Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
Earlier this week, CPS presented our principals with their school budgets for the 2026–27 school year. These budgets acknowledge the challenges facing many school districts around the country, including CPS: declining enrollment, declining revenue, but growing student needs. As we navigate these challenges, our school budgets for next year include the investments needed to fulfill our responsibilities to our highest-need learners, and protect the resources and supports that have the most direct impact on our students’ daily learning experience.
A communication outlining specifics on next year’s school budgets was shared on Tuesday, May 12. You can review that communication here.
In June, I will testify before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce where I will elevate the experiences of our students and discuss the priorities shaping our work on behalf of students and school communities across CPS.
This hearing comes as we continue leading critical work across our district, including developing next year’s budget and making decisions that support positive outcomes for students and school communities. I intend to use this opportunity to highlight the incredible achievements happening in our schools, affirm our commitment as a district that values students’ identities and lived experiences, and reinforce the importance of ensuring every Chicago child has access to a high-quality education and the opportunities they need to thrive.
Another Round of Golden Apple Winners
I’m excited to share that two more CPS teachers—Ms. Sara Mazhary and Ms. Nita Sengupta—have been added to the list of Golden Apple winners for the 2025–26 school year! They are joining CPS teachers Heather Debby and Misty Richmond, and CPS principal Nicole Spicer, each of whom received this prestigious recognition earlier this month.
Ms. Mazhary, a schoolwide STEM teacher at Camras Elementary in Belmont Cragin, works to foster ethical reasoning, creativity, and collaboration among her students. She has created a human centered curriculum that is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards for Engineering, and that ensures accessibility for all learners and includes a focus on social-emotional learning.
Ms. Sengupta, a 6 to 8th-grade math teacher at Salazar Elementary on the Near North Side, is known for helping her students apply math concepts to real-world problems. One exciting example from this school year is a student-led fundraising initiative supporting cleft lip surgeries for children in South America. Ms. Sengupta has guided her students in using math skills to track the progress of this effort, allowing them to see the tangible impact of their work.
The Golden Apple is one of the most distinguished awards that can be bestowed on an educator, and I feel fortunate to have so many of these esteemed teachers and school leaders serving the students of Chicago.
Aspiring CPS Educators Getting Their Start Through Teach Chicago Tomorrow
Some future Golden Apple winners may well have started their journey to the classroom earlier this week as part of Teach Chicago Tomorrow (TCT) Signing Day!
This program provides CPS students who are interested in becoming educators with the supports and resources they need to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Benefits include academic support while in college, career counseling within the education space, and financial support, including scholarships exclusive to students enrolled in TCT partner schools.
As a District, we are committed to cultivating a diverse teaching force, and TCT is helping make that happen. The vast majority of our students are children of color, but not all of them have consistent opportunities to learn from teachers who look like them, and who share their cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that when students see themselves reflected in the faces and experiences of their teachers, it can be a source of inspiration that helps them reach their full potential.
TCT has grown considerably since its inception in 2020. In fact, this is the third consecutive year that the program will welcome more than 100 student participants. A handful of TCT graduates are already teaching in CPS schools, with more expected to join our team of exceptional educators in the 2026–27 school year.
I congratulate this year’s 107 TCT scholars, and sincerely hope that most or all of them will be leading their own CPS classrooms in the years to come!
Sincerely,
Dr. Macquline King
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!
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
Libby Elementary in the Back of the Yards neighborhood recently celebrated El Día del Niño, honoring the importance and well-being of every child! Students enjoyed a day filled with activities, bouncy houses, and fun prizes.
Meanwhile, students and staff at Wadsworth Elementary in Woodlawn enjoyed the school’s Day of the Arts event. The day started with a Preschool and Kindergarten fashion show, and ended with an evening art show coordinated by the school’s art teacher.
At Nicholson Elementary in Englewood, Na-Tae’ Thompson, the co-founder of True Star, and Phyllistine Smith, the director of Project I Am, both presented at the school’s Career Fair. Their presentation informed students that it’s never too early to start looking into potential career paths or to start making a difference in their community.
Roosevelt High School in Albany Park hosted its inaugural STEAM Festival, which brought together over 100 participants for a day of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. In partnership with community members and university experts, the initiative successfully bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, empowering the next generation of thinkers and creators.
Finally, we would like to highlight the North Grand High School Robotics team in Hermosa for their success over the last three years in the FTC Chicago League. Operating with a crew of 3-4 members, this team has excelled by maximizing the potential of their basic builds and embracing every challenge as a learning opportunity. Their hard work has paid off with numerous awards in the league, proving what a small, passionate group of students can achieve when they refuse to let obstacles stand in their way!
Major STEM Update at Irving Elementary
Congratulations to the school community of Irving Elementary in Tri-Taylor, which was recently selected by The Children First Fund and the NBA, with partners Heart of America and State Farm, as the recipient of a STEM room upgrade, including new furniture and updated equipment like 3D printers, STEM games, and virtual reality headsets. Students were also treated to a basketball skills clinic featuring Chicago Bulls player Matas Buzelis.
Empowering a New Generation of Civic Leaders
Members of Chicago’s Next Gen City Council, where CPS students take on the role of mock alderman and mock mayor, concluded their civic engagement experience this week by presenting proposed legislation, debating topics, and voting on various proposals during a simulated City Council Meeting.
An initiative of the CPS Social Science Department and the City Clerk of Chicago, this program presents Chicago’s youth with a unique opportunity to actively engage with and influence city government while preparing them to become the civic leaders of tomorrow.
Here’s What’s Happening in the Arts This Month
If you want to support our District’s talented student artists, here’s your chance!
The All-City Performing Arts (ACPA) Spring Showcase, held at Jones College Prep on May 17, 2026 at 12 p.m., will feature the incredible talents of more than 300 musicians, actors, and dancers from more than 140 schools.
The Pre-k–12 All-City Visual Arts Exhibition showcases outstanding 2D, 3D, and time-based artwork by CPS students from all across the District! You can see the exhibition by visiting the Design Museum of Chicago until May 30.
Last but not least, you’re invited to the 2026 ART on THE MART Collaborative Exhibition! This exhibition highlights selected CPS student artwork from across the city. The program will run on the facade of THE MART on Thursdays through Sundays at approximately 8:30 p.m. from May 21–31. The program can be best viewed and heard from the Chicago Riverwalk Jetty between Wells and Franklin Streets.
Recognizing the Value of CPS Teacher Leaders
Teachers Lead Chicago (TLC) is proud to spotlight the work of 800+ formal teacher leaders across more than 350 schools, the majority of them in high-need communities. These leaders extend their impact beyond the classroom by elevating their practice as resident and new teacher mentors, Instructional Team Coaches, and Lead Coaches.
As part of the Lead with CPS initiative, Teachers Lead Chicago provides educators with a formalized teacher career pathway. Watch this video series to hear directly from teacher and school leaders about the impact of this role on their communities.
Follow Lead with CPS on LinkedIn as the stories of these teacher leaders are amplified. Be sure to like, comment, and celebrate your colleagues! And to learn more about Teachers Lead Chicago, visit their website.
Celebrating our Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
In celebration of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we want to recognize all of the amazing audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for their hard work, dedication, and unique contributions to the CPS community. Communication disorders are among the most common conditions in children and adults, but with the hard work of audiologists and SLPs, they are helping to improve and impact students' academic, social, and career success—as well as their overall quality of life.
Here are some fun and informative resources from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASLHA) to help raise awareness about communication disorders.
Highlighting P-STEP: High-Impact Support and Results
A recent end-of-year celebration honored the newest cohort of the Pre-Service Teaching Equity Project (P-STEP). This event was an opportunity to recognize the dedication of our participants who chose to complete their student teaching in CPS high-need schools.
By providing this group with advanced training and targeted mentorship, we are seeing a remarkable return on investment for our District, as the intentional support structure of P-STEP allows us to further boost long-term commitment. Currently, 80% of P-STEP participants continue their careers within CPS, with the majority remaining in the communities where they received training.
We are proud to offer these specialized resources to help create a sustainable pipeline of well-prepared, community-aligned teachers. By investing deeply in our educators’ preparation today, we ensure that every Chicago student has access to the exceptional teaching they deserve.
Mental Health and Substance Use Resources from the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness
The CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness’ (OSHW) Mental Health Team is committed to promoting well-being, reducing stigma, and connecting students and staff to meaningful support. Mental health and substance use challenges can affect anyone, impacting relationships, well-being, and academic success — making early identification and supportive environments essential for our school communities. In honor of various mental health and substance use observances, we invite you to review these one-pagers and visit our website for additional resources. Contact mentalhealth@cps.edu with any questions.
- National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day
- Alcohol Awareness Month
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Talking to Your Child About Mental Health and Suicide
Pre-k Applications Now Open for the 2026–27 School Year
We know that getting students in the classroom early is critical for their academic, social, and emotional development. So families are encouraged to visit chicagoearlylearning.com to explore their pre-k options for the 2026–27 school year. Applications are now being accepted for free, full-day programs, which are available to all 4-year-olds, and many half-day programs that are open to 3-year-olds.
Introducing Chicago Youth Works
“Chicago Youth Works,” formerly “One Summer Chicago” is an effort to provide Chicago’s students and young adults with employment in and beyond the summer. Applications are now open for youth ages 14 to 24 to fill an anticipated 29,000 jobs and internships. CPS students can explore options and apply here.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
Congratulations to our first batch of high school spring champions!
- Girls Water Polo: Payton / Jones Co-Op
- Boys Water Polo and Girls Track and Field: Whitney Young
- Boys and Girls Lacrosse and Girls Soccer: Lane Tech
- Girls Fastpitch Softball: Taft
High School playoffs and championships will continue over the next few weeks, including:
- Boys Track and Field | May 16 | Hanson Stadium @ 10 a.m.
- Boys Volleyball | May 21 | Little Village HS @ 6:15 p.m.
- Baseball | May 21 | Wrigley Field @ 6 p.m.
The full list of upcoming championship events can be found at CPSAthletics.com.
Spring sports playoffs are also underway for our 5th-8th grade students! Check out our website for the latest playoff brackets and schedules! This spring will feature the Flag Football and Girls Soccer Championships on May 28, and the Track and Field Championships on May 30. Locations and times still to be determined.
What’s Happening in the Parks
2026 Night Out in the Parks Schedule Announced!
Join us at Night Out in the Parks across the city. The Chicago Park District, in partnership with local artists and organizations, presents engaging events and performances to amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy of our city in every neighborhood and enhance the quality of life across Chicago. Visit our website for details.
Lights, camera, action! Movies in the Parks returns this summer, bringing Hollywood movies and local films to local parks for the twenty-sixth season. Join us in the parks for classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood, retro childhood favorites, and the best family-friendly box office hits. You can receive Night Out in the Parks text messages! Get text updates this summer about the Night Out in the Parks program and schedule. Sign up is easy! Text "night out" to (883) 270-0707. Or visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/movies-parks to access the schedule.
Join us this May for FREE fitness classes across the city at one of our 43 classes taught by local park instructors and partners, including one online you can join from the comfort of your home! Click here for more details.
Register for park district day camp (Monday, June 22, 2026–Friday, July 31, 2026) here.
For all questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Monday, May 25: CPS offices and schools closed for Memorial Day. No classes for students.
- Thursday, May 28: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Thursday, June 4: Last day of school for students.