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included in the final virtual graduation video a deceased Rich Central student diploma was
presented to his family.
As May 2020 marked the third calendar month of Illinois’ stay-at-home order, the Communications
Department continued to engage families during the isolation due to the COVID-19 crisis. The
Communications Department disseminated information regarding remote learning and grading,
summer school, food service, device distribution, graduation, new boundaries, instructional
program information, new project construction updates and end-of-year events. In collaboration
with the Educational Services, Business Office, and Human Resources Department, this
information was communicated through emails, text messages, and social media posts to notify
families, staff and other stakeholders of district changes as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic
and next year’s transition. Upon sharing the District’s written and video communication on social
media platforms, stakeholders often give feedback of our efforts and ask important questions in the
“comments” section of the post. This form of two-way communication gives the District’s an
opportunity to receive feedback on key topics, establish dialogue with stakeholders and begin to
build a relationship and trust with all students, parents, staff and community members. The
Communications Department will continue produce and distribute video messages on weekly basis,
in conjunction with weekly emails that are distributed to our stakeholders.

In June 2020, the Communications Department will work closely with Global 360 Marketing to
commemorate the legacy of Rich East High School before permanent closure, prepare all marketing
materials for the transition to a one-school, two-campus model, execute the quarterly newsletter and
continue to communicate to all families new district updates as it relates to COVID-19 and next
year’s transition.

Rich Central - Haney

Although we have not been in school, we still wanted to provide a graduation for our Senior Class of 2020.
From May 18-20, seniors were able to make appointments to come into Rich Central. At their appointed
time, seniors were able to walk a red carpet past a festively decorated background. We recorded each senior
and had individual photos taken. The finished product should be available on June 5 for all to enjoy.

Dr. Thomas, Dr. Haney, Valedictorian Spencer Smolenski, and Salutatorian Karalyn Smith-Ross all recorded
speeches for the virtual graduation ceremony.

District 227 made the graduation experience more festive by providing yard signs for each senior. These
signs had individual student photos and had them lined up along the grounds for all to enjoy. Seniors were
able to bring home after graduation services.

Students were assigned a day to pick up locker belongings from May 12- 15 they were assigned by grade
level.

Seniors picked up their items on Friday, May 15. Seniors received a number of other items when picking up
their locker contents. Graduation cap and gown, graduation ticket, a Rich Central blanket, a Class of 2020 t-
shirt, a senior class yard sign, and a cupcake given to all seniors.

Rich Central recognized teaching staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. Administration delivered yard
signs to staff.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS COUNTRY CLUB HILLS MATTESON OLYMPIA FIELDS PARK FOREST RICHTON PARK UNIVERSITY
PARK

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/EDUCATOR