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Rich Township
High School District 227
20550 S. Cicero Avenue
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 708.679-5800
Fax: 708.679-5733
www.rich227.org

Date: March 2020

To: Board of Education

From: Dr. Johnnie Thomas
Re: Executive Summary (Confidential)

Communications

In February 2020, the Communications Department began identifying articles for the March 2020
Newsletter. Collaborated with Agency 1204 to execute its first video project, worked jointly with
the Donovan Group to finalize news releases, identified the district’s web development and content
management system for the upcoming transition, and experienced growth in Facebook reach and
audience size.

The Communications Department received the Communication Roadmap by the Donovan Group in
February 2020, which outlines goals, messages, tactics, and milestones to reach by July 2020.
Major action items include creating a draft of a Transition Guide for parents of incoming freshmen
and creating the first monthly e-newsletter, with articles detailing the district’s initiatives, recent
news, and upcoming community events. The Communications Department began identifying stories
for the March 2020 newsletter upon receipt of this document, including, but not limited to Rich East
Counselor Christine Drabick’s College Board recognition, Black History Month Program at Rich
South, Star Academy Ribbon Cutting, the Board’s approval of new boundaries, and the band trip to
New Orleans. Layout and design work was completed. Additionally, in collaboration with the
Business Office and Educational Services, the Communications Department began compiling
documents and critical information to be included in the Transition Guide.

Working closely with the Director of Athletics, Activities, and Transportation, the Communications
Department produced a short film of students explaining why stakeholders should select their
mascot of choice. Jeremy Holmes, owner of Agency 1204, filmed the videos on February 6 and 13,
2020, at Rich South, and delivered the final video on February 26, 2020. All students were not
present on the February 6 filming date, which resulted in the second filming date on February 13,
2020. The final video and voting link published on February 28, 2020, via the website, app, and
social media.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/EDUCATOR