Dear Parents & Students, 

The deadline for seniors to submit District Donor and District Committee Scholarships is tonight.  If you are a senior, we encourage you to apply!  We also ask that parents and guardians share their feedback regarding school climate and learning conditions by taking the Illinois 5Essentials survey before it closes on March 31.  Have a wonderful spring break! 

Spring Break – March 27-31 
Spring Break is March 27-31.  Students return to school on Monday, April 3.  
 
Mandatory State Testing – April 12 & 13 
Mandatory state testing takes place on April 12 and 13.  The school-day schedules and tests vary according to grade level.  View the Mandatory State Testing Announcement for details. 
 
TONIGHT, March 24, 2023 is the Deadline - District Donor & Committee Scholarship
TONIGHT is the deadline to apply for District Donor and District Committee Scholarships. These scholarships are only available to JTHS students, which means that the odds of receiving them are very good!  Apply today using the links below. 
Joliet Central Scholarships  
Joliet West Scholarships 
 
Parent Teacher Conference Feedback Survey 
If you attended Parent Teacher Conferences on March 9 or 10, please complete the Parent Teacher Conference Feedback Survey by Friday, March 31, so that we can continue to improve this experience for our families. 
 
Spring 2023 College Tours for JTHS Students 
JTHS students can attend college visits to premier learning institutions in Illinois through the YMCA Teen Achievers Program.  Each college visit is $30, which includes transportation and meals.  View the College Tour Flyer for more information.    

Community Service Opportunities for Students 
There are three community service opportunities listed below that are available to students.  Participating students should bring a copy of the Community Service Form to the event so that the supervisor can document the service hours. 
 
Shady Oaks Disability Camp Spring Clean Up - May 20 
Students can receive community service hours by participating in the Shady Oaks Disability Camp Spring Clean Up on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The camp location is 16300 S. Parker Rd. in Homer Glen.  Lunch is provided.  Parents/guardians can also volunteer.  View the Shady Oaks Disability Camp Spring Clean Up Flyer for more information.  Register for the clean up by emailing Kim at office@ccconbell.com.   
 
Family Support Day May 20 
Students can sign-up to volunteer at Family Support Day on Saturday, May 20 from. at Pershing Elementary School, 251 N. Midland Ave. in Joliet.  Volunteers are needed from 7:30 - 9 a.m. to move and set up supplies and bag food items from the food bank. Email erock@joliet86.org to  
sign up. 
 
Recyclepalooza Event – April 1 and 2 
Volunteers are needed on April 1 and 2 at Rt. 66 Speedway, 3200 S. Chicago Street in Joliet to assist with sorting recyclable items and unloading trucks.  Shifts and assignments vary based on the volunteer’s preference.  Complete the Recyclepalooza Volunteer Form to Sign Up. 
 
Carl C. Bell Memorial Award Essay Contest 
JTHS students can enter an essay contest with a $500 cash prize and publication in the “Mind Matters” newsletter.  This year’s essay topic is: What does mental health mean to you and/ or your peers or community and do you feel mental health has been affected by societal factors i.e., healthcare inequity, community violence, post-pandemic anxiety, isolation, or racial injustice. The paper should be no more than 400-600 words maximum, double-spaced, and font size 12.  Visit the Essay Competition Website for the application and more details.  Essays are due June 1, 2023. 
 
Community Resource - Labor of Love Food Pantries 
Weekly food pantries are available to the community.  View the Labor of Love Food Pantry Locations for more information. 
 
FREE Clothing & Shoes Available 
New and pre-loved clothing and shoes are available to students and the community.  The “I’ve Been Mended” Community Clothes Closet, located at 310 N. Hammes Ave. (Suites LL1C & LL3), is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12:45 to 5 p.m. View the I’ve Been Mended Website for more information. 

Summer Reading – Request Your Free Books! 
Summer reading books are available to our students for FREE.  Complete the Summer Reading Book Request Form by May 12 and your book(s) will be delivered to your English classroom.   
 
STEM Resource Guide for Students 
Joliet West alumna Olivena Carlisle (’22) has created a STEM Resource Guide for Students.  As a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder studying under Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Olivena is advocating and encouraging students to become fellow STEM peers.  We hope you will check out this great resource! 
 
JTHS Board of Education Meeting – April 18 
The next Board of Education meeting is 7 p.m. on April 18 at the Administrative Center. Agendas are posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting HERE. Meetings are live streamed HERE. Individuals wishing to make public comments must sign up upon arrival before 6:50 p.m. 

JTHS Athletic Boosters Hosts 17th Annual Night of Champions – April 20 
The JTHS Athletic Boosters 17th Annual Night of Champions is April 20 at IBEW 176 Hall. This year’s honorees include Kevin Fitzgerald, Steelmen of the Year; John Karczewski, Tiger of the Year; Mike O'Connell, 2023 Glen Marcum Award; Sandi Green, Steelmen Fan of the Year; Bryan & Robin Slinkard, West Fans of the Year; Mike Carlson – MLB Umpire, Joliet West Class of 1987; and the 2006 Joliet Township Baseball Team. View the Booster Night of Champions Announcement for details. 
 
Kermes Celebration – May 9 at Joliet Central & Follow Your Dream Scholarship 
Students, parents, staff, and the community are invited to the 5th annual Kermes celebration on May 9 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Joliet Central High School Student Center.  View the Kermes Announcement for details.  Event proceeds benefit Joliet Central’s Follow your Dream Scholarship for DACA and undocumented students.   Students can apply for this scholarship now until April 28 

JTHS Band Alumni Association Concert – July 16 
The Joliet Township High School Band Alumni Association invites all Joliet Central, West, East and JTHS band alumni to participate in their alumni band concert on July 16.  Complete the Alumni Band Concert Sign Up Form to register. More information is HERE.