End of Week Message: CPS Outpaces The Nation; Highlighting The Transformative Power of Mentorship
31 January 2025
Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
This week, student test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) — nicknamed “The Nation’s Report Card” — were released. These scores show Chicago Public School students largely outpacing our large-city peers, the state of Illinois, and the nation at large in academic growth, with remarkable gains in 8th grade reading.
- CPS’ 8th graders saw a 4-point increase in reading from 2022 to 2024. During this same time period, state scores were flat, and large-city peers and students nationwide saw their scores decline.
- Notably, CPS’ 8th grade reading scores are just two points below our nationwide peers — the closest our District has ever been to the national average, and a remarkable achievement given the unique challenges faced by many students in large-city school districts like ours.
- CPS’ 8th graders saw a 2-point increase in math from 2022 to 2024. During this same time period, state scores also rose by two points, while national scores declined by one point, and our large-city peers were flat.
- CPS’ 4th graders saw a 1-point increase in math from 2022 to 2024. During this same time period, state scores dropped by one point, national scores rose by two points, and scores among our large-city peers rose by four points.
- CPS’ 4th graders followed a statewide and nationwide trend of declining scores in reading for this age group. Our 4th graders’ reading scores dropped by two points along with the nation, while the state of Illinois saw a 4-point decrease, and our large city peers dropped one point. Notably, these students were in Kindergarten — one of the most critical grades for reading development — when the COVID-19 pandemic forced our District into remote learning.
Overall, these results follow a pattern of remarkable recovery for our students, building on CPS’ status as a national leader among large cities in post-pandemic gains, especially in reading. We are encouraged by the rate of growth, and we are incredibly proud of our leaders, educators, and students for continuing to improve academically.
However, there is still work to be done to raise the overall level of proficiency in both reading and math. This is why we are continuing to double down on the strategies that are working for our students in our District’s five-year strategic plan. It’s also why one of our top priorities has been working to preserve the 7,000+ additional staff positions in our schools that we have added since 2019 so that we can sustain our progress.
Highlighting The Transformative Power of Mentorship
January is National Mentoring Month—an excellent opportunity to celebrate the positive influence that one person can have on the life trajectory of another. We see this over and over again in CPS, from experienced professionals helping develop their colleagues, to educators motivating and empowering the students in their care.
Take Decore Woods, the security officer at Eberhart Elementary School in the Chicago Lawn community. Three years ago, Mr. Woods founded the CHOP Mentoring Program at his school. CHOP stands for Courageous, Honorable, Overcomer, Powerful, and is designed to motivate and inspire Eberhart’s male middle school students.
Mr. Woods achieves this goal by helping students build their confidence, and by exposing them to impactful experiences. Programming includes courses in social-emotional learning, violence prevention, and building self-esteem, while activities focus on helping male students build their social skills and learn to give back to the community.
I have no doubt that years from now, the students in his program will realize how valuable it was to have a mentor like Mr. Woods. My hope is that this experience will inspire them to maintain the mentoring tradition and take up that role in their own lives.
We often think of mentoring as happening between a child and an adult. But there is plenty of room for this relationship in professional circles as well, including here at CPS. This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with the members of our District’s NextGen Mentorship Cohort—a program that connects senior leaders from across the District with employees who are looking to grow in their careers.
Studies show that mentored individuals are far more likely to hold leadership positions later in their careers, and that the vast majority of mentees report increased confidence and stronger professional relationships after participating in a mentoring program. This research highlights the transformative impact that mentorship can have, which is why it is a key piece of our strategy to both empower students and grow and retain our talented staff.
I have been both a mentor and mentee in my career, so I can attest that both sides of the relationship are rewarding. My earliest mentors were my CPS teachers, beginning with Mr. Asher in 6th-grade, and growing throughout my time at Benito Juarez High School. Professionally, one of my most significant mentors was former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who I was fortunate to serve with during my first stint with CPS. He taught me about the importance of trusting and empowering my colleagues, and about how important it is to approach your work with a positive mindset. He also showed me how impactful it can be to develop those around you, which has been among my goals as the leader of our District.
I thank all of our CPS mentors, from our District leaders, to our teachers, to support staff like Mr. Woods, for giving so generously of their time, and for inspiring our next generation to lead with empathy, lean into their passions, and never compromise their values. Through your mentorship, you are helping shape leaders who will never stop trying to be better, and who will make it possible for those around them to be their best selves.
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!
Some ideas to consider:
- What plans does your school have to celebrate Black History Month in February?
- February 3 to 7 is National School Counseling Week. Tell us how the counselors at your school are making a positive impact on students’ lives.
Use our Good News Form to help us showcase all the ways the Best are with CPS!
A Look Around the District
Families at Sherman Elementary, located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago, brought storybook characters to life by stuffing plush toys from Dr. Okafor-Conley’s book at the school’s Bear & Book Workshop event! Students were able to take home a signed copy of the book, Slow, Steady, And Learning Together: A Storybook That Teaches Kids Kindness, Resilience, Friendship, And The Importance Of Learning Together.
And at Lavizzo Elementary in Roseland, celebrated the power of storytelling and the importance of highlighting male role models in the community at their Real Men Read event. Community members read to students and demonstrated the strength of diverse voices in education and mentorship!
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.
Uplifting Student Voice: Elections Upcoming for Student LSC Members
Students in grades 6–11 are encouraged to run for a seat on their school’s Local School Council (LSC). This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, and to help shape the future of their schools!
Any student wanting to run must complete all application forms by Friday, February 7. These forms can be obtained in each school’s main office. Candidate forums and student elections will be scheduled by principals in the coming weeks, and elected students will be appointed to their LSCs by the Board of Education in the summer of 2025.
For more information on the election timeline, and on the responsibilities of a student LSC member, click here.
Applauding our Student Leaders
Thank you to Carolina C., this school year’s Honorary Student Board Member, and Naomi G., a student at Jones College Prep, for their thoughtful presentation at this month’s Board of Education meeting. They presented valuable feedback from their fellow students on several key issues, including the implementation of our District’s strategic plan, and the importance of expanding student voice, especially for students with disabilities. This perspective is critical to keeping CPS leadership and the Board of Education connected to the daily needs and concerns of the students they serve, so we are grateful to Carolina and Naomi for their communication and advocacy.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
Last weekend, CPS crowned three more winter sports champions in Girls Wrestling, Boys Wrestling and Cheer. It was an incredibly exciting atmosphere across Little Village and Curie high schools, which served as hosts and provided an unforgettable memory and experience for our student-athletes and coaches. Congratulations to all of the competitors! Full story features, photo galleries, and recaps can be found at CPSAthletics.com, or via our social channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Boys Wrestling Team Champion: Lane Tech
Girls Wrestling Team Champion: Phoenix Military Academy
Cheer Champions:
- Small Cheer: Ogden
- Medium Cheer: Brooks
- Large Cheer: Lane Tech
- Co-Ed Cheer: Jones
Upcoming Championship Schedule:
- High School Individual Boys Wrestling | February 1 & 2 , 2025 | De La Salle HS
- High School Girls Bowling Championship | February 1, 2025 | Waveland Bowl
- High School Boys Swimming and Diving Championship | February 7 & 8, 2025 | Jones & Whitney Young
- High School Competitive Dance Championship | February 8, 2025 | Kenwood Academy
- High School Boys and Girls Basketball Championships | Feb 15, 2025 | Credit Union 1 Arena
CPS SCORE! Elementary sports are in full swing! Check out the latest schedules and information for the exciting athletics at the 5th-8th grade level at cpsathletics.com
Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Writing Contest for High School Students
High school students have an opportunity to win the Randall Albers Young Writers Award from the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. Students should submit a poetry, fiction, or nonfiction entry here for the chance to win up to a $250 prize and be honored at the Harold Washington Library in May. Submissions are due on Monday, March 3, at 5:00 p.m. Full rules and guidelines can be found using the above link, and additional information is also available on this flyer.
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
Be a lifeguard this summer and make $19.75 an hour! Take the February 1st test. Get your summer job plans in motion now. Apply to be a lifeguard online today and pick the February 1 test date. This test takes place at Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St. Must be a Chicago resident age 16 or older by July 1, 2025 to be a summer lifeguard. Enjoy your perfect summer job in the parks! Learn more and apply here.
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.
Celebrate Black History Month in the parks. Various events are offered in the 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.
Enjoy Park District Valentine’s Day events. From dances and parties, to ice skating and crafts, there are a variety of Valentine’s Day events taking place in the parks from February 6 through February 14 (Valentine’s Day). See the full list of events and learn more here.
Register for Girls Day of P.L.A.Y on February 25! This is a non-attendance day for CPS students. Offered at more than 20 parks across the city, this free day-long program includes sports, arts and 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 here.
Only a few weeks left for the outdoor ice rinks, so come out & skate! Neighborhood ice rinks are open through February 17 (weather permitting), and the ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is open through March 9. Learn more and register for skate sessions here.
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!
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. Pistons: Tuesday, February 11
- Bulls vs. Clippers: Wednesday, February 26
- Bulls vs. Raptors: Friday, February 28
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Wednesday, February 12: Chicago Board of Education Agenda Review Committee Meetings. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Monday, February 17: CPS offices and schools will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day; no classes for CPS students.
- Thursday, February 27: Chicago Board of Education Meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.