More than 30 CPS elementary schools are participating in Olympic Week in America, a school-based program that educates students about Olympic and Paralympic Games and introduces them to the ideas of the Olympic Movement. While the national celebration of Olympic Week in America is May 5-9, Chicago 2016 has taken the program’s core curriculum and adapted it specifically for our schools.

For students at participating schools, Olympic Week in America will reinforce skills in language arts, social studies, math, science and physical education. The week has been divided into five themed days, and Olympians and Paralympians will visit select schools over the course of the week to meet with students and talk about the value of the Games.

I urge all of our schools to think about getting involved in Olympic Week in America next year. You can visit www.chicago2016.org throughout the week to learn more about the activities, read summaries from each day and view photos and videos. In addition, anyone interested in volunteering with Chicago 2016 over the next several months should visit the site for more information.

I would like to thank the schools that have signed up for the Olympic Week program. I’m confident that this commitment represents a valuable contribution to the learning experiences of these students.

Sincerely,

Arne Duncan