Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
A reminder that all CPS schools and offices will be closed next Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. While there will be no classes on this day, I encourage our families, students, and educators to take time this month to honor the service of America’s veterans, whose steadfast commitment has strengthened our nation and upheld the ideals of freedom, democracy, and opportunity for generations. At a time when our nation and communities face significant challenges, Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the enduring power of resilience, unity, and shared responsibility in building a brighter future for all.
An Update Regarding SNAP Benefits
We know that many in our CPS community are being impacted by delayed and reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of November while the federal government remains shut down.
Here’s the latest:
- Yesterday, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately fund full SNAP benefits to states so that states can distribute benefits to families. The Trump administration is appealing this ruling.
- While this legal battle plays out, the Illinois Department of Human Services has been posting updates on this webpage with the latest information on when families can expect to receive partial benefits. We encourage families to visit this webpage regularly for the most up-to-date information. We are grateful for our state partners who are working to provide benefits to families as quickly as possible.
- Families can still use unused benefits from prior months to purchase food
Here is where families can find food:
- We Got You Illinois — this site includes an interactive map of food distribution sites in your area
- Greater Chicago Food Depository — includes an interactive map as well as distribution sites operating on Saturdays throughout November.
- Check with local churches, nonprofits, and community centers in your area.
We also want to remind families that all CPS students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch at school.
Finally, we want to encourage eligible families to continue to apply for and renew SNAP benefits despite the federal government shutdown; a lapse in coverage could cause families to go longer without benefits. Please visit cps.edu/snap or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) for help applying.
We will continue to keep families informed as this situation evolves.
GoCPS Applications Due One Week from Today!
A reminder that ALL GoCPS applications for the 2026–27 school year MUST be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, which is one week from today!
To be successful in their education, our students need to find the right fit. They need a learning environment that inspires and challenges them, and at the same time, makes them feel at home. This is where GoCPS comes in.
From our neighborhood schools and fine arts programs, to our world language, selective enrollment, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities, CPS truly does have an option for everyone. I encourage all of our families to visit the GoCPS website to explore these options, and to take advantage of resources on navigating the application process for both elementary and high school.
Remember, all applications for next school year MUST be submitted by 5 p.m. next Friday, November 14!
Transforming Chicago’s School Yards
This week, the communities of Farmer, Mollison, Ryder, and Till elementary schools became the latest recipients of a school yard makeover courtesy of the Space to Grow Program—a collaboration between CPS, Healthy Schools Campaign, and Openlands.
For more than a decade, Space to Grow has been transforming our District’s school yards into beautiful and functional spaces where students can play, learn, and enjoy being outside. Each features spaces for physical activity and play, including turf fields, jogging tracks, basketball courts, and playground equipment for all ages. The grounds also include areas for outdoor learning and exploration, as well as special landscape features that hold and absorb large amounts of water, thereby reducing neighborhood flooding.
I thank our partners at Space to Grow for investing in more than 40 CPS schools, and for engaging with students, families, and staff to design and construct school yards that reflect the unique needs and vision of each community. It is partnerships like this one that allow CPS to succeed in providing all students with the rigorous, joyful, and equitable daily learning experience they need and deserve.
Sincerely,
Dr. Macquline King
Interim Superintendent/CEO
Chicago Public Schools
Highlight Your School for the Holidays
We know that there will be great things going on in our schools during the upcoming holiday season! Please let us know about your holiday celebrations and special events, including those featuring your students and staff giving back to the community, using the Good News Form!
A Look Around the District
Mt. Greenwood Elementary, located on the Southwest side of the city, launched its Storybook Pumpkin Patch project this fall season. This creative initiative invited students and their families to transform favorite book characters into festive pumpkin decorations.
At O’Keeffe Elementary in the Grand Crossing neighborhood, students attended a dress rehearsal for the musical event, Davis Plays Davis, a performance by Orbert Davis' Chicago Jazz Philharmonic in celebration of composer Miles Davis' 100th birthday.
Students and staff at Tubman Elementary in Lakeview recently celebrated Unity Day. As part of the celebration, students wrote messages of kindness on orange ribbons to tie on the school’s fence as part of the school’s mission to create inclusive and kind communities.
At Hitch Elementary in the Gladstone Park neighborhood, students participate year-round in an incentive program where students from grades 5th-8th earn points as groups or “Houses” by practicing the school’s Huskie High Five values. Recently, students a part of the “Dreamers” House won a trip to see the Chicago Wolves vs the Rockford IceHogs Hockey game.
And Webster Elementary in Garfield Park hosted a High School Fair, in collaboration with four other CPS elementary schools. Students took advantage of the evening to learn more about potential opportunities from 36 different high schools in attendance and enjoyed refreshments and snacks!
Chicago Sky Players Surprise Girls’ Basketball Team
Players from the Chicago Sky surprised the girls’ basketball team at Chalmers STEAM Middle School by showing up at their practice earlier this week. The visit was part of an ongoing social media campaign being led by the Sky, giving players across the District the chance to meet their role models. Videos of these surprise visits will appear online and at games throughout the Sky’s WNBA season.
Stay Healthy During Respiratory Virus Season
PLEASE NOTE: The October 15, 2025 deadline for students to provide proof of required vaccines and health exams has now passed. If you have not yet submitted this documentation to your school, please do so immediately, as it is required by the state of Illinois for students to attend school. Families should review this Minimum Health Requirements document to determine which vaccines and exams their children need.
All required and recommended vaccines for children are widely available to CPS students at little to no cost, regardless of health insurance or immigration status. Visit cps.edu/vaccines for information on accessing our District’s dozens of School-Based Health Centers, and to see a list of upcoming vaccine opportunities, including Saturday vaccine events being held by CPS and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).
We know that for children to be successful, they need to be in school. This can only happen if our students stay healthy, so families are also encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV in accordance with the guidance provided by our public health experts.
For any questions about upcoming vaccine opportunities, families should email schoolhealth@cps.edu, or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 553-KIDS (5437).
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
CPS SCORE! Elementary Fall Volleyball and Soccer Playoffs are just around the corner! Check out the schedule here and come out to support our student-athletes! Championships take place on November 13. 2025.
CPS athletes are looking to make history in the IHSA State Tournament! Best of luck to Chicago Academy Soccer, Lane Tech Soccer and Girls Cross Country, our remaining football teams in the playoffs, and all of our individual competitors, as they look to bring home championship hardware! Schedules can be found at IHSA.org.
The Chicago Public League will crown a football championship later this month, as the top teams across the city will compete for the title on November 22, with the winner advancing to the historic Prep Bowl against the Chicago Catholic League on November 28, 2025.
Outside of football, all of our fall Chicago Public League High School City Championships have been completed! Check out cpsathletics.com for the latest stories, photo galleries, and recaps!
IMPORTANT: Please find updated policies for spectators at CPS-owned and operated stadiums as they relate to security, prohibited items, and new bag policies. Please note: These rules apply only to CPS-owned stadiums. Individual school events may have different rules for their on-campus activities.
Experience Fall in the Parks
Calling Chicago performing artists and filmmakers: Be part of the 2026 season of Night Out in the Parks and the Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase! Submit your Night Out in the Parks proposal or Chicago Onscreen film application today! The submission deadline is December 8. Learn more and apply now.
Planning to host an event in the parks in 2026? Apply starting November 7. Learn more here.
Apply now to be a 2026 summer lifeguard: Get your summer job plans in motion now. Make $20.50 an hour next summer as a Chicago Park District lifeguard. Apply now and select your test date—the first two tests will be offered on November 14 and December 20. Must be a Chicago resident and at least 16 years old by July 1, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
For questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Special Ticket Offer from the Chicago Bulls
CPS staff are invited to cheer on the Chicago Bulls with an exclusive ticket offer for the below games.
- Bulls vs. Spurs: November 10
- Bulls vs. Heat: November 21
- Bulls vs. Wizards: November 22
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Tuesday, November 11: CPS offices and schools are closed in observance of Veterans Day. No classes for students.
- Monday, November 24–Friday, November 28: In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, no students or teachers will be in school from November 24–28 and all CPS buildings will be closed on November 27 and 28.
- Wednesday, December 3: Board of Education Agenda Review Committee meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Thursday, December 18: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.