Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
Today is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Day in CPS—a great opportunity to highlight our District’s ongoing commitment to supporting students’ mental health, and to developing their emotional skills alongside their academic prowess.
Our educators are constantly finding meaningful ways to incorporate SEL into their classrooms, not just this week, but throughout the entire school year. At Chappell Elementary, for example, monthly SEL themes like generosity and kindness tie into morning assemblies and buddy activities where older and younger students get the chance to bond. An awards program called Chivalry in Action is also in place to help teachers recognize Chappell students for their kindness and thoughtful behavior.
Our District’s focus on SEL is not an “extra.” It is a core component of the rigorous, joyful, and equitable daily learning experience established by our five-year strategic plan. This is because we recognize that our young people have needs that go beyond academics, and that a learning environment that promotes social and mental wellbeing will better prepare them to become well-rounded, emotionally intelligent adults.
Celebrating National School Social Work Week
Some of the most influential proponents of SEL are the more than 650 school social workers currently serving our District’s students. From their early days in Pre-k to their transition to and through high school, our social workers strive to provide all children with safe, welcoming learning environments where they feel valued and supported, and where their emotional wellbeing is always a priority.
Our social workers touch all aspects of the student experience, from supporting children in crisis, to shaping positive school culture and climate, to guiding students as they make their plans for a successful future beyond CPS. I applaud them for being such a trusting presence in our schools, and for helping our students achieve a deep sense of belonging.
Read more about the work of some of our District’s social workers as we celebrate National School Social Work Week.
New Partnership to Fast-Track Students’ Futures in STEM
This week, CPS announced a new program that will give students a powerful head start when it comes to career exploration. Called “Ignite Your Future”, this partnership among CPS, ComEd, and City Colleges of Chicago’s Dawson Technical Institute will begin serving students at Chicago Military Academy (CMA) High School next fall. It will include an industry-integrated curriculum, work-based learning, and career mentorship, as well as the opportunity for students to complete their Associate Degree in various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, including those related to the growing energy sector.
This is the latest addition to our District’s Early College STEM Program, which connects high school, college, and work to prepare students for careers in today’s most in-demand industries. I thank our partners at ComEd and City Colleges of Chicago for enriching our students’ education, and for their wise decision to invest in our city’s future leaders.
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!
A few ideas to consider:
- What does your school have planned for the celebration of Women’s History Month in March?
- Spring is right around the corner! Tell us about the outdoor spaces that make your school special, or the programs and activities that see students spending time outside!
Use our Good News Form to help us showcase all the ways the best are with CPS!
A Look Around the District
Check out these highlights from across the District as schools closed out Black History Month!
Students at King High School in North Kenwood led several Black History Month activities, including a "Jaguar Jeopardy" game and a school-wide assembly featuring rhythmic djembe drum demonstrations, roller skating exhibitions, and performances from students and the school’s award-winning marching band.
At Lindblom High School in West Englewood, students spent time with school staff members and published authors Ms. Gunn and Mr. Talley and received first-hand insight on what it takes to write and publish a book at their Black History Month Author Talk.
Gale Elementary in Rogers Park concluded BHM with a vibrant whole-school assembly honoring the significant contributions of past and present African American leaders. The event showcased poetry recitations, uplifting music, engaging read-alouds from influential works, and captivating drumming sessions.
The school community at Nettelhorst Elementary in Lake View East worked on creating a Black History Celebration video featuring student and staff members showcasing Black leaders and their accomplishments in history.
And Sutherland Elementary, located in Beverly, hosted a BHM Assembly and a Living Wax Museum where students dressed as important figures in history and read their short biographies to guests!
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!
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.
Nominate a CPS Crossing Guard for the Crossing Guard of the Year Award
Crossing Guard Appreciation Month runs from February 14–March 14. 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. Please take a moment to thank our crossing guards for their service, and 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!
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
The girls basketball teams from Kenwood and Philips high schools made history this week, qualifying for the IHSA State Tournament Semifinals for the first time in each of their program’s histories! After a hard fought game with Nashville high school on Thursday that ultimately resulted in a defeat, the Phillips Wildcats will compete for a third place trophy tonight at 6pm against Mount Carmel! Kenwood will compete tomorrow for either a state championship or a third place trophy. All games are being played at CEFCU Arena in Bloomington Illinois and can be seen LIVE on WCIU The U TV.
The IHSA Boys Basketball tournament continues, with CPS schools competing across classes for a state championship! The sectional finals will be played tonight, with the winners advancing to the IHSA Super-Sectional on Monday March 10. CPS is hosting the 3A and 4A Super-Sectional at Credit Union 1 Arena. More information about the matchups can be found at our IHSA Super-Sectional HQ,
Lane Tech finished fourth in state for boys swimming, which is their best finish in the IHSA State Tournament since 1950! This is the first top-5 finish in swimming for a CPS school since 1952. Congratulations to all of the athletes who competed!
Four CPS students earned medals in girls wrestling this year! They are: Jasmine M. of Rickover, Sarah L. of Kelly, AJ G. of Phoenix Military, and Nyah L. of Lane Tech.
CPS SCORE! Elementary sports is inching closer to the playoffs and championships! The Elementary Cheer Championship will take place at UIC Forum on March 8, Boys and Girls Basketball Championships on March 20 at Phillips High School and Wrestling Championships will take place March 22 at Chicago Military Academy Bronzeville. Make sure to come out and cheer on our elementary school athletes!
Reminder - CPS Athletics is now on Instagram and Facebook, highlighting the incredible accomplishments of our student-athletes and programs across the District! Make sure to follow these accounts and interact with us on these new social platforms in addition to our existing X account.
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 $6,500 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 $6,500 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.
Opportunities from the Chicago Park District
Teens: Get your summer plans set now! Attend a Teen Opportunity Fair. Join the Chicago Park District on 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. Youth age 13-15, learn about RIT (Rec Leader in Training) and CIT (Counselor in Training) paid stipend-based programs, teen camps, and other opportunities. The New Deaf and Hard of Hearing Fair takes place on March 22. Learn more and register: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs/cps
Work for the Parks this summer, Apply now! A number of positions are now open for the summer, including Recreational Leaders (for day camp), Lifeguards, Junior Laborers (landscape maintenance), and Special Recreation Leaders, all open to Chicago residents who are age 16 and older by July 1, 2025. Additional positions are available for residents age 18 and older. Enjoy your perfect summer job in the parks! Learn more and apply: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/summer-jobs/cps
Register for Chicago Park District Spring Programs beginning March 10 and 11. Find something to work your mind and body this spring in the parks. There is something for every age group throughout the city, and classes are very affordable. Most programs run March 31 through June 8. Learn more here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/spring-programs/cps
Register for Spring Break Camps now. Keep your kids active and engaged over spring break at a Chicago Park District camp. Campers will participate in recreational activities, arts and crafts, and sports along with other fun activities. Offered at various parks across the city, kids will enjoy a week with other kids their age, in a fun and supervised environment, at an affordable cost. Most camps run March 24-28, for ages 6-12. Times vary, but many of the camps run six hours each day. Learn more and register now: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/spring-break-camps/cps
For questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Discounted Tickets for CPS Staff and Families
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs invite CPS teachers, administrators, and staff to visit Wrigley Field on Monday, May 5 at 6:40 p.m. for Teacher Appreciation Night! Discount tickets are available from $24 and include a Cubs quarter-zip. Get your 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. Pacers: Monday, March 10
- Bulls vs. Nets: Thursday, March 13
Chicago Stars FC
CPS students, families, and staff are invited to kick off spring break with 50% off tickets to the Chicago Stars FC home opener against the Houston Dash on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. at SeatGeek Stadium. Click here to purchase tickets!
CSO Civic Impact Concert
Be inspired by the musicians who are learning, growing, and serving Chicago through the programs produced by the Negaunee Music Institute at Impact — a showcase of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s education and community engagement programs. On March 17, enjoy performances by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, musicians from the CSO, Percussion Scholarship Program students, Young Artist Competition winner Jaden Teague-Núñez, and more. Use promo code IMPACT to get $12 tickets.
Enter the promo code before selecting your seats and the pricing will be adjusted after you have added the seats to your order. Not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with other offers. Eligible for adult tickets only; additional restrictions may apply.
Purchase tickets here: https://cso.org/performances/24-25/civic-orchestra/impact/
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Thursday, March 13: Amended Budget Hearing. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Friday, March 14: Amended Budget Hearing. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Thursday, March 20: Board of Education meeting. 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.
- Monday, March 31: School improvement day for staff; no classes for CPS students.
- Tuesday, April 1: Parent-teacher conferences; no classes for CPS students.