Rich Township D227 Welcomes New School Year With New Innovations

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Rich Township High School District 227 is welcoming the new school year with new innovations, college-style protocol, and a new stadium. All students returned to class Wednesday, in-person. The school will be operating under the theme "Building A Stronger Foundation," according to a news release from the district.

College-style protocol offers students more freedom, but with responsibility, the release states. This includes a "no bell" system during the passing periods between classes. A new ID system, called "Scholarchip," allows students to automatically check in to their classes, therefore eliminating the need for taking attendance. Scholarchip also offers more innovation to RTHS students and supports greater student success, the release states.

According to the district, students are now able to move between campuses for classes, offering a more college preparatory atmosphere. Students will move between the STEM Campus, located in Olympia Fields, and the Fine Arts and Communications (FAC) Campus, located in Richton Park.

In addition to this, the innovative $1.4 million state-of-the-art commercial kitchen located at the FAC campus gives students the opportunity to learn the art of cooking and managing restaurants while training with professional chefs, the release states. Another update includes the new football stadium and track at the FAC campus.

The district is also offering RTHS families the opportunity to purchase "Legacy Bricks". "Legacy Bricks" will be laid at the entryway of the stadium.

"Superintendent, Dr. Johnnie Thomas and Principal, Mr. Larry Varn are both thrilled to have students back in the buildings and continue to look forward to the completion of these incredible projects," the release states.