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Joliet Township High School District has shared several updates and reminders for families as the new school year begins. The district thanked students, families, and staff for a positive start and announced that weekly messages from principals or the superintendent will continue.
Safety remains a priority with the upcoming School Safety Awareness Week starting August 25. Students and staff will review protocols such as evacuation, shelter-in-place, lockdowns, Standard Response Protocol, and earthquake drills. Families are encouraged to discuss safety procedures at home.
A new state law requires advance notification of lockdown drills in schools. "On August 16, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 2400, establishing new requirements for lockdown drills in schools. One of these requirements includes advance notification of the lockdown drill to all students, staff, and families, including an opportunity for families to exempt their student(s) for any reason from participating. JTHS will notify families, students, and staff of planned lockdown drills through an email notification. The email will include a reminder to families that they may opt their student out of the lockdown drill and how to do so," according to district officials.
The Student Support Table Program begins Monday for those arriving after 8:20 a.m. Staff will greet late-arriving students to check attendance and offer support if needed before sending them on to class. Students must also call home upon arrival if late.
Joliet Township High School invites participation in its Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee (formerly Discipline Committee). The committee meets several times this fall at Joliet Central’s Multipurpose Room and discusses issues such as student behavior and school safety.
Two major events take place tonight—Joliet Central’s Blue & Gold Night at Steelmen Stadium and Joliet West’s Black & Gold Night at Klootwyk Stadium—with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
The district reminds parents that minors must be accompanied by adults at all athletic games or activities across Central, West, or JTHS campuses. High school students need current JTHS IDs for entry.
Central & West Open Houses are scheduled for August 27 from 6–8 p.m., offering families a chance to meet teachers and learn about programs available at each campus. That day is also an early release day with dismissal set for 1:15 p.m.
A mentorship dinner for senior athletes is planned at Joliet West on August 27 ahead of Open House hours.
Music fans can attend the season finale of Concert on the Hill featuring the JTHS Orchestra on August 28 at Bicentennial Park in Joliet; admission is free with a world premiere performance planned.
Other upcoming events include:
- The Athletic Booster Golf Outing on September 7.
- CED Summer Internship Employer Informational Breakfast on September 9.
- Early Release School Improvement Day on September 11.
- West Opera Scenes performance by Joliet West Choirs on September 11.
- Joliet Region Community Connectors Meeting on September 12.
- Grandparents Raising Children Support Group meeting on September 16.
- Board of Education meeting open to public participation on September 16.
- City of Joliet Comprehensive Planning Workshop hosted at Joliet West High School on September 17.
- Central Archives Committee Meeting focusing on historical preservation efforts within JTHS history.
- NHBW Community Day volunteer opportunities for students seeking community service hours on September 20.
- Athletic Booster Meeting open to interested volunteers held September 25.
- IEP Family Information Night supporting special education services also scheduled for September 25.
- Alianza de Familias Comprometidas a la Educación meeting aimed at supporting English Learner family engagement takes place later that evening at Joliet Central High School.
Media permissions were addressed; parents who do not wish their child’s name or image shared in publications should notify the district accordingly.
District procedures regarding suicide prevention were reiterated along with avenues for requesting mental health support when needed: " outlines the district’s procedures for suicide and depression awareness/prevention. If you are a student in need of help or support, or if you know a student who needs help or support, submit the . Completion of this form initiates a team of school support personnel who review the situation to assign support and resources."
The message further emphasized reporting options against bullying or harassment: " prohibits the harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students. Students, families, staff, and community members can complete the to report bullying... Reports can be submitted anonymously..."
Mandated notices per Illinois State Board guidelines were also included in communications sent home this week.
Joliet West High School serves grades nine through twelve with an enrollment figure reported as over three thousand during recent years (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to data from Illinois Report Card, grade nine had the largest share among enrolled students during the last measured year while grade twelve made up just over one-quarter of total enrollment (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). Demographically during that period about one-third identified as white students while Hispanic students represented nearly forty percent; black students made up about one-fifth (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
The district concluded its message wishing everyone a good weekend.
