Chicago Public Schools Celebrates the Holiday Season

CHICAGO – Students, teachers, and staff across Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are ringing in the holidays with a diverse slate of events and celebrations for their school communities as the calendar year comes to a close. District and school leaders and teachers aim to ensure that every student in every school feels represented and included this holiday season with school day and evening events that celebrate community, the arts, and the District’s rich diversity. Santa and his elves will be making appearances across the District too, popping in for breakfast events and evening choir performances.

“The holiday season is another time in CPS when we recognize and celebrate our District’s rich diversity of culture, heritage, and traditions,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Our school holiday celebrations are one of the many ways that our school teams create a sense of community, inclusion, and representation for our students.”

Today, Howe Elementary School in Austin partnered with the Chicago-based Daisie Foundation to host a surprise “Holiday Magic” donation event, where every student at Howe received school supplies, toys, games, clothes, and other gifts. The Daisie Foundation works to empower and support children in under-resourced communities and hosted similar events in Houston and Milwaukee earlier this month.

Howe Principal Nikita Horn was in on the surprise today and was joined by numerous guests, including Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, Alderperson Emma Mitts, actor and former Chicago Bears player Anthony “Spice” Adams, The Chi actor Cortez Smith, and many others.

“It was a difficult but wonderful secret to keep,” said Principal Horn. “I know that our students and staff will remember this day forever, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the Daise Foundation and all the special guests who took time out today to make our staff and students feel so special.”

Schools across the District also host decorating events such as the annual December door decorating contest at Portage Park Elementary School. This year’s contest at Portage Park Elementary will place extra emphasis on teaching students about winter holiday traditions from around the world. Students will use what they have learned about various traditions and integrate them into their classrooms’ door decorations. School leaders will judge each class’ door based on creativity and inclusivity, making their annual tradition richer and more relevant for all students.

Jordan Elementary School in Rogers Park will host their first annual La Posada holiday event, bringing together families and community members who represent more than 30 nationalities. The celebration, set to take place on December 20th will feature music, arts and crafts, and food prepared by local vendors and families, all highlighting the school community’s wide array of holiday traditions. School leaders at Jordan Elementary hope to continue the La Posada festival as an annual tradition and as one of the many ways they embrace and celebrate their school community.

Little Village Elementary School is partnering with Levy Restaurants to host a holiday breakfast event on Tuesday, December 19 for their school community, and Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy in Brighton Park will host their annual Winter Showcases event on Thursday, December 21st. This event features performances from Gunsaulus students who have participated in programs such as a folkloric dance club, a breakdancing club, and Merit Music programs.

CPS students also participate in city holiday events at iconic Chicago locations. Preschoolers at the Dr. Fisher Early Learning Center were invited to join a private lighting ceremony at Lincoln Park Zoo before the holiday lights, ZooLights, opened to the public. Families at the early learning center also led weekly presentations about seasonal holiday traditions, such as Diwali and Hanukkah, followed by corresponding school day art projects, such as making sand art and dreidel games.

Winter break begins for CPS students on December 22, 2023, and runs through January 5, 2024. Classes resume on Monday, January 8, 2024.