Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
After three weeks of classes, students should be starting to feel settled at school. But I know that for many in our CPS community, this is a very “unsettled” time.
Of course, this has nothing to do with the amazing work that’s happening in our schools, and everything to do with what we’re anticipating for our city.
The daily talk of more federal agents — and even federal troops — arriving in Chicago has many of us feeling fearful. This is especially true for our Black, Brown, and immigrant families, as we have seen these communities targeted by federal action in other cities.
I want to assure our families and staff that CPS is prepared, and that we are working closely with public safety officials at both the state and local level to keep families and staff safe.
CPS Protocols and Procedures
First, CPS has strong protocols in place to protect our students and staff, and we have well-established procedures for interacting with federal agents. Our District:
- DOES NOT ask for our families' immigration status
- WILL NOT coordinate with federal representatives, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),
- DOES NOT share student records with ICE or any other federal representatives, except in the rare case where there is a court order or consent from the parent/guardian, and
- WILL NOT allow ICE agents or any other federal representatives access to CPS schools or facilities unless they produce a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.
All students deserve a safe, supportive environment where they can learn and grow, and it’s our District’s privilege to provide it. But we know that the concerns our families have extend well beyond the school day.
Staying Safe Within the Community
To further support families during this time, CPS has created this guidance document with tips on staying safe as they travel to-and-from school and around the community. This resource also includes a review of everyone’s Constitutional rights, information and resources for immigrant families from community organizations, and details on Know Your Rights seminars. Finally, it includes information about Family Preparedness Workshops that are being hosted by the City of Chicago’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) every Thursday evening in September. Details on these workshops, along with additional guidance and resources, are available on the IMRR website at chicago.gov/imrr.
Importance of Attendance
I know that with the threat of a federal deployment, it’s hard for parents to feel comfortable going through their daily routines, including sending their children to school. But school is still the best, safest place for students, especially in these early weeks of the year.
Showing up every day in these first few weeks sets the tone for a successful school year, and is key to keeping children on track academically. After all — this is the time when teachers are laying the foundation that students will build on for the entire year.
But strong attendance affects more than just academics. It also gives students the chance to build their social and emotional skills, and create positive connections with their friends and teachers, which is critical to them feeling a sense of belonging at school.
CPS will continue to welcome all children with open arms, no matter where they or their families were born or what Chicago neighborhood they now call home. Our diversity is our strength, and we will wear it as a badge of honor.
There’s a lot we don’t know about what Chicago will experience in the days and weeks ahead. But whatever comes, we want families to know that school is the best and safest place for students, and we are fully prepared to keep them safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Macquline King
Interim Superintendent/CEO
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 Look Around the District
This school year, Kennedy High School, located in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, is focused on building a classroom environment around trust and respect through community building and collaborative learning activities. Such activities include creating towers out of toothpicks and marshmallows, and learning about safety in the laboratory.
At Barnard Elementary in the East Beverly neighborhood, families and community members welcomed the school year with a Back to School Bash. The evening included horse riding, a performance from the Whilly White Tumblers, a special visit from the Chicago Fire Department, sweet treats, and more!
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
CPS SCORE! 5th-8th-grade sports programming is just around the corner as games begin September 13! Students will be able to participate in boys and girls volleyball, cross country, and boys soccer this fall. For more information on your school’s programs, please visit the school websites or the main athletics site, cpsathletics.com.
Alcott College Prep Girls Volleyball continues to build its program as they move up to the Red North division this year! Check out the feature story on how the team is preparing for success against new competition.
The District was proud to re-open historic Hanson Stadium earlier this fall, after a complete renovation, now making all seven CPS municipal stadiums active for student activities and sporting events. The stadium features brand new turf, scoreboard, track, locker rooms, washrooms, pressbox, and more! This renovation is part of the continued efforts to upgrade these athletics venues, that have seen major improvements and additions to these stadiums over the last 5 years. The District is excited to welcome the community back to the stadium. For a full schedule of events at Hanson Stadium, please click here!
FINAL REMINDER: CPS is excited to partner with Chicago Cubs Charities throughout the year on initiatives that elevate our students in athletics and in the community. Cubs Charities is inviting all CPS students for FREE to the exciting screening of the documentary, SEE HER BE HER, a documentary on women’s baseball around the world, inspiring the next generation of student-athletes and gender equity in sports. The documentary is produced in partnership with Grassroots Baseball and follows seven “sheroes” in baseball across the globe, and features sport legends Billie Jean King, Cal Ripken Jr. Ichiro Suzuki and more! The screening will be on September 6, 2025, at AMC River North Theater (322 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611) at 1:00 p.m. Free Student Tickets can be secured via the link below, and adult tickets are $15, with all proceeds going to the Little League Girls With Game program!
CPS is proud to continue its partnership with Honest Game to ensure students are academically eligible to play sports in college if they so choose. Families can learn more about Honest Game’s services for their student-athletes through family-facing webinars throughout the year. Please click below for the upcoming list of webinars and to register!
Click here for Honest Game Webinar information and Registration
Finally, as a reminder, for the latest content surrounding CPS student-athletes, make sure to follow us across social media!
Special Ticket Offers from the Chicago Fire
There’s still time to take advantage of discounted Chicago Fire tickets for their remaining theme offers at Soldier Field!
- Harry Potter Night - September 13
- Hispanic Heritage Night - September 27
- Fan Appreciation Night - October 4
For each match, tickets start at just $20 and include a special-edition scarf! Click here to learn more and secure your tickets.
The Chicago Fire can also offer STEM & Soccer programming for your students! If interested in learning more, please reach out to their group sales team at grouptickets@chicagofirefc.com, or call (872) 710-0550.
Experience Fall at the Chicago Park District
Paid Lifeguard Training Program for Teens
In the Lifeguard Explorers training program, participants learn the skills needed to be a lifeguard and pass the Chicago Park District Lifeguard Skills Test while getting paid. Participants must be 14-19 years old and live in Chicago. The fall session is offered at seven parks across the city. Classes begin the week of September 22 and run through December 7. Learn more & register at chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguard-explorers/cps.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Parks
Join the Chicago Park District in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at a variety of events offered from mid-September through mid-October. View the event list at chicagoparkdistrict.com/hispanic-heritage-month/cps.
Register Now for Girls Day of P.L.A.Y on Sept. 26
Girls ages 6-12 are invited to participate in the Chicago Park District Girls Day of P.L.A.Y. program on Friday, September 26, which is a day off from school for CPS students. Offered at more than 20 parks across the city, this free day-long program includes sports, arts & 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 and register at chicagoparkdistrict.com/girls-play/cps
Register for a Fall Program in the Parks
A variety of programs are available for all ages and interests. The ParkKids afterschool program has begun. Most other programs begin the week of September 2 and run through December 7. Aquatics programs begin the week of September 15. Learn more at chicagoparkdistrict.com/fall-programs/cps.
For questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Wednesday, September 10: Board Agenda Review Committee Meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Thursday, September 25: Board of Education Meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Friday, September 26: Professional development day for staff; no classes for students.