Families and Students: 

To our graduates, tomorrow as we celebrate the Class of 2026 from Joliet Central and Joliet West, never forget how far you have come. Always remember you can achieve anything; the world is waiting for your brilliance! Go out and do well, but above all, do good and be the change you wish to see.

The ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can live stream the events by clicking the links below. 

• Central Graduation Live Stream 

• West Graduation Live Stream    

Collins Street Neighborhood Cleanup Day Community Service Opportunity – May 23 
Students can earn community service hours on Saturday, May 23 by participating in the Collins Street Neighborhood Cleanup Day from 10 a.m. to noon. The event kicks off at the Hartman Center Pavillion, 511 N. Collins St., Joliet. All cleanup supplies and refreshments are provided. This event is family-friendly and all ages are welcome. View the English Flyer or Spanish Flyer for details.

No Classes on Memorial Day – May 25  
As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, May 25 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We dedicate this day to honor those who lost their lives while defending their country.  

Semester 2 Final Exam Schedule – May 27-29  
Semester 2 final exams are scheduled for May 27-29. The final exam schedule for Joliet Central and Joliet West, in English and Spanish, is HERE. The morning bus pick-up schedules for final exams on May 28 and 29 are below.   

• Central Second Semester Final Exam Bus Schedule   

• West Second Semester Final Exam Bus Schedule  

Countdown to Summer! Last Day of School Reminder – May 29  
The final day of classes for the 2025-2026 school year is Friday, May 29. Let’s finish strong!  

Food Pantry Pop-Up – May 28 and June 25 
Join Joliet Township Government and Holsten Human Capital Development at their next pop-up event where they will distribute free food to our community. No registration is needed. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis or while supplies last. The next distribution dates are scheduled for May 28 and June 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Louise Ray Community Center located at 1017 Woodruff Road in Joliet. For more information, contact Tyler Giacalone at 815-726-4781 extension 602. To view the additional details, please click here to view the flyer. 

JTHS Foundation Golf Outing – June 4 
On June 4, the JTHS Foundation will host the 25th Annual Brent Wadsworth Alumni Golf Outing. The event is open to alumni, staff, business partners, and community members. All proceeds support grants for District 204 students and staff, scholarships for deserving seniors at both campuses, the principal’s emergency fund, summer school support, and ACT and PSAT testing assistance. The Foundation is currently seeking donations, sponsors, and volunteers to support this event. Please click here to view the Foundation Golf Announcement for event details and participation opportunities. 

JTHS Board of Education Meeting – June 16   
The JTHS Board of Education invites families and the community to their next regularly scheduled meeting on June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Administration Center. Agendas are posted at least 48 hours before the meeting. Meetings are live-streamed. Individuals wishing to make public comments must sign up upon arrival before 6:50 p.m. Please be aware of the construction project at the Administration Center which is scheduled through the end of July. Guests wishing to attend the meeting have two options to enter the building. Guests may enter through Door 1 using the south lot off McDonough Street or guests can enter through Door 3 using the north lot off Caterpillar Drive near the Mary Sears Children’s Academy. All guests will be required to pass through the security system upon entry. 

City Square & Unity Dome Dedication – June 18 
The City of Joliet invites community members to come together in celebration as downtown Joliet welcomes the official dedication of the newly constructed City Square and Unity Dome on Thursday, June 18 at 12 p.m. The event will take place at 91 N. Chicago Street in Joliet. This special event marks an exciting investment in civic pride and the continued revitalization of downtown Joliet. The celebration will also feature a guest appearance by artist Sijia Chen. Don’t miss this momentous occasion for our city! 

JTHS Summer Reading 
We are inviting our JTHS students and families to visit and use the resources at your public library this summer. Get a library card! Check out books or items for rent! Public libraries are free and open to everyone. Joliet Public libraries have a summer program where students and adults can earn prizes. JTHS has their own Bingo card that students can pick up at your library. If you complete the bingo card, you can earn a free book when you start school in the fall. Please look at the attached presentation for information about the libraries that serve JTHS students in their neighborhoods!  
 
Joliet Public Library Student Volunteer Opportunity & Summer Reading Program
The Joliet Public Library is seeking high school students to assist with its summer programming through the Teen Volunteer Corps. Student volunteers will help with raffles and other activities throughout the summer while earning valuable community service hours. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please click here. In addition to volunteer opportunities, the library is also excited to bring back its annual, family-friendly Summer Reading Program from June 1 through July 31. Students and families can earn prizes, coupons, and free books by participating. For more information about the Summer Reading Program, please click here. To track your reading progress, please click here. 
 
Free Clothing & Coats Available at the Community Clothing Closet 
Free gently used clothing and coats for infants, children, and adults are available by appointment at Faith Bible Church’s Community Clothing Closet located at 1600 Schuster Avenue in Joliet. Clothing can be obtained by appointment only by calling (815) 723-3212 at extension 1005. View the flyer for more information. 

Important Reminder for Incoming Seniors: Meningococcal Vaccine Required for 2026-2027 
Students who are current juniors and will be seniors during the 2026-2027 school year are required by Illinois State law to provide documentation of one dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine administered on or after their 16th birthday. Pursuant to Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1), students must submit proof of immunization by October 15, 2026, or face exclusion from school beginning on that date. Summer break is right around the corner. Do not wait until fall to schedule your appointment. Families are encouraged to contact our local community-based clinics offering immunizations and physicals. For information on community-based clinics, please click the links below. 

• Will County Health Department 

• VNA Health Care 

Is Your Incoming Freshman Starting High School This Fall? 
Families of incoming freshmen are reminded that Illinois State law requires students entering 9th grade to submit a completed State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form, including proof of immunizations. The physical examination must be completed within one year prior to entering high school and must be signed by a licensed healthcare provider. Parents or guardians must also complete and sign the student’s health history section of the form. Pursuant to Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1), students must submit the completed Child Health Examination Form with immunizations by October 15, 2026, or face exclusion from school beginning on that date. Additionally, all incoming freshmen students are required to submit a completed Proof of School Dental Examination Form by May 15, 2027. Beat the back-to-school rush and schedule your students’ appointments early this summer. Families seeking immunizations or school physicals for their students may utilize local community health clinics. Please review the links below for available resources and clinic information. 

• Will County Health Department 

• VNA Health Care 

Sign Up for School & Sports Physicals – Spots Filling Quickly!
Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness is hosting two summer Health Fairs on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East Community Health Center located at 1200 Eagle Street in Joliet. These events are a great opportunity for families to obtain a school and sports physical, enjoy family activities, and so much more. Appointments are limited and are filling up quickly. Insurance will be charged, and if there is no insurance, a payment reduction formula will be applied to decrease the cost. Call 877-692-8686 to reserve your appointment. View the event flyer for more information.  

Free Summer Meals for Children under 18
The Illinois State Board of Education program is offering free summer meals to all children under the 18 throughout Joliet-area sites offering breakfast, lunch, or both. For details, call 1-866-348-6479, send a text with the message “SUMMER” to 914-342-7744, or visit www.HungerFreeAmerica.org.