Superintendent's Message

Superintendent's Message

Archive

Office of the Superintendent

April 19, 2024

Dear Rich Township Families,

We are thrilled to share some upcoming highlights that celebrate the remarkable talents and academic achievements of our students. We invite you to join us for the enchanting Spring Musical, "The Wiz", on April 25th and 26th, and to celebrate our graduating seniors at the 6th Annual Future Ready Celebration on April 23rd. Both events showcase the hard work and dedication of our students within the supportive environment of our district.

Read more to learn important information regarding Ticket Sales for the Spring Musical, Future Ready Celebration, 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.

The Wiz – Spring Musical

Step into a world of enchantment with our upcoming Spring Musical, "The Wiz"! This beloved classic takes you on a fantastical journey alongside Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, as they embark on an adventure down the Yellow Brick Road. Experience the magic, the music, and the timeless message of discovery, courage, heart, and intelligence.

Mark your calendars for April 25th and 26th at 6:30 PM, and join us at the Fine Arts and Communications Auditorium for a performance that promises to dazzle and inspire. Tickets are now available. Don't miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary journey. Secure your seats today by visiting https://gofan.co/app/school/IL86772.

This link closes on Sunday, April 21st. A limited number of tickets will be available at the box office on the night of the shows. See you at the show!

Future Ready Celebration 2024

DATE: APRIL 23, 2024

TIME: 6:00 PM -7:30 PM

LOCATION: Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park

On behalf of the administration of Rich Township High School District 227, I want to personally invite your senior student(s) and two guests to attend the 6th Annual Future Ready Celebration. Please check your email, on March 28th a special invitation was emailed to all students and parents that qualify for this event. Future Ready will honor and recognize all graduating senior students who have earned college credit through the following programs: Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, International Baccalaureate.

The event will take place April 23, 2024, at the Tinley Park Convention Center, located at 18451 Convention Center Drive in Tinley Park, Illinois. The event is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature student performances, a guest speaker, and students will receive a special graduation cord.

Recognizing our students who take on the challenge of pursuing college level work while they are in high school is important because it provides the opportunity to learn lessons about navigating college and boosts their success rate. Our students have taken advantage of pre-exposure to the demands of college coursework, they learn how to manage their time and maintain work-life balance, and eventually, they save themselves and their family hundreds of dollars by accruing transferrable college credits before they graduate. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact, Ana Zambrano at 708-679-5872.

Students are allowed to participate with up to two guests. This is a formal wear event. Dinner will be served promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Class of 2024 Graduation Information

Congratulations to the Class of 2024, you are on the final stretch of your high school career. Specific details about graduation are now available.

After careful consideration and in response to the feedback received from our recent family survey, we have decided to adjust the time of the graduation ceremony. The new time for the commencement will be at 3:30 PM instead of the previously scheduled 5:30 PM.

This change has been made to better accommodate the needs and preferences expressed by our families, ensuring that as many loved ones as possible can participate in celebrating this milestone event. Accessing Graduation and Prom Information

For comprehensive details about the graduation ceremony, including venue information, parking, guidelines for attendees, and other important announcements, please visit the following link:

Click here

This resource will also provide you with all you need to know about the upcoming Prom event, ensuring you and your graduate are well-prepared for these memorable occasions.

Prom Information

Attention, Juniors and Seniors! The wait is over. Details for the most anticipated event of the year are now live. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.

*If you are interested in attending Prom 2024, you MUST be eligible - meet all District requirements:

· Junior or Senior Status

· Raptor Ready

· No Social Probation (in-schools, suspensions, etc.)

· Attendance, Tardies, Behavior counts NOW!

*Complete the GO CARD form now to get on the list to be checked.

*After form completed, you will be placed in a Prom 2024 group in Schoology where more information will be shared throughout the semester.

*You MUST be approved to purchase a ticket in March.

*Approval process will begin on Monday, March 18.

*If NOT approved, you will be notified via school email & Schoology Message.

ATTENTION RAPTOR GIRLS! Click here to access the Prom Dress Approval Form

Prom 2024 information is officially available on our school website! Use the link below to learn more.

Click here to learn more

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

Kwilson@rich227.org

708-679-5820

Laura Chapman RN, MSN, DNP, PEL-CSN

FAC Campus Nurse

lchapman@rich227.org

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:

Support Our Pantry

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