Families & Students:  
 
As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Classes resume on Tuesday, September 8. Enjoy the long weekend! 
 
Attendance Awareness Month 
September is recognized nationwide as "Attendance Awareness Month," a time to emphasize the important role that consistent attendance plays in shaping the educational journey of our students. We encourage all families to talk to their students about the importance of attending school and arriving to class on time. Families can sign up for Campus Parent alerts to receive instant notifications when their student(s) is absent or tardy. Please refer to our attendance brochure for helpful information related to attendance.  
 
Monitoring Grades, Attendance & Tardies – Campus Parent 
Grades, attendance, tardies, schedules, assignments, and contact information for your student's dean, school counselor, and teachers can be accessed through Campus Parent. Parents should set up alerts to receive notifications so they know when grades fall below a certain percentage and when their student is absent or tardy. Helpful videos are available on the Campus Parent Webpage. If you need additional assistance, contact our Family Engagement Liaisons at Central and West who can help you in English and Spanish. If you need assistance with your student's school-issued computer, contact our Technology Help Desk at (815) 727-6860 or email helpdesk@jths.org. 
 
Homecoming 2026 – Save the Dates! 
Homecoming celebrations are just around the corner! Joliet Central’s Homecoming football game against Oswego East is Friday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m., followed by the parade on Saturday, September 19, at 10 a.m., and the Homecoming Dance from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Joliet Central Main Gym. 

Joliet West’s Homecoming festivities begin with the parade on Friday, September 25, at 4:15 p.m., followed by the football game against Romeoville at 6:30 p.m. The Joliet West Homecoming Dance will take place Saturday, September 26, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 

More details regarding Homecoming activities, tickets, participation, and important reminders will be shared soon. 

Tiger Mini Dance Camp and Opportunity for a Homecoming Halftime Performance – September 19 and 20 
Calling all future Tigers! Does your child like to dance? Sign them up today for the Tigers Mini Dance Camp scheduled for Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Joliet West. This energizing weekend camp is an incredible opportunity for young dancers to train with the Joliet West Dance Team, learn new choreography and build their dance moves. Camp participants will have the option to perform at the at the half time show during the Varsity Football Homecoming Game against Romeoville High School on September 25. Registration is now open. Be sure to secure your child’s spot to guarantee they receive a camp t-shirt no later than September 14. 

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. 

Health Documentation Deadline is October 15 – Students Who Are Not Compliant Will Be Excluded from School   
The deadline to submit health documentation required by the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/22-105) is October 15. Students may attend school while their required health documentation is pending; however, students who have not submitted the required documentation by October 15 will be excluded from school until the requirements are met. 

• Freshmen & Transfer Students: Must submit the completed State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form (English) / State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form (Spanish). Both sides of the form must be completed, including the “Health History” section, which must be SIGNED AND DATED BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN. The physical is considered incomplete without this section. Please make certain the healthcare provider has documented the student's height, weight, blood pressure, BMI, and diabetes screening. 

• Seniors: Must submit proof of receiving a meningitis vaccination on or after their 16th birthday. 

Where to Get School Physicals & Immunizations 
For a list of local clinics offering school physicals and immunizations, visit the Community Support Resources Page and scroll to Community-Based Clinics Offering Immunizations & Physicals. 

• Will County Health Department also offers physicals and immunizations. Call 815-727-8480 for physicals and call 815-740-8143 for immunizations.  

• VNA Health Care in Joliet has reserved appointments specifically for JTHS students to receive school physicals, sports physicals, and required immunizations. Call 630-892-4355, Ext. 8520 to schedule an appointment. 

How to Submit Health Documentation

JTHS Partnership & Will County Summer Internship Recruitment Breakfast – September 10! 

We thank those who have registered for 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 will 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.   

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  
Raising children comes with challenges at every stage of life. When grandparents or other family members unexpectedly find themselves stepping into a parenting role, having a village of support can make all the difference. At JTHS, Grandparents Raising Children was created as a space where grandparents and relatives raising children can feel seen, supported, and celebrated. From September through April, the group meets every third Tuesday of the month from 10 to 11:00 a.m. The meetings are held at the JTHS Administrative Center, 300 Caterpillar Drive in Joliet. This month’s presentation will feature Peter Scialdone from the United Way Resilient Youth Program. To learn more about Grandparents Raising Children, click here. 

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 at 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. 

6th Annual Community Day with The National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. (NHBW), Joliet Chapter – September 19 
Mark your calendars for the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. (NHBW), Joliet Chapter’s 6th annual Community Day on September 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at their Joliet headquarters located at 1705 Richards Street in Joliet. This free and family-friendly event will feature free health screenings, a farmer’s market, job opportunities, legal aid, expungement information, winter coats, and free books. Be sure to stop by the JTHS resource table while you are there!  

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. 

Betty Mahone Joliet Area Black College & Career Fair – October 10  
The 30th Annual Betty Mahone Joliet Area Black College & Career Fair is Saturday, October 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1502 E. Mills Road, Joliet. This event offers students and families the opportunity to meet with Historically Black Colleges and Universities,  recruiters, alumni, and representatives from local colleges and universities. Attendees can explore scholarship opportunities and connect with local community organizations. View the event flyer for additional information