Activities and Safety Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Dear CPS Families, 

Memorial Day weekend — often considered the kickoff to summer — is just a few days away. We know that our students will want to get out and enjoy the nice weather, and we want to make sure that they stay engaged and safe.

Memorial Day Weekend Activities

Community-based organizations from across the city are partnering with CPS to host a variety of free events for students and families this weekend. Check out the details below:

We are grateful to our partners — including The Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization, Good Kids Mad City, Southside Together Organizing for Power, New Life Centers, Palenque LSNA, Northside Action for Justice, Rincon Family Services, One Northside, Beyond the Ball, and BUILD — for working with us to provide students with spaces where they can have fun and stay safe this holiday weekend.

In addition, 38 CPS schools that offer JROTC programming will be participating in Chicago’s official Memorial Day weekend activities, including a wreath laying ceremony and parade to honor our country’s fallen heroes. The wreath laying ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 27 at Daley Plaza, with the parade stepping off at noon.

Important Safety Tips

Before they head out this weekend, we encourage you to have a conversation with your children about how to stay safe and have fun responsibly. 

• Urge them to keep their friend group small and avoid large crowds. If your child ever feels uncomfortable or threatened while they are out, they should go to the nearest business or populated area and call for help, while being careful to use their phones with good judgment and stay aware of their surroundings.
• Finally, when you are away from your children this weekend, please make sure you know where they will be, who they will be with, how you can reach them, and how they will get home. 

Explore Summer Opportunities for CPS Students

Memorial Day weekend may be the official start of summer, but please remember that CPS students should be in class through Wednesday, June 7. Once we do break from classes, though, there are a variety of opportunities available this summer for children of all ages.

Summer programming will run from June 26–August 4 and will include:

• Academic programs for students who need additional support.
• Enrichment opportunities for students who want to go above and beyond academically, including our Summer of Algebra program that prepares students to take more advanced math courses in high school.
• Summer Skills Camps in 15+ sports for students in grades 5–12. Click here to explore and register.
• Enrichment activities in exciting areas like the arts and STEM.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps that will give students in grades 6–9 the chance to complete hands-on career-focused projects and learn from industry professionals.
• Transition programs such as Preview to Pre-K, Kick-Off to Kindergarten, and Freshman Connection. 

Details and registration information for all of these programs can be conveniently found in one place at cps.edu/summerprograms. Families can also contact their principals to find out what programming will be available at their specific school.

Summer programs and other opportunities, including job opportunities, will also be offered through the District’s partner organizations, including One Summer Chicago, My CHI. My Future., the Chicago Park District, and the Chicago Public Library.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep our students safe and engaged this weekend and throughout the summer. We wish all of our families a very happy Memorial Day! 

Sincerely,
Chicago Public Schools