End of Week Message: Wishing Everyone a Safe and Joyful Holiday Season
20 December 2024
Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
As we close in on winter break, I want to share how staff and students throughout the District have been celebrating the holiday season!
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of joining the school community at Nathan Hale Elementary for a unique, multicultural celebration! This school is known for its festive holiday events, which this year included an appearance by Santa and a real live reindeer for everyone to meet!
Meanwhile, at South Shore Fine Arts Academy, Principal Brown got her students excited about the holidays by dressing up as the “Elf on the Shelf” and showing up in various school locations, up to and including the roof!
At Dawes Elementary, more than 100 teachers received a holiday surprise from Mazda North America. These educators were presented with thousands of dollars to help them purchase items for their classrooms. Dawes was one of just three schools in the country to receive this holiday donation.
Thank you to the University of Chicago Education Lab for bringing holiday smiles to the faces of the pre-k–4th grade students at Earle STEM Academy! Holiday gifts were provided to our students through the “CPS Santa Program”—an initiative organized by the Children First Fund (CFF), which is our District’s foundation. CFF also delivered holiday gifts to students at Robinson Elementary in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.
Along with these and other events, schools across the District hosted various assemblies and performances to celebrate the holidays and showcase our students’ considerable talents.
Tips for a Safe and Successful Winter Break
In addition to all of the holiday fun, we want to make sure our students stay safe and engaged during winter break. Here are some ideas on how to make that happen:
- Safe Haven Sites. One great option is our Safe Haven Sites, many of which will be open throughout winter break. These are welcoming environments where kids can stay warm and have fun with their peers at no cost. I encourage all of our families to visit the CPS website for locations and schedules of our Safe Haven Sites.
- Chicago Park District Winter Camps. Our partners at the Chicago Park District are also hosting several winter break camps for students. Families can get more information and sign up at the Chicago Park District website.
- Chicago Public Library. The Chicago Public Library is offering more than 140 in-person programs for kids and teens during winter break. These include board game drop-in play days, LEGO competitions, and many kinds of arts and crafts activities across all CPL branches. Click here to learn more.
- My CHI. My Future. Winter Kickbacks. Students can join community partners for dozens of fun and exciting events across Chicago from now through January 6, 2025. Download the My CHI. My Future. app or visit their website to search for activities by neighborhood.
Families can access more ideas on how to keep kids safe and engaged during winter break here.
I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable winter break filled with festive celebrations and quality time spent with family and friends. Enjoy this time, and remember that classes will be back in session for all students on Monday, January 6, 2025!
Sincerely,
Pedro Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Public Schools
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A Look Around the District
Check out some more ways that students across our District have been getting into the holiday spirit!
Our CTE Culinary students in the C-CAP program worked hard to create their Holiday Gingerbread Houses. The display was unveiled at the Drake Hotel featuring the work of students from North-Grand, Roosevelt, Juarez, and Dunbar High Schools.
Henderson Elementary, located in the West Englewood neighborhood, hosted its Annual Coat Drive and Winter Wonderfest for the school community. With the help of community partners and organizations, the school was able to gift students and families new winter coats and a day filled with clothing giveaways, food, and fun music.
At Corkery Elementary, located in the Little Village neighborhood, the school partnered with Sprouting Leaders to host a Toy Drive for students in Pre-K to 2nd grade. Students also had a special visit from Santa Claus!
Students at Clissold Elementary in Morgan Park hosted a Winter Showcase for the school community. Performances included Pre-K through 8th grade classroom song selections, dance performances, and a performance from the school’s band ensemble.
At Nobel Elementary in West Humboldt Park, the school celebrated the holidays with multiple activities, including a classroom door contest, an initiative to write to elderly community members to spread holiday cheer, school assemblies, a visit from Santa, and a Winter Wonderland Fundraising Dance.
And at Richards High School in Back of the Yards, the school community gathered for the semi-annual Keys, Canvas & Cuisine event. Families enjoyed performances from students in Music, an art gallery from students in Art, and appetizers prepared by the Culinary Arts students along with a friendly Gingerbread House competition.
Burbank Elementary Named a Unified Champion School by Special Olympics
Congrats to the school community of Burbank Elementary on being one of just three schools in all of CPS to receive the designation of Unified Champion School by Special Olympics!
Burbank earned this recognition through its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for all students, including those with intellectual disabilities. A select number of schools across the country earn this national recognition each year by demonstrating a commitment to inclusion, and by meeting ten national standards of excellence to support the Unified Champions Schools mission.
Thank you to Burbank Elementary for promoting a culture of inclusion, and for being an example of how students of all abilities benefit from being in the same space with the same access to high-quality programs and resources.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays
According to UChicago Medicine, about 5% of the U.S. population experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In addition, a 2021 survey from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) showed that 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays. To support CPS students, staff, and families during this time, the Office of Student Health and Wellness’ Mental Health Team has created this resource on SAD, holiday mental health support, and local warming and meal sites. Please also feel free to contact mentalhealth@cps.edu with any questions.
2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Now Available!
It’s time for all CPS 12th-graders to complete their FAFSA! This is a graduation requirement for all CPS seniors. Students who complete the FAFSA are eligible for up to $7,395 in Pell Grant funding to subsidize the cost of college at virtually all postsecondary institutions across the country. Additionally, students who attend college in the state of Illinois may be eligible for up to $8,400 in additional MAP Grant funding. Students may also be eligible for between $5,500 and $9,500 in federal student loans.
For more information and assistance with the FAFSA, students should reach out to their school counselor, or visit cps.edu/LearnPlanSucceed.
Aspiring Student Writers: Here’s Your Chance to Get Published in The Chicago Sun-Times!
High school students, ever think about having your writing published in the Chicago Sun-Times as a guest columnist? Here’s your chance to make it happen!
Submit a short column about your vision for the future, based on the theme "Looking Ahead." However you interpret the theme is up to you, whether that’s writing about personal goals, professional aspirations, the environment, diversity, or politics, the Sun-Times wants to hear your unique perspective.
Here’s how it works:
- Submit an original, unpublished 525–600 word writing sample in English or Spanish now through December 31, 2024 (Note: writing samples will be used to determine contest winners, but winners will have the opportunity to write a different column once selected).
- Submissions will be accepted from high school students only. All entrants under the age of 18 must submit a parental consent form.
- A panel of Sun-Times staff will choose guest columnists to feature, and these columnists will have an opportunity to have their work edited by a Sun-Times editor.
- Winners will each receive a $250 stipend and be published in the paper and online.
Learn more and enter in English at suntimes.com/chicagovoices or in Spanish at suntimes.com/vocesdechicago.
Calling All CPS Artists! Upcoming Opportunities in the Arts
CPS Sophomores and Juniors: Apply now to RE:ALIZE, the FREE dual enrollment arts program created in partnership with Columbia College Chicago. In addition to 6–12 college credits in theater, music, dance, or visual arts, RE:ALIZE offers students support with developing a portfolio, workshops with professional artists, college and university visits, free supplies, multiple opportunities to showcase their work, and more. Apply by the deadline of March 17, 2025, or learn more on the RE:ALIZE website and through this informational slideshow. You can also reach out to realize@cps.edu with any questions!
All CPS Students: Submit Your Work to RE•VER•BER•ATE and All-City Visual Art (ACVA) Exhibitions
RE•VER•BER•ATE (April 22–25, 2025) is a free, multidisciplinary arts festival that offers CPS students in grades pre-k—12 the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, performances, workshops, masterclasses, and academic and professional collaborations. Teachers and students are invited to submit applications to perform or exhibit at the festival. Apply HERE for performing arts by February 3, 2025. Apply HERE for visual arts by March 13, 2025. Learn more about these opportunities at cps.edu/reverberate, and contact reverberate@cps.edu with any questions.
Applications to participate in the ACVA Pre-k–12 Visual Art Exhibition are open through March 13, 2025. Apply here. Full details can be found in the submission guidelines. Learn more at cps.edu/acva, and you can contact allcityarts@cps.edu with any questions. Any artwork submitted to the Pre-k–12 Visual Art Exhibition will also be automatically considered for inclusion in ART on THE MART 2025!
Nominate an Educator for the Red Cross Heroes Award
For 22 years, the American Red Cross of Chicago has been honoring local heroes who have acted with bravery, dedication, and service for the benefit of their communities. Categories of recognition include law enforcement, healthcare, and of course, education. If you know a CPS educator who is changing lives in their school, please nominate them for a Heroes Award here by the deadline of December 31, 2024.
Enjoy the Holiday Season in the Parks!
Keep your kids active over winter break in a Park District camp. Dozens of winter break camps are available across the city, for a low price. Learn more & register here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-break-camps/cps
Take the December 21 Lifeguard Test to get your summer job plans in motion now! Make $19.75 an hour this summer as a Chicago Park District lifeguard. Apply now and pick the December 21 test date when you apply. Must be at least 16 years old and a Chicago resident by July 1, 2025. Learn more & apply here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/cps
Celebrate the holidays in the parks! Holiday events are offered in parks throughout the city. Activities vary but some of the fun includes visits & skating with Santa, live holiday music, dancing, making holiday crafts, and the annual holiday flower shows at Garfield Park & Lincoln Park conservatories. Learn more here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/holiday-season/cps
Come out and skate in the parks over winter break. Enjoy time spent on the ice at six outdoor rinks in parks throughout the city. Holiday hours are in effect over the break. Learn more & register for skate sessions here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ice-rinks/cps
Register for Chicago Park District winter programs. There is something for everyone to stay active this winter, physically and mentally. Classes are very affordable. Most programs run January 6 through March 16, 2025. Learn more here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-programs/cps
Discounted Tickets for CPS Staff and Students
CPS staff are invited to cheer on the Chicago Bulls with an exclusive ticket offer for the below games. Get your tickets here!
- Bulls vs. Pelicans: Tuesday, January 14
- Bulls vs. Hawks: Wednesday, January 15
- Bulls vs 76ers: Saturday, January 25
Experience magic this holiday season with two-time Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon's 'The Nutcracker'. Immerse yourself in this timeless holiday tradition, where Tchaikovsky's enchanting score brings a world of wonder, adventure, and festive joy to life — an unforgettable experience for all ages!
As a CPS employee, we invite you to enjoy 10% off tickets to The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House through December 28 with code 25CFF10.
Link to purchase: https://joffrey.org/performances-and-tickets/24-25-season/the-nutcracker-3/
Offer not available on previously purchased tickets. Excludes weekend matinees and price level 6 seating.
ROYKO: THE TOUGHEST MAN IN CHICAGO tells the story of cantankerous Chicago columnist Mike Royko, a 34-year newspaper veteran who wrote 7,500 columns in his career. A fixture amongst Chicago newspapers, Royko wrote about the city the way people like to think of themselves: cynical, humorous, and with compassion for the little guy. Now through Dec 22 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St, Chicago.
CPS employees receive 25% OFF tickets using code ROYKO25 at checkout. Offer good through December 22, excludes Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees, based on availability. PURCHASE TICKETS http://royko.brownpapertickets.com/
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Friday, December 20: Special Board of Education meeting. See all upcoming Board of Education meetings at cpsboe.org.
- Monday, December 23–Friday, January 3: All CPS students and teachers will be on winter break from December 23 through January 3; all CPS offices will be closed from December 25 through January 1.