Dear Parents and Students,

I look forward to welcoming our students back on Wednesday, August 17 for the first day of school. Safety and security is our priority.  Below you will find important information to read before the start of school. All policies and procedures are available in the Student Handbook. 

Identification Cards
Students must wear a current student ID during the school day and at extracurricular events/activities. Permanent picture identification cards are issued annually. Identification cards must be worn appropriately on the upper torso via school approved lanyard or clip. If a student arrives to school without his or her permanent ID, the classroom teacher/security will issue a temporary ID to the student for that day and habitual issues will be addressed through students being issued a replacement ID that is $10.
 
Closed Campus
Students are not permitted to leave the school building during the school day without permission. There are rare occasions when students must leave during the school day. When such a time arises, parents must call the attendance office with the date, time, and reason for early dismissal. Students will receive a “permit to leave” the building for the designated time. Please note 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.  
 
Unauthorized Presence & Propping Doors/Allowing Entry
Schools and buildings are locked during the school day. Students and visitors must enter and exit through the Main Entrances at each campus or building. Students and staff are instructed not to open doors for anyone entering the building through any other doors.  Security personnel are stationed at the Main Entrances to ensure that students enter with a valid ID and visitors provide identification.  Students should never prop doors open or allow a student or visitor to enter the school building through any door except the main entrances. Propping a door open or allowing an individual to enter the building in locations other than main entrances is considered unauthorized presence and will result in disciplinary action as stated in school board policy.
 
Student Attire Expectations

• Students may not wear any head covering inside the premises, except for approved religious or medically prescribed head coverings.  

• Clothing that advertises alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, promoting violence, or obscene or vulgar language is not permitted.  

• Students must wear clothing including both shirt and pants or skirt, or the equivalent (dresses, leggings, yoga, pants, shorts, sweatpants) that covers breasts, genitals and buttocks from being seen.  

• Clothing must cover undergarments. 

• Students will wear shoes that are safe and appropriate for course assignments, athletic and other conditions.  

• Visible piercings are allowed but must be removable. Jewelry is prohibited during any class or activity when a staff member believes it poses a health or safety risk based on the activity. This includes but is not limited to rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, eyebrow, nose, lip piercings etc. Students enrolled in JROTC must follow uniform guidelines. (School Board Policy 7:160)  

Items Prohibited from 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, he/she can face an expulsion recommendation and the involvement of the Joliet Police Department. Items include, but are not limited, to the following: Mace, Pepper Spray, Box Cutter, Pocket Knife, 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 items prohibited on school grounds and the associated school board policy is HERE.
 
See Something Say Something 
Safety and security is everyone’s job. If you see something, say something. Resources and ways to report are below. 

• Contact a staff member or trusted adult. View the staff directory HERE, email info@jths.org, or complete the Contact Us form on the website. 

• Report concerns anonymously to the School Violence Tip Line at 1-800-477-0024.   

• Report bullying through the Bullying Report Form. This can be submitted anonymously or you can leave your name. Pictures and video can be uploaded. 

• If a student needs support, contact the school counselor or complete the Request for Support Form. This initiates a request, and a team of school support personnel review the situation to support the student. This form is not active until the first day of school on August 17, 2022.

• Dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

• Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line 

• Contact Safe2Help Illinois: Dial 844-4-SAFEIL, Text SAFE2 (72332), email HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com   

• Care Solace is a resource provided by JTHS at no cost to our students, parents, staff, and families. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health, substance use, or marital issues, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance.

I am looking forward to working in partnership with our families and students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time. 
 
Dr. Karla Guseman 
Superintendent