Chicago Public Schools Kicks Off 2024-25 School Year with Back-to-School Bashes

CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is inviting students and families to start the 2024-25 school year strong by attending one of six back-to-school bashes to be held across the city. The District’s annual round of celebratory fairs helps new and returning students and families to connect with their schools and useful resources prior to the first day of school, which this year is slated for August 26. The first celebration took place today, July 16, at Washington Park, with additional events to be hosted and attended by City and District officials throughout July and August.


“It is important to make sure that our students and families are prepared for success as we approach the new school year,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “These back-to-school bashes have become a critical summer touchstone tool for ensuring that our students and families feel welcome and have access to the resources they need to succeed when they return to school.”


Students and families are welcome to attend any of the six bashes where they can enjoy music, food, games, and other activities. CPS staff and volunteers will also be available to help answer questions about the upcoming school year. Families can also meet with school leaders, access necessary school supplies, and access health resources during the events.


The annual back-to-school fairs are organized through the District’s Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) and among those attending the bashes will be the District’s new chief of FACE, Fanny Diego Alvarez. Ms. Diego Alvarez has more than 15 years of experience in educational program management, and she promises to bring dynamic, strategic leadership to the FACE department. Ms. Diego Alvarez, a proud CPS graduate with a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, stepped into her role last week and is eager to meet more families at the upcoming bashes.


“We know that parental engagement is key to a child’s academic success,” said Ms. Diego Alvarez. “I look forward to meeting as many students and parents as possible as we work to increase access to the information and resources that will help families feel more welcome and to deepen our partnership, driving our collective success.”


Following today’s bash, the District will host five more bashes; July 18 at Columbus Park, July 23 at Harrison Park, July 25 at Winnemac Park, July 30 at Marquette Park, and August 1 at Gately Park. All bashes are from 1-5 p.m. The full schedule of events, as well as resources to help families prepare for a successful year, can also be viewed on the District's Back-to-School website at www.cps.edu/b2s.  

There, families can access important information about academic programs, community events, frequently-asked-questions, enrollment procedures, medical forms, health requirements and safety protocols for the upcoming school year.


CEO Pedro Martinez and top District and City leaders will attend several of the back-to-school bashes.


Chicago Public Schools extends its gratitude to all the partners who have generously contributed to this year's back-to-school efforts, providing essential supplies and funds to make these events possible. Companies and individuals are invited to help CPS students start the year off right by donating to the Children First Fund: the Chicago Public Schools Foundation (CFF). Contributions will also support CFF’s Compassion Fund which provides critical resources throughout the school year such as backpacks and school supplies to start the year off strong, as well as winter coats, and direct financial relief to CPS students and families facing hardship.


For any additional questions regarding the return to the school year, parents can email b2s@cps.edu or call the Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) at 773-553-3223.


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