhouse, starting at the same time. Each graduate will have two tickets for indoor seating.
· Behavior and Decorum: We expect respectful behavior from all attendees throughout the event.
For further details on each event and more, please review the attached document: Link to detailed graduation info.
We look forward to a memorable graduation week and thank you for your cooperation and support in making it a special day for our graduates!
Building Cashiers
Effective immediately, each campus now has a dedicated campus cashier available to assist students, parents, and guardians with making payments. For your convenience, payment inquiries and transactions can now be conducted in person at the STEM and FAC campuses.
Please note that we will no longer be accepting payments at the district office. This change aims to streamline our processes and provide a more accessible and efficient payment experience for all stakeholders.
Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our campus cashier staff.
STEM Campus
Alicia Muhammad
(708) 679-5631
FAC Campus
Amy Wlos
(708) 679-3079
Summer School Registration
We are pleased to announce the schedule for our upcoming summer school sessions. The first session will commence on June 3rd and conclude on June 24th, with no classes on June 19th in observance of the holiday. The second session will start on June 25th and end on July 16th, with a break on July 4th to celebrate the national holiday. These sessions are designed to provide flexible learning opportunities during the summer break. For more details and to register, please refer to the links in the flyer provided below.
https://www.rich227.org/page/summer-school
Chromebook Collection
As we approach the end of another fruitful school year, we are preparing to commence our annual Chromebook collection to facilitate necessary maintenance and updates. The collection will occur on specified dates for each class group, with designated locations for STEM and FAC students:
· Juniors: May 21 (STEM - Media Center; FAC - Cheer Gym)
· Sophomores: May 22 (STEM - Media Center; FAC - Cheer Gym)
· Freshmen: May 23 (STEM - Media Center; FAC - Cheer Gym)
· Teachers, and Staff (Any students who missed their designated day): May 24
(All Parties: STEM Media Center and FAC Cheer Gym)
To assist our Tech Department efficiently, please remove all stickers, cases, and personal items from the Chromebooks before returning them. Your cooperation greatly facilitates the smooth processing and upkeep of our technology resources.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the technology department or our main office.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and efforts to ensure a seamless collection process.
Class Recognition Ceremonies
On May 21, 2024, Rich Township High School plans to celebrate on track 11th grade students at the Junior Pinning ceremony. This event honors Juniors excelling in academics and on track for entering Senior year. The event will be held Phase 3 at STEM and Phase 7 at FAC. Witness the rite of passage as juniors transition to seniors. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and aspirations! Save the date and be part of this memorable occasion!
On May 22, 2024 Rich Township High School will celebrate the achievements of our Sophomore students at a Half Cap ceremony. This event honors students who are on track toward entering Junior year. Held Phase 3 at STEM and Phase 7 at FAC. Let's come together as a community to applaud these remarkable individuals and inspire them to continue their journey toward success. Save the date and be part of this memorable occasion!
On May 23, 2024 at 6 pm at the Tinley Park Convention Center will host the Freshman Pathway Declaration. This event marks a pivotal moment as freshmen declare their academic and vocational pathways, celebrating their achievements and commitment to their chosen academic path. It's a chance to support and recognize our students as they embark on their educational journey, setting the stage for future success. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the beginning of something truly remarkable in the lives of our freshmen. All Freshmen students and 2 guests are invited to attend.
Important Message for the Class of 2025
All students who are Seniors must submit proof of receiving the meningococcal vaccination after turning 16. This is a requirement by Illinois State Law for incoming seniors. All students must show proof of receiving one dose after their 16th birthday. This vaccine will prevent your child from a severe form of bacterial meningitis, as well as other illnesses caused by this bacterium. This vaccine is required prior to the beginning of their senior year. We have not received proof of your student’s shot yet.
All twelfth-grade students will need to show proof of receiving two doses of MCV4. However, if the first dose was administered after 16 years of age, then only one dose is required.
Documentation accepted in compliance with the requirement for students entering 12th grade may include one of the following:
· A letter or note signed by your health care provider identifying the date in which the meningococcal conjugate vaccine was administered.
· Printout from your provider’s electronic medical record that indicates the date the vaccine was administered
· The current Certificate of Child Health Examination form specifies the date the meningococcal conjugate vaccine was administered.
Please submit proof of vaccine to the school nurse upon receipt of documentation. If you have questions, contact one of the school nurses listed below. Failure to comply will hinder your child’s ability to register for school. Thank you for your cooperation.
Katherin Alexander Wilson RN, MPA, BA, PEL-CSN
STEM Campus Nurse
708-679-5820
Laura Chapman RN, MSN, DNP, PEL-CSN
FAC Campus Nurse
708-679-3026
Food Service
The Food Service Department is excited to welcome back our students for the new school year! Please review the information below for important information about meal services. More detailed information can be found HERE.
FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR ALL STUDENTS: All Rich Township District 227 students receive one free breakfast and one free lunch daily under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). There are NO meal applications to fill out and all students, regardless of their family income, are eligible to receive free meals daily at school. Please encourage your student(s) to participate in the free meal program to be fueled up for learning while providing support to the school nutrition program!
PURCHASING EXTRA ITEMS: Students can also deposit money in their meal accounts for second helpings and a la carte purchases of food and snacks. Deposits can be made online by creating an account at myschoolbucks.com, or in person with cash or a check in the cafeteria at breakfast time.
ID CARDS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES: In our effort to support the District's ID Policy, and to ensure that students are not receiving multiple free meals each day, the food service department uses a Point of Sale (POS) system for tracking meals and additional ala carte purchases. This requires scanning student ID cards at the serving lines for free breakfast and lunch. We also scan ID cards for purchases at the Marketplace Snack Bar and for extra food purchases in the serving lines.
AT BOTH THE STEM CAMPUS AND THE FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATIONS CAMPUS ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT AN ID CARD AT THE TIME OF SERVICE FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. NO EXCEPTIONS.
If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact Betsy Williams, Food Service Coordinator at 708-679-5728.
Food Pantry
Pantry Operational Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. These dedicated hours are for our any families who have signed up to receive assistance.
Online Orders - Available 24/7: We understand that convenience is key in these busy times, which is why we have enabled online ordering, available 24/7, to ensure no one goes without. Orders can be swiftly placed via the following link: Pantry Order Form.
Order Processing Time: Please allow a processing window of 3-5 business days for your orders. We strive to prepare them as quickly as possible.
Who We Serve: Our services are not limited; we proudly extend our support to all families within District 227 in need, beyond those receiving free and reduced lunch. This is a community-wide resource.
Donations - Your Generosity Counts Your support through donations is the lifeblood of this initiative. Non-perishable food and essential household supplies are always welcomed with gratitude. Here’s a list of suggested donations that make a significant impact:
● Breakfast Cereals
● Soups
● Canned Fruits and Vegetables
● Pasta and Sauce
● Rice, Noodles, and Potatoes
● Macaroni and Cheese
● Pancake Mix and Syrup
● Toilet Paper and Bar Soap
Donation Drop-off Points Please drop off any donations in the staff cafeteria at both campus locations during school hours.
Monetary Donations If you are pressed for time but still wish to contribute, monetary donations are greatly appreciated and can be made through our dedicated donation page here:
You may also follow us on social media:
● Facebook: @District227
● Twitter: @DrJohnnieThomas @richtownshiphs
● Instagram: @district227_
● Superintendent's Message on our district website: https://www.rich227.org/page/superintendents-message
Your continued support of Rich Township High School District 227 is appreciated and vital to ensure student success.
Respectfully,
Dr. Johnnie Thomas
Superintendent
Contact Information
Superintendent
Office 708-679-5737
Cell 773-599-0331
Twitter: @DrJohnnieThomas
Executive Assistant to Superintendent
708-679-5737