End of Week Message: So Much to Celebrate in February!
14 February 2025
Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
Happy Valentine’s Day to all! A big thank you to the students from Northside Learning Center for visiting the CPS Central Office with homemade cards and other creative gifts for employees to purchase. This work-based program is a great opportunity for our students with disabilities to practice both their job readiness and social skills.
February 14 also kicks off Crossing Guard Appreciation Month. This is a great opportunity to let our 686 active crossing guards know how much we appreciate them seeing our students safely to and from school, no matter what the conditions outside. I hope that everyone will take a moment in the next four weeks to thank our crossing guards for their service. Please also consider using this form to nominate a crossing guard who has made a difference in your life for the District’s Crossing Guard of the Year Award!
Celebrating Black History Month
As part of our continued celebration of Black History Month, I’m excited to feature the launch of a Black Student Association at Hibbard Elementary School in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. Under the direction of Ms. Christina Ukachukwu, Hibbard’s restorative justice coordinator, this group is helping the school’s black students establish a safe space where they can learn more about themselves and celebrate their identities.
Read more about the Hibbard Elementary Black Student Association here.
Finally today, I want to share an exciting case study featuring the innovative work of our CPS Math Team. From Gatekeeper to Gateway: Creating More Paths to Algebra I Success' explores how three of the country’s largest school districts, including Chicago, are revolutionizing their approach to Algebra I success.
Among the study’s key findings is the success CPS has achieved in growing the number of students participating in 8th-grade Algebra. This growth is critical, as the case study shows that the vast majority of students who participate in these early algebra programs feel more confident in their math abilities and are successful in passing their next level math class.
This study is proof that when school districts remove barriers and provide support, all students can succeed in advanced math courses. I thank our Math Team for leading the way in this work and for showcasing our District’s commitment to academic equity.
Sincerely,
Pedro Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Public Schools
Help Us Highlight Your School
We love highlighting the amazing things that are happening day-to-day in our schools, along with the people who are making them happen! Please share your stories with us using our Good News Form so that we can share them with the District!
We are particularly interested in how your school is celebrating Black History Month in February, and how you plan to celebrate Women’s History Month in March!
Use our Good News Form to help us showcase all the ways the best are with CPS!
A Look Around the District
This Valentine’s Day, schools across the District are celebrating friendship and kindness! At Gale Elementary in Rogers Park, for example, the Student Voice committee created a Kindness Station where students and staff were able to write each other letters with words of appreciation and purchase Valentine's goodies from their mini-market.
Meanwhile, at Hawthorne Elementary in Lakeview, the school hosted its third annual HawthorneVision: International Fair celebrating cultures and traditions of countries around the world. Classrooms were turned into museum exhibits and guests had the opportunity to “Eat Around the World,” and enjoy a school-wide assembly featuring a Chinese Dragon Dance, an International Fashion Show, and Bollywood dancing.
Finally, we would like to highlight Chicago Vocational High School in Avalon Park and Wadsworth Elementary in Woodlawn for their recent accomplishments at separate academic competitions.
The Chicago Vocational Cavaliers are celebrating their students on the Academic Decathlon team for advancing to the City Championship. And the Wadsworth Tigers are celebrating their students who have been selected as State Winners in the 2024-2025 Solve for Tomorrow Competition for their work on constructing and programming a robotic arm. The students received $12,000 worth of Samsung technology and are now eligible to become one of the competition’s ten National Finalists.
Supporting Families Amidst Federal Policy Changes
With the transition to a new presidential administration, many in our school communities are experiencing anxiety, especially regarding immigration issues. CPS is committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming educational environments that embrace and celebrate everyone in our diverse communities. CPS has strong protections in place for our students and staff; you can read about them here.
We have also created a website with many resources on immigration services, as well as details on “Know Your Rights” trainings and workshops that are being held throughout Chicago. Some of these sessions are being conducted by our District’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Team, while others are being presented by our community partners. Families can find complete details at cps.edu/newadminguidance. This website will be updated frequently to reflect new training opportunities and any changes to federal law, so we encourage everyone to visit regularly. Mental health supports are also available to students through their schools. Parents who feel their children could benefit from these supports should contact their child’s teacher, principal, or school counselor directly.
Complete the Annual CPS School Food Survey
Calling all CPS students, parents, and school-based staff! The District’s annual School Food Survey is open from now through March 21, 2025. Please take this opportunity to share your opinion on the food being served at your school each day. Tell us what you like, and what you think could be better. We will use your feedback to improve school meals for the remainder of this school year and beyond. As a bonus, the elementary and high school with the greatest participation in the survey will be part of a raffle for some exciting prizes. So please complete this brief survey today!
CPS Staffer Receives Transportation Award
Congratulations to Kim Jones, Executive Director of Student Transportation Services, on being named Administrator of the Year by School Bus Fleet Magazine. Kim received this honor for her dedication to operational excellence, as well as her success in addressing complex transportation challenges with innovation, strategic problem-solving, and a student-centered mindset.
Save the Date: Pre-k Applications Open on April 8
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2025. This is when applications for Pre-k programs citywide will become available for the 2025-26 school year. High-quality half and full-day programs are available for children ages Birth to 5. You can explore your options and sign up for updates by visiting chicagoearlylearning.org.
Cash Assistance for CPS Families Experiencing Homelessness
Thanks to a partnership between the Illinois Department of Human Services, GiveDirectly, and the University of Chicago’s Inclusive Economy Lab, CPS families who are experiencing housing instability are now eligible to receive up to $6500 in cash assistance.
To be eligible for this financial assistance, families must:
- Currently be experiencing housing instability or homelessness
- Have a child who is 17 or younger and enrolled in Chicago Public Schools
- Have a member of the family receiving SNAP, TANF, or VTTC benefits.
After being selected by lottery, 750 families will receive a $6500 payment, and 750 families will receive $500. Applications are open now, and the deadline to apply is March 9, 2025.
This pilot program aims to understand the impact of this one-time cash assistance pilot on families’ housing stability, as well as its impact on other measures of well-being for the entire family. For more information or to apply, click here, or speak with the STLS liaison at your school.
Upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification Opportunities
The CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness is pleased to offer additional free Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) certification opportunities (held virtually) for CPS staff during the remainder of SY24–25. Click here for more information on how to sign up. Please reach out to the mental health team at mentalhealth@cps.edu with any questions or specific requests.
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.
Opportunities from the Chicago Park District
Teens: Enjoy a day of fun at Gately Park on Monday, February 17.
School is out but Teens are in the Parks! Join the Chicago Park District for a fun filled day of activities and good old fashioned field day fun. This free event is for ages 14-18 and runs from 11 am – 2 pm. Gately is located at 10201 S. Cottage Grove. Learn more & register here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teens-park-day/cps
Register for Girls Day of P.L.A.Y – February 25 (day off school).
Girls ages 6-12 can participate in the Chicago Park District Girls Day of P.L.A.Y. program when off school on Tuesday, February 25. Offered at more than 20 parks across the city, this free day-long program includes sports, arts & crafts and more! Girls Day of P.L.A.Y. programming focuses on Positivity, Leadership, Ambition and being You! Ages and times can vary by park. Learn more & register: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/girls-play/cps
Teens: Get your summer plans set at an upcoming Teen Opportunity Fair.
Join the Chicago Park District on March 1, March 8, or March 15, to learn about summer opportunities in the parks for Chicago youth ages 13-19. Teens age 16+, apply for a summer job in the parks. Youth age 13-15, learn about RIT (Rec Leader in Training) & CIT (Counselor in Training) paid stipend-based programs, teen camps and other opportunities. New Deaf & Hard of Hearing Fair takes place on March 22. Learn more & register: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs/cps
Get a FREE heart health screening in the parks!
In celebration of Heart Health Month, the Chicago Park District, in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Public Health and other health partners, is hosting heart health screenings every Thursday in February. These events will provide health assessments and education, while offering nutrition and physical activity tips to reduce chronic disease. See dates and locations and learn more here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/heart-health-month/cps
Celebrate Black History Month in the parks.
Various events are offered in parks throughout February in commemoration of Black History Month. See the event listing and learn about Chicago parks named in honor of African Americans here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/black-history-month/cps
Enjoy all the wonders of nature at Polar Adventure Day.
This free, family fun event takes place Saturday, February 22 at Big Marsh Park, 11559 S. Stony Island Ave. Learn more: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/polar-adventure-day/cps
Last chance this season to skate at neighborhood ice rinks!
Monday, February 17 is the last day to skate at all outdoor rinks except Maggie Daley. Sunday, March 9 is the last day for Maggie Daley Park ice ribbon. Learn more: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ice-rinks/cps
Spring is here, at the Garfield & Lincoln Park Conservatories.
Experience an explosion of color and floral fragrance at the annual spring flower shows. The shows ‘Rooted in Mystery’ at Garfield Park Conservatory and ‘Spectrum of Spring’ at Lincoln Park Conservatory run February 12 through May 11. Admission is free. Registration is required. Learn more & register: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/conservatory-flower-shows/cps
For questions on these events, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Discounted Tickets for CPS Staff and Families
Chicago Fire FC
The Chicago Fire FC is excited to offer CPS students, teachers, staff, and their family and friends over 60 percent off standard ticket pricing for their home opener on Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. against DC United! Come celebrate the start of the Gregg Berhalter era at Soldier Field! Buy tickets here.
Chicago Bulls
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. Clippers: Wednesday, February 26
- Bulls vs. Raptors: Friday, February 28
- Bulls vs. Pacers: Monday, March 10
- Bulls vs. Nets: Thursday, March 13
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Monday, February 17: CPS offices and schools will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day; no classes for CPS students.
- Tuesday, February 25: Professional development day for staff; no classes for CPS students.
- Thursday, February 27: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Wednesday, March 5: Board Agenda Review Committee meetings. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Friday, March 21: End of the third quarter.
- Monday, March 24–Friday, March 28: Spring break for all CPS students and teachers.