End of Week Message: Celebrating Culture, Shaping Future Scientists, and Honoring Our Communities
10 October 2025
Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
We need to begin today’s newsletter by acknowledging the fear and anxiety that is continuing to impact our communities given the growing presence of federal law enforcement in our city. I want to remind everyone that schools remain the best and safest place for all students, and that CPS will continue working with our school communities and our public safety partners to keep everyone safe, informed, and provided with the resources and supports they need. We will continue providing regular updates on this situation, and encourage everyone to visit cps.edu/immigration for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
This challenging moment is understandably at the center of many District conversations right now. I know this has been a difficult and uncertain time for many across our city, and these events are weighing heavily on our hearts and minds. Still, even in moments like this, I’m reminded of the hope and strength that live within our schools. Every day, our students are learning, our educators are leading with compassion, and our communities are showing what it means to care for one another. There is so much good happening across CPS, and I’m grateful to be able to share some of those bright spots with you today.
October is full of significant cultural celebrations, from Principal Appreciation and Hispanic Heritage Month to Indigenous Peoples’ Day this Monday, October 13. A reminder that there will be no classes for CPS students on this day, and all CPS schools and offices will be closed.
Shaping our City’s Future Scientists
At CPS, we want our students to reach for the stars. That goal took on a new meaning this week as children in schools across the District participated in Rocket Day!
This celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) gave students around Chicago the chance to design, build, and launch a model rocket. A hands-on experience in engineering, physics, and aerodynamics, this event was designed to spark students’ curiosity while fostering collaboration among schools, families, and community partners.
Also this week, more than 75 students in our District’s CTE Health Sciences Pathway participated in “A Day with the American College of Surgeons”, where they were exposed to the possibility of a career caring for surgical patients. In addition to hearing from those who have succeeded in this profession, these CTE students learned about the newest technologies in the surgical field and received training on how to stop life-threatening blood loss during an emergency.
At CPS, we believe strongly in giving students a headstart on career pathways that align with their interests and passions. What’s more, advanced career credentials like the ones earned through our CTE programs can lead to apprenticeships and eventual employment in high-growth, high-wage industries.
I applaud our young people for their curiosity, and thank the CTE teachers who are opening our students’ eyes to so many career possibilities so early!
Finally today, I want to remind everyone that October is Principal Appreciation Month, and thank our city’s first responders for recognizing the talent and dedication of our school leaders.
The Chicago Police Department, Fire Department, and Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are coming together this month to surprise CPS principals around the city with plaques honoring their leadership and service. I hope everyone in our CPS community will follow their lead and find time this month to let our principals know what a profound impact they’re having on our school communities, and on our city’s future generations!
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
Check out these highlights from schools across our district!
At Sherman Elementary, located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago, students were paid a special visit from team members on the University of Chicago’s Basketball team. The players talked with students about what it takes to succeed as a student-athlete and answered questions about college life.
And King College Prep in the Kenwood neighborhood hosted International Day with a school celebration filled with delicious food, fun activities, and dancing from different cultures around the world. The school community gathered to remember the importance of harmony and non-violence and reflect on how they can contribute to a more peaceful and equitable world!
Oct. 15 Deadline Approaching for Required Student Health Exams and Vaccines
In order to attend school, CPS students are required by the State of Illinois to receive certain vaccines. The deadline to submit proof of these vaccines, along with any required physical exams, is October 15, 2025. Families should review this Minimum Health Requirements document to determine which vaccines 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) beginning October 18.
With regard to respiratory viruses, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, CPS is following the vaccine guidelines recently approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
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 strongly encouraged to get vaccinated 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).
All-City Visual Arts Exhibitions: Applications are Open!
Is your student passionate about art? Applications for the All-City Visual Arts (ACVA) and Senior Portfolio Exhibitions are now open! ACVA provides unique opportunities for CPS students in grades pre-k–12 to showcase their achievements in visual and media arts in highly visible, public exhibition spaces in Chicago. Learn more and submit artwork at cps.edu/ACVA.
Helping Students with Disabilities Envision Their Futures
Middle-school students from the deaf and hard-of-hearing programs at Bell, Chase, and Jamieson elementary schools visited Prosser Career Academy this week for a CTE Exploration Day focused on a wide variety of careers, including auto repair, game programming, machine technology, HVAC maintenance, the culinary arts, and more. They also participated in hands-on workshops led by deaf and hard-of-hearing students currently enrolled in Prosser’s carpentry, welding, and digital media programs. Joining students for this event were Josh Long, Chief of the CPS Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), and Rachel Arfa, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and the first deaf cabinet member in Mayor Johnson’s administration.
GoCPS Applications Now Open for the 2026–27 School Year
GoCPS is a one-stop-shop for exploring all of the academic programs that CPS has to offer. These include neighborhood schools, magnet programs, Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities, and selective enrollment schools.
Families can visit the GoCPS website to explore their options and access helpful training sessions on navigating the application process for both elementary and high school.
All GoCPS applications for the 2026–27 school year MUST be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025.
After-School Safe Haven Sites Serving CPS Students
The CPS Office of Faith-Based Initiatives partners with Safe Haven sites around the city to provide students with snacks, engaging activities, and supervision after school. Days and times vary by site. Click here for a complete list of Safe Haven locations.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
CPS and WCIU TV made HERstory last week by broadcasting the first-ever televised Girls Volleyball game in Chicagoland history! It was a thrilling day at South Shore High School as athletes from Kenwood, Whitney Young, Jones, and Payton competed in front of a packed house onsite and an excited audience on TV. Congratulations to our girls on making broadcast history!
A High School Girls Golf Champion has been crowned, as Whitney Young captured the title for the second consecutive year! Good luck to the team and all of our CPS golfers who will now take part in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state tournament!
The Chicago Public League has a new Girls Flag Football Champion! In a thrilling game that came down to the final play, King High School defeated Kenwood by a score of 20-12. Congratulations to both schools on a tremendous season, and best of luck in the IHSA state tournament!
Our next CPL City Championship will be in Boys’ Soccer, and will take place on Wednesday, October 15 at Rockne Stadium. Make sure to come out and support our students as the best of CPS are showcased in the title match!
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.
Chicago Public League high school playoffs and championships continue, as the league looks to crown its next champions in flag football and tennis over the next two weeks! For the latest information on tournaments, digital programs, and schedules, please visit cpsathletics.com.
CPS SCORE! Elementary Fall Schedules are now available! This fall, students are participating in volleyball, soccer, and cross country as they learn key skills and gameplay techniques! You can find the schedules for your students and schools here.
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 being held throughout the year. Click here for more information and to register.
For the latest content surrounding CPS student-athletes, make sure to follow us on social media!
Experience Fall in the Parks
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day at Dvorak Park
The Chicago Park District and Tierra Colombiana Dance Ensemble are presenting a Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration featuring music, dance, storytelling, and more! This free event will run from noon to 4 p.m. at Dvorak Park (1119 W. Cullerton Street). Learn more here.
Halloween in the Parks
From haunted houses and parties, to pumpkin patches and family-friendly Fall Fests, there is a Halloween celebration for everyone in the parks! More than 40 events are being offered at parks across the city from October 3–31, including a series of events just for teens. Join in on the fun! View the full list of events 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 Offers 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. Pistons: October 22
- Bulls vs. Kings: October 29
- Bulls vs. 76ers: November 4
- Bulls vs. Spurs: November 10
- Bulls vs. Heat: November 21
- Bulls vs. Wizards: November 22
Discounted Tickets from the Lyric Opera of Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes Chicago Public School employees to enjoy a buy one ticket, get one half off offer for Disney and Pixar's Coco in Concert Live to Film performances on Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m. with the promo code CPSCOCO. Visit lyricopera.org/coco to purchase tickets to this family-friendly movie night with score performed live by the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Screened in English with Spanish subtitles.
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Monday, October 13: CPS offices and schools are closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. No classes for students.
- Thursday, October 23: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Monday, October 27: Parent-teacher conferences; no classes for students.
- Tuesday, November 11: CPS offices and schools are closed in observance of Veterans Day. No classes for students.