Dear Parents and Students,

It has been a difficult start of the school year, but I want you to know that I am here for you, our teachers and staff are here for you, and our Board of Education is here to support our students and families during this unique, complicated, and challenging time. We are committed to doing everything we can to make our schools as safe as possible. To address what is occurring in our schools, Principal Hallihan and Principal Gibson worked together to create video messages for students and staff. The messages were shared on Monday to reinforce behavioral expectations, address tardies, and to thank the students who are making good choices.  The messages are below so that parents can reinforce our expectations by talking to their students.

View Principal Hallihan’s Message
View Principal Gibson’s Message
 

Also in today’s email, you will read about an opportunity from our Board of Education that asks alumni to send video messages of encouragement to our students.  If you are an alum, I encourage you to participate and share this with others.
 

There is good news to share as well.  Congratulations to our Marching Tigers, National Merit Commended Students, Central Students of the Month, West Students of the Month and to Board of Education Lorraine Guerrero Neumayer on receiving the Wintrust Financial Bank Latinx Community Award. I also received notification this week that Project Acclaim is bestowing the Hall of Pride Award to all those involved in the Joliet West High School Vaccination Clinic effort.  In addition, I want to give a huge shout out to our athletic department for hosting the Volley for a Cure event on Tuesday that raised over $2,000 for Pink Heals, Cancer research, and for the family of 5-year-old Penelope Gomez as she prepares for her second stem cell transplant.
 

#OnwardSteelmen & #TigerPride Alumni Campaign
Board of Education President Frank Edmon, Jr. and the Joliet Township High School Board of Education are asking our alumni to participate in a campaign that encourages our students.  Alumni can share a short video message using THIS LINK. More information is HERE.
 

Parent Teacher Conference Registration Ends Monday, October 11
The deadline to schedule Parent Teacher Conferences is Monday, October 11 at 5 p.m.  Parent Teacher Conferences take place virtually on Thursday, October 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday, October 15 from 9 am to 3 p.m.  Parents should log on to their Power PTC account HERE to schedule their conferences.  More information on Power PTC and step-by-step instructions are HERE.
 

Nominate a Great Teacher
Please consider nominating a teacher for the Joliet Chamber’s Great Teacher Award. The nomination form is HERE and does not take much time to complete. Email nominations to jhoward@jolietchamber.com. The deadline is 4 p.m. on November 15.

 

Exploring Options for Life After High School Workshop Oct. 13

In this workshop, students will learn about a variety of career and educational paths and how to prepare for life beyond high school.  The workshop takes place on October 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Joliet Park District on Jefferson Street.  Register today at www.604initiative.com/events.

 

JTHS Board of Education Meeting October 19, 2021
I thank our parents and community members who shared thoughts and concerns at Tuesday’s meeting. Parents, students, members of our community, and the public are always welcome at our Board of Education meetings. The next Board of Education meeting is October 19.  Agendas are posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting and can be found HERE. Due to COVID restrictions, the capacity limit for board meetings is 60 visitors.  Visitors will be admitted to the meeting on a first come basis.  Board of Education meetings are also livestreamed and can be viewed HERE. Masks must be worn at all times while inside JTHS buildings and visitors must certify that they do not have COVID or COVID like symptoms. The public may comment during the public comments section on any agenda item or topics related to the district; however, this is not an opportunity for conversation.  Visitors must conduct themselves with respect and civility towards others. Individuals wishing to make public comment must sign-up for public comment upon arrival and before 6:50 p.m. on-site at the JTHS Administrative Center.
 

Enjoy the long weekend.  There is no school on Monday, October 11.
 

Dr. Karla Guseman 

Superintendent