Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
This week, our city, nation and world lost a giant in the fight for justice and equality for all people.
The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. was a Chicago institution. From standing alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the fight for fair and equal housing in our city, to his lifelong advocacy against poverty and for women’s equality and LGBTQIA rights, Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy is woven deeply into Chicago’s civil rights history. Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he was a dynamic voice for social justice. His passion, his activism, and his courageous presidential campaigns paved the way for future Black leaders, including fellow Chicagoan Barack Obama, our nation’s first Black president.
It is especially fitting that we honor Reverend Jackson’s life and legacy during Black History Month—a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the enduring contributions of Black scholars, artists, and leaders in our city and around the world. CPS has been actively celebrating throughout the month, most recently through a special event recognizing the history and impact of Phillips and DuSable High Schools in Chicago’s Bronzeville community.
In 1904, Wendell Phillips High School became the District’s first high school created for Black students. As enrollment grew, CPS opened “New Phillips” in 1935 to relieve overcrowding. One year later, the school was renamed Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable High School, making it the first CPS school named for a Black person. Many others would follow, including Michele Clark High School and Oscar Depriest Elementary in Austin, and Wendell Smith Elementary in Pullman, to name a few.
This week’s event was a welcome opportunity to explore the deep-rooted legacy of both landmark institutions and honor the Black excellence that has shaped Chicago and the United States for generations.
Partnering with State Legislators For Fully-Funded Schools
Earlier this week, I traveled to Springfield to meet with state legislators about improving education funding for our schools. CPS is again facing a significant budget shortfall going into next school year, so we are hoping that our elected officials will act as strong advocates for Chicago’s students. I am grateful to the legislators who made time to meet with me and the CPS team this week, and who listened to our thoughts around the support we need to provide every student with a high-quality education and a bright future. We will continue to work with our partners at all levels of government to achieve full funding for our schools.
Congratulating CPS’ 2026 POSSE Scholars
Each year, the Posse Foundation awards students who have shown strong leadership, academic promise, and a commitment to collaboration and inclusion with full-tuition scholarships for college. In 2026, 95 of the 119 local scholars are CPS students!
Selected from more than 2,400 applicants, this newest class of Posse Scholars will receive more than $30 million in scholarships from Posse Chicago’s partner colleges and universities. These include Cornell University, Middlebury College, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and many more.
Founded in 1989, the Posse Foundation works to identify and support talented students from public high schools, preparing them through an intensive pre-collegiate program and sending them to partner colleges in diverse cohorts, or “posses,” that provide immediate support in the transition to higher education. Since its inception, the organization has helped students secure approximately $2.6 billion in full-tuition merit scholarships from colleges and universities nationwide.
I could not be more proud of this year’s Posse Scholars, who were chosen based on their leadership potential, ability to work effectively in teams, and determination to succeed in college and beyond. These students reflect the very best of CPS, as well as the power of our District’s schools to cultivate leadership, resilience, and purpose among Chicago’s future generations.
Recognizing our District’s Crossing Guards
Crossing Guard Appreciation Month (February 14 - March 14) is now underway, and I encourage everyone in our CPS community to thank those dedicated individuals who brave the elements each day to ensure our students can travel to and from school safely.
Crossing guards are essential members of our school support staff, with several garnering local and national attention over the years. Crossing guard Joe Sass, for example, went viral last month for selflessly carrying a student across a frozen and icy crosswalk on the Northwest Side and ensuring their safe arrival at school.
And Tammy Anderson, affectionately known as the “Dancing Crossing Guard,” has been spotlighted across Chicago news outlets for her energy, neon glasses, and quirky outfits, all of which have made her a recognizable figure on Chicago’s far south side.
Additionally, in December of 2022, the Today Show featured Angela Thompson, a crossing guard at Fiske Elementary in Chicago’s Woodlawn community, for the toy drive she’d been organizing for nearly two decades.
We know that all of our crossing guards have a story, and that the people they serve every day are the ones who know them best. In that spirit, I encourage everyone to consider nominating a special crossing guard in their lives for the 2026 Crossing Guard of the Year Award. Nominations can be made here and will be accepted through Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m.
I thank our District’s more than 600 crossing guards for providing Chicago’s families with peace of mind each day, and for being adults our students know they can trust and count on!
Sincerely,
Dr. Macquline King
Interim Superintendent/CEO
Chicago Public Schools
Share Your Good News!
We love highlighting the great things that are happening in our schools, along with the people who are making them happen! Please use the Good News Form to tell us your stories so that we can share them with the District!
Here are some ideas to consider:
- What events, projects, or festivities does your school community have planned for the celebration of Black History Month?
- February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. Is there a CTE program, instructor, or student at your school that deserves a shout-out?
- February is also a month when we honor our transportation workers. So let us know about a bus driver, aide, or monitor who is making a difference in your school community!
Share your story with us today so that we can feature it through this newsletter, on CPS social media, and even in the news!
A Look Around the District
Take a look at these highlights from schools across the District!
Sabin Elementary in the Wicker Park neighborhood is celebrating Black History Month through morning announcement trivia, and a school-wide "Living Museum," where students transform their classrooms into tributes to Black movements and eras.
Meanwhile, at Sherman Elementary in Back of the Yards, students participated in a live Q&A session with Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Thomas. During this special CHAMPS program event for Athlete Mental Health Week, scholars engaged in an inspiring dialogue about the vital role of mental wellness in sports and in life.
Students at Curie High School in Archer Heights attended performances of the Phantom of the Opera and Hell’s Kitchen, which both featured former Curie students who are now professional performers. After the performances, students spoke with these Curie alumni about auditions, training, and life on the road, showcasing a real example of where dedication to the arts can lead.
Finally, we’re excited to highlight a student from Volta Elementary in Albany Park who took 1st place at the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Bilingual Essay Competition. Fernanda R. was recently honored at the NABE’s Luncheon Awards for her essay on what it means to speak two languages, in which she wrote: “Being bilingual is more than just speaking two languages; it's about family, culture, opportunities, and pride.” Congratulations to Fernanda and the entire Volta community!
Inspiring Students Through Youth Media Day
Students from Back of the Yards, Curie, Dunbar, Hyde Park, and Schurz high schools joined Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson this week for Youth Media Day at City Hall. Approximately 60 students spent the day learning from communications specialists, photographers, and other professionals in the field. The experience included a live press conference where students had the opportunity to question the Mayor on critical city issues, including youth safety, employment opportunities, education, and more.
CPS Singers Shine at Lyric Opera Choral Festival
Singers from six CPS high schools recently participated in the 2nd Annual Lyric High School Choral Fest - an opportunity for students to sing onstage at the Civic Opera House while learning about careers within the performing arts industry.
These schools are part of our District’s High School Choir Residency program, wherein a professional teaching artist from Lyric visits each choir 30 times over the course of the school year. These teaching artists bring their knowledge and experience as professional opera creatives to the classroom, offering insight into vocal techniques, rehearsal practices, contest preparation, and college audition input, among other specialties.
Apply for an Education Grant from The Rotary Club of Chicago
The Rotary Club of Chicago (ROTARY/One) is encouraging CPS teachers and administrators to submit grant proposals for projects that will support areas and student populations that are underserved, and that will improve educational outcomes in Chicago. Complete details here.
Register Now for a Black Student Success Plan Roundtable
This March, CPS will host several Black Student Success Plan (BSSP) Community Roundtables, both virtually and around the city. These discussions are a chance for our CPS communities to learn about plan updates and understand the role they can play in the plan’s implementation.
Click here for complete details and to register! And if you have any questions regarding the roundtables, please contact bss@cps.edu.
Deadline Approaching: Share Your Thoughts on School Food and Other Important Topics!
The CPS SY26 Winter Survey is available now. The deadline has been extended and will now close on February 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. This survey covers the following topics:
- School Food: Share your experience and preferences around the food at your child’s school. If you have children attending multiple CPS schools, you can complete a different survey for each school.
- Health Education: This section asks about how Health Education is scheduled, structured, and staffed at CPS. Note: If you are interested in participating in a focus group on this topic, please fill out this form.
- GPA and Promotion Policies: The Grade Point Average (GPA) Policy is about how high school students’ GPAs are calculated. The Promotion Policy is about how students are moved from one grade to the next in high school.
- Special Education Services: Share your experience with special education supports and services at CPS.
You can fill out the SY26 Winter Survey at cps.edu/wintersurvey, and learn more at cps.edu/surveys. Each section of the survey should take 5–10 minutes to complete. Please note that each section should be done in one sitting, because your data will not be saved if you close your browser. However, if you only have time to finish one section, you can always come back later to complete additional sections. All survey responses are anonymous.
FREE Tax Help for CPS Families
As we begin tax season, CPS is excited to partner with Ladder Up (Spanish flyer)—a trusted nonprofit providing free, IRS-certified tax preparation services to hardworking families across Chicago. Our trained volunteers are ready to help CPS families maximize refunds, claim eligible credits, and file with confidence, all at no cost. Services are available to households earning up to $40,000 a year. Visit goladderup.org for complete details.
Staff Resources for Preventing Dating Violence Among Teens
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and the Office of Student Protections and Title IX has created several resources to help the adults supporting our youth identify the warning signs and impacts of teen dating violence. These materials will also help staff understand their reporting obligations under Title IX and the CPS non-discrimination policy, and strengthen their student support skills so that they can meet these moments with compassion, care, and kindness.
Do You Work with Students with Disabilities? CPS Needs Your Feedback!
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is developing the SY26-27 IDEA Procedural Manual and the SY26-27 504 Procedural Manual, and we need your help to ensure both provide the clearest and most effective guidance possible on special education and related services.
Please review the SY26 IDEA Procedural Manual and the SY26 504 Procedural Manual, making note of any sections that need updating, clarification, or additional information. We are specifically looking for guidance on the following:
- How the guidance aligns with the needs of CPS students with disabilities.
- Any areas that could benefit from further clarification or improvement.
Please use the dedicated forms below to submit your suggestions for each manual by the deadline of March 13, 2026.
SY27 IDEA Procedural Manual Feedback
SY27 504 Procedural Manual Feedback
We thank you for your feedback and invite you to email Jessica Steiner at jsteiner1@cps.edu with any questions.
Summer Internship Applications Now Open
CPS high school students are encouraged to unlock their potential with real-world experience through an internship this summer! This opportunity is open to all students ages 16 and older, including soon-to-be graduates from the Class of 2026.
Summer interns typically work 20 to 25 hours per week with a local corporation, business, or nonprofit organization. These paid internships provide students with mentorship, skill development, and networking opportunities.
More information is available at cps.edu/summerinternships, or by contacting summerinternships@cps.edu.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
CPL High School Sports
Join us TONIGHT for the Chicago Public League Boys Varsity Basketball Third Place and Championship Games at Credit Union 1 Arena! In the third place game, it will be a neighborhood matchup between Hyde Park and Kenwood, and in the Championship, Curie will take on Lincoln Park, with this being Lincoln Park’s first appearance in the title game since 1904! Click here for tickets, information, program, and live stream!
History was made last week in Girls Varsity Basketball, as the defending IHSA state champion Kenwood Broncos captured their first-ever Chicago Public League City Championship! The night also cemented senior Danielle B’s impact on the program, as she broke the school’s scoring record for basketball! Check out the recap and photo galleries at cpsathletics.com!
CPS SCORE! Elementary Sports
The CPS SCORE! 7th and 8th-grade Basketball Playoffs are underway, with the boys and girls championships set for Thursday, February 26 at Farragut High School. We hope to see you there to support our student-athletes!
Spring sports are just around the corner! Check with your school to see what programs they have signed up for (Girls Soccer, Track and Field and Boys and Girls Flag Football), then register your students at cpsathletics.com.
CPS is proud to continue our 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. Click here to register!
For the latest news surrounding CPS student-athletes, make sure to follow us on social media!
Enjoy Winter in the Parks
Free Heart Health Screenings
February is Heart Health Month. To celebrate, we are encouraging everyone to eat well, stay active, and manage stress. Come get a FREE heart health screening at one of our four locations. Learn more: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/heart-health-month 
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/black-history-month
Enjoy working with kids? Apply now to be a Recreation Leader at the Chicago Park District summer camps. Applicants must be 16 or older. Apply at Jobs | Chicago Park District.
Join us for FREE family fun at Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh Park, 11559 S. Stony Island Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11 am! Activities include free fishing lessons, Nature Play with recycled holiday trees & music.
Learn more: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/polar-adventure-day
Teens and parents, join us for the 10th annual Teen Opportunity Fairs. Hosted at three locations across the city, these FREE events offer information about summer opportunities in the parks for Chicago youth ages 13-19.
Learn more: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs
Be a 2026 Summer Lifeguard – Apply TODAY, Next Test is Fri., Feb. 27 at 4:30 pm at Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Get your summer job plans in motion now. Earn $20.50 an hour this summer as a Chicago Park District lifeguard. Apply today, and then register to take the Lifeguard Test. Must be a Chicago resident and at least 16 years old by July 1, 2026. Learn more and apply at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/CPS.
Winter Programs are happening (Spots still remain)
Find something to get you out and active over winter! There’s something for every age group throughout the city, and classes are very affordable. Most programs run through March 15, 2026.
Learn more: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-2026-programs/cps
The Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon will remain open through March 8. All other outdoor ice rinks are now closed for the season. Learn more & register for a skating session here.
For all questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Special Ticket Offers from the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Fire
CPS staff are invited to cheer on the Chicago Bulls with an exclusive ticket offer for the below games.
- Bulls vs. Knicks: Feb. 22
- Bulls vs. Hornets: Feb 24
- Bulls vs. Trail Blazers: Feb. 26
The Chicago Fire kickoff their home schedule on Saturday, February 28 with an 1:30PM afternoon match vs CF Montreal at Soldier Field! The Fire are offering CPS families a discount of over 40%, with tickets now starting at under $20, including all taxes and fees! Get your tickets here.
The Chicago Fire can also assist with STEM & Soccer or Career in Sports field trips 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.
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Thursday, February 26: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Wednesday, March 4: Board Agenda Review Committee meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Tuesday, March 17: A professional development day for staff; no classes for students.
- Wednesday, March 18: Elementary and high school parent-teacher conferences; Local School Council elections; no classes for students.
- Monday, March 23–Friday, March 27: Spring break for all CPS students and teachers.