Happy May, everyone! I can hardly believe we are winding down another school year. May is always a busy and exciting month for both students and staff, with many end-of-the-year field trips and special events taking place at our schools. It is also the month when students receive numerous awards and recognition.
We are incredibly proud to highlight some of our talented students at this month’s Board of School Inspectors meeting. Nineteen of our students in grades 4-8 have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce Education Scholarship. In addition to receiving a trophy, medal, and yard sign, each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship when they enroll in a college, university, or trade school after high school graduation.
In addition, 18 Gompers students qualified to compete in the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Exposition at the University of Illinois. A big thank you to the teachers and staff who have dedicated extra time to help these students showcase their talents.
We also have over 70 students from Dirksen, Gompers, Hufford, and Washington on their way to represent Joliet District 86 on the All City Music Trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Hundreds of students will be attending the Joliet Slammers Education Day field trips, where the Thomas Jefferson Choir will sing the National Anthem at one of the games.
Make sure to attend our District 86 Fine Arts Show on Friday, May 16, 2025. Over 1,500 pieces of student artwork will be on display at Singleton and Gompers Schools from 4:30-7:30 p.m. We will also feature special musical performances by our talented junior high students. We are so fortunate to have such talented students!
Congratulations to our eighth-grade students on your upcoming graduation. Over 1,000 students will be walking across the stage to receive their diplomas. We will livestream the ceremonies so additional family members and friends can watch. Best of luck as you transition to high school!
Finally, don't forget to register your children for the upcoming school year at https://www.joliet86.org/page/student-registration. Thank you to those families who have already completed the registration process. If you need any assistance with registration or have questions, comments, concerns, or compliments about one of our schools or the District, please send a Let’s Talk message at https://www.joliet86.org/o/jps/page/joliet-public-schools-district-86-lets-talk or click on “Let’s Talk” at the top of the website https://www.joliet86.org/.