Families & Students: 
 
It was wonderful to connect with so many of you at our Open House! Please review these key updates and reminders to help your student shine this year. 

Join the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee  
Parents, guardians, students, faculty, and support staff are invited to participate in the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee. The committee addresses a range of important topics, including the administration of medication in schools, reciprocal reporting between the school district and local law enforcement regarding student criminal offenses, student behavior, disruptive classroom conduct, school bus safety procedures, and communication of student conduct information. For more information and to RSVP, view the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee Announcement. Spanish interpretation is available upon request. 
 
Join the Educational Technology Committee 
Parents, guardians, students, faculty, and support staff to participate in the Educational Technology Committee. The Educational Technology Committee will develop district procedures and guidance for the use of artificial intelligence. For more information and to RSVP, view the Educational Technology Committee Announcement. Spanish interpretation is available upon request.  
 
Financial Fit Plus Program Website 
JTHS families now have free access to Financial Fit Plus, an interactive resource designed to help families make informed financial decisions as students plan for life after high school. Whether your student is considering college, an apprenticeship, the military, or another pathway, Financial Fit Plus offers short videos, live Q&A sessions, planning tools, workbooks, and personalized resources to help you better understand costs and explore options that fit your student’s goals and your family’s financial situation. The program is available to families of students in all grade levels, and we encourage families to begin exploring these resources as early as ninth grade. You can access the JTHS Financial Fit Plus website by clicking here. 

Black Joy Parade Joliet – This Saturday! 
Join us this Saturday, August 29, at 1 p.m. on Chicago and Benton Street for the Black Joy Parade Joliet, celebrating Black excellence in our community. Come cheer on the Joliet Central Band along with many of our Joliet Central and West activities and athletics as they march in the parade. The lineup also includes the Jesse White Tumblers, and MAC Mentoring, presented by the Joliet City Center Partnership. See you downtown! 

Will County Clerk's Office Student Election Judge Application Now Open 
The Will County Clerk’s Office is excited to announce that they are now accepting applications for Student Election Judges for the November 3, 2026 General Election. Please note that students do not attend school on the November 3, 2026 General Election Day. Student Election Judges play an essential role on Election Day. They work alongside experienced election judges to help check in voters, distribute ballots, and ensure that the voting process runs smoothly, securely, and fairly. For more information and the application, view the Student Election Judge Announcement. 
 
School Safety Awareness Week - Reminders  
As we bring School Safety Week to a close, we are sharing the reminders below. Families can reinforce school safety by reviewing our Student Handbook. 
 
Closed Campus   
JTHS school buildings are closed campuses, which means that students are not allowed to leave the school buildings during the day without permission.  The school day includes the time in between dismissal and receiving transportation to and from school. When students are dismissed from school or waiting for the activity bus or a ride, they must stay on campus. Leaving campus can result in student discipline.  
 
Permission to Leave Campus  
There are rare occasions when students must leave during the school day. When such a time arises, families must call the Central Attendance Office or West Attendance Office with the date, time, and reason for early dismissal. Students will receive a permit to leave the building at the designated time. Please note that due to the volume of calls and availability of staff, requests for permission to leave campus should be made at least two days in advance. Failure to provide advanced notice will delay or inhibit our ability to issue your student a permit to leave the building.  
 
Dropping Off Items to Students During the School Day  
To secure a safe and secure learning environment, we are unable to accept drop-offs (lunch, homework, etc.) at the security booth during the day. Deliveries are a disruption to the learning environment. In the event your student forgets:  

• Lunch – See a café worker for assistance in securing a lunch from the cafeteria. Families may load money onto their student's My School Bucks Account.  

• Physical Education Uniform – Students may rent a PE Uniform by scanning their student ID. There is no rental charge.  

• Computer – Students may seek assistance from the teacher for alternative ways to access assignments.  

• In the event of an absolute emergency, such as forgotten house keys or medication, contact the Dean’s Office to make delivery arrangements. 

Consequences of Vaping  
We care deeply about student health. Vaping is strictly prohibited on school grounds and at school events. Students caught vaping or in possession of a vape will face disciplinary action per school policy. We encourage families to speak with their students about the dangers of vaping. According to the CDC, vaping can cause coughing, wheezing, mood changes, headaches, seizures, vomiting, and serious lung injury. It can also impair attention, learning, and impulse control, affecting performance in school, sports, and social settings. The Partnership to End Drug Addiction offers a resource guide to help families guide conversations about the dangers of vaping. 
 
Items Prohibited in School   
There are items that are not allowed on school property because they are considered a weapon. If a student brings one of these items on school property or to a school-sponsored function, regardless of whether the student intends to use the item or not, they can face an expulsion recommendation and involvement of the Joliet Police Department. For example, we have seen instances of students bringing box cutters to school because they use them at work.  Items prohibited from school include, but are not limited to, the following: Mace, Pepper Spray, Box Cutter, Pocketknife, Any Lookalike Gun/Weapon, Airsoft/Pellet Gun, Gel/Water Gun, Gel/Orbeez Gun, BB Gun, Gun/Rifle, Brass Knuckles, Kubaton, Taser.  A more extensive list of prohibited items and the associated school board policy is HERE.   
 
Hats, Hoods & Head Coverings  
Hats, hoods, or head coverings of any kind cannot be worn during school hours unless you have a medical or religious exemption. 
 
Athletic Booster Meeting – September 9  
Do you want to volunteer to help our athletic programs?  Then join the JT Boosters!  The next meeting is at 6 p.m. on September 9 at the Administrative Center, 300 Caterpillar Drive in Joliet.  We welcome all families!  The JT Boosters raise funds to supplement the athletic budgets, provide scholarships, and promote Steelmen and Tiger Pride.  Fundraisers include a golf outing and a Night of Champions event.  No RSVP is required to attend.  If you would like to learn more about the Boosters, complete the Booster Volunteer & Info Sign-Up Form. 

JTHS Partnership & Will County Summer Internship Recruitment Breakfast – September 10 
Joliet Township High School is hosting a Partnership & Will County Summer Internship Recruitment Breakfast on September 10, 2026, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the JTHS Administrative Center. Families, alumni, local businesses, and community leaders can learn about student mentorships, career fairs, and summer internship hosting opportunities from district leadership and the Will County Center for Economic Development. This event also serves as the first Joliet Region Community Connectors meeting of the school year. If you will attend the event, please compete the JTHS Partnership & Will County Summer Internship Recruitment Breakfast RSVP Form by September 2. 

Early Release School Improvement Day – September 10 
September 10 is a School Improvement Day and early release for students. Students will follow the “A” Schedule. Central, West, and Pathway students are dismissed from school at 11:45 a.m. AVAC students are dismissed at 11:30 a.m., and Transition Center students are dismissed at 10:45 a.m. Click on the links below to view the attendance calendar.  
2026-2027 Attendance Calendar (English) 
2026-2027 Attendance Calendar (Spanish) 
 
West Opera Scenes – September 10  
The Joliet West Choirs invites parents, students, staff and the community to its Opera Scenes performance on September 10 at 7 p.m. in the West Auditorium. This evening will feature a trio of 10-minute musicals and scenes from two light operas, “Die Fledermaus” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”  Admission is free, but donations are welcome.  The performances are appropriate for all ages. Enter the building through Door 5 and park in any available spot. 

Athletic Booster Golf Outing – September 13   
We invite you to join the JTHS Athletic Boosters on Sunday, September 13 for their 20th Annual Golf Outing at Inwood Golf Course. All proceeds benefit the JTHS Booster mission of supplementing the athletic budgets, providing scholarships, and promoting Steelmen and Tiger school pride. View the Booster Golf Outing Announcement for more information. 

 
Grandparents Raising Children Support Group – September 15  
The first Grandparents Raising Children support group meeting is Tuesday, September 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the JTHS Administrative Center.  The group provides fellowship and assistance to grandparents and non-custodial caregivers on navigating the educational and public service aid systems.  For more information, view the Grandparents Raising Children Flyer.  

JTHS Board of Education Meeting – September 15  
The JTHS Board of Education invites families and the community to their next regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 at the JTHS Administrative Center. Agendas are posted at least 48 hours prior to the meetings.  If you cannot attend in person, meetings are accessible via live stream. Individuals wishing to make public comments must sign up upon arrival before 6:50 p.m. 
 
Central Archives Committee Meeting – September 17 
Are you passionate about JTHS history and the preservation of historical items?  Do you want to help give school tours?  If so, the Central Archives Committee is for you!  Students, families, alumni, and staff are welcome!  The first meeting is 7 p.m. on September 17 at Joliet Central in Room 321. Enter the school through Door F (Field House Entrance). Students who attend will receive community service.  Instructions for documenting community service hours in SchooLinks can be found by clicking HERE. If you have questions, contact Ms. Petronio at epetronio@jths.org. 

Alianza de Familias Comprometidas a la Educación Committee – September 22  
The first Alianza de Familias Comprometidas a la Educación meeting of the school year is scheduled for September 22 at Joliet Central High School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This meeting will be held in Spanish and is open to all families, whether they are new to the group or returning members. The Alianza’s mission is to empower parents of English Learners to actively participate in their student’s education and to advocate for their academic, social, and cultural success. Join us for an afternoon filled with stories, discoveries, and family fun as we explore how reading sparks curiosity and fosters a lifelong love of reading. Free childcare will be available for children ages 4 to 12, and light refreshments will be provided. High school students who attend will receive community service hours. 

Informative Community Session: What is an ABLE Account? – September 22 
Join Representative Natalie Manley and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs for an important community discussion on ABLE accounts. ABLE accounts are a private savings account program designed to help people with disabilities build financial independence and pay for disability-related expenses, while still qualifying for public benefits. The townhall style discussion will be held on September 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Crest Hill Village Hall located at 20600 City Center Boulevard in Crest Hill. To RSVP or more information, please call or text (815) 258-7685 or send an email to repmanley@gmail.com. Click here to view the event flyer. 

JJC’s Annual Disability Pride Fest – September 26 
There is power in being seen. There is dignity in being included, and there is joy in knowing you belong. The City of Joliet, in partnership with the Disability Resource Center and United Cerebral Palsy Center for Disability Services, is proud to announce the Second Annual Disability Pride Fest on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at JJC’s Center Concourse building located at 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet. This free community event will feature information tables from elected officials, human service organizations, and state agencies, along with musical entertainment, games, food trucks, and a voter registration booth. Come celebrate disability pride, community, inclusion, and belonging! For more information or to request accommodations, please contact riley@drcjoliet.org.