Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
This has been another extremely difficult week for our District and our city. School communities across Chicago are continuing to be impacted by the increased presence of federal agents, and CPS has stepped up its response to ensure the safety of our families and staff.
This week, CPS established a Command Center at our Central Office to help provide quicker and more streamlined responses to schools that are being impacted by federal law enforcement activity near their campuses. When incidents occur in close proximity to schools, school staff bring students and staff inside the building and immediately notify the Central Office, where CPS teams work immediately and directly with school administration to support the school.
CPS continues to work in partnership with schools, families, and community organizations, using our established protocols and partnerships to ensure timely communication, coordinated responses, and the safety and well-being of all students and staff. We are meeting regularly with our public safety partners at the City, our sister agencies in city government like Chicago Public Library and Chicago Park District, and our labor partners to share information and adjust our response. And we are continuing to provide the most up-to-date information and guidance to our school communities through our cps.edu/immigration webpage.
I applaud and thank you — our parents, staff, students, and community members — for everything you are doing to promote safety and security during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you updated as this situation evolves, and how our response is evolving to meet the challenge of the moment.
Parent-Teacher Conferences and Report Card Pickup
A reminder that parent-teacher conferences for all CPS students are taking place this Monday, October 27. There are no classes for students on this day.
Parents have the option of a virtual meeting, and schools have access to translation services in a variety of languages for conferences. We encourage families who may be fearful of traveling at this moment to use the virtual option.
Parent-teacher conferences are a great opportunity for parents and guardians to check in with our educators on where your students are excelling and where they may need extra support. Here are some tips for having a successful parent-teacher conference:
- Help the teacher get to know your child. Share family values and preferred activities. Share areas where they are doing well and note areas where they need help. Share what makes them shine; and share any important changes in their life or behavior.
- Discuss academic progress. Ask about recent data (including grades and test results) and what the data says about your child’s current strengths and challenges. Ask what teachers will be doing this year to inspire academic progress, ask if your child is at grade level in math, reading, and other subjects, and ask what key skills they are expected to learn this year.
- Team up on a plan. Discuss how to support academic skills at home and, if needed, ask for resources. Share what helps your child stay motivated at home, and ask about the next opportunities to touch base on progress.
Please check with your school for specifics on the times and meeting format for your conferences this Monday, October 27.
CPS Staff Taking on New Leadership Roles
I’m excited to share that two acting leaders have been appointed as permanent leaders in critical roles at CPS: Julie Burnett has been approved as the District’s new Chief of Staff, and Ronan Shableski is CPS’ new Chief of Safety and Security.
In addition to these permanent appointments, four seasoned professionals from within our District’s ranks are taking on new leadership roles with CPS. They are:
- Dr. Alfonso Carmona - Acting Chief Education Officer
- Walter Stock - Acting Chief Financial Officer
- Emila Zoko - Acting Chief Budget Officer
- Conrad Timbers-Ausar - Acting Chief Portfolio Officer
Each of these individuals brings deep expertise, a proven record of service, and an unwavering dedication to our District’s mission. I am confident that their leadership will move CPS closer to our goal of providing every student in every community with a rigorous, joyful, and equitable daily learning experience.
You can read more about these leaders here.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month
October is LGBTQ+ History Month; a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the many contributions of this community in our District, our city, and our world. To the LGBTQ+ members of our CPS family—I want you to know that we see you, we affirm you, and we celebrate who you are. We also thank you for the strength, power, and imagination you bring to our school communities every day.
Our goal at CPS is to create learning and working environments that are supportive, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone. As such, we will continue to ensure vital protections remain in place for LGBTQ+ students and staff, and will fiercely protect their rights, their safety, and their ability to learn and grow authentically.
Celebrating Halloween Safely and Respectfully
As we prepare to close out October, I know our students are getting excited about Halloween. We want our kids to have a good time, but we also want them to be safe, and to celebrate respectfully.
Here are some tips on how to help students stay safe while trick-or-treating:
- Travel in pairs or small groups whenever possible.
- Communicate about their location and where they are going.
- Use reflective tape on their costumes to help cars and people see them better.
- Stick to well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- Carry a cell phone for emergencies, but remember to stay alert while walking.
- Pay close attention while crossing the street and while walking in parking lots.
- Go to the nearest business or populated area if feeling uncomfortable or threatened and call for help.
Finally, I urge everyone to be very thoughtful when choosing their costumes this Halloween. This is a difficult time for many Chicago families, and costumes that could be viewed as insensitive will make that situation even worse. If your school allows for costumes on Halloween, please ensure the costume adheres to CPS’ Student Code of Conduct, especially the sections regarding bias-based behavior.
Halloween should be a fun and carefree day for all children. I hope that as a CPS community, we will honor this by celebrating respectfully.
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!
Southside Occupational Opens Fully Accessible Garden
Bees are buzzing as native flowers, plants, and fruit take root at Southside Occupational Academy, where a fully ADA-accessible garden is now serving as an outdoor classroom for students with disabilities. Part of CPS’ commitment to inclusive education and real-world learning opportunities for all students, this garden features ADA-compliant seating, raised garden beds, and outdoor learning stations, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of Southside’s student population. The new space is designed to provide hands-on learning and foster meaningful community engagement while removing barriers to accessibility for students at Southside, which is a transition center that supports students with disabilities ages 18 to 22.
CPS Students Enjoy Chicago Youth Small Business Expo
Two-hundred-fifty Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business and Culinary Arts students recently spent a day with business leaders, City of Chicago officials, and leaders in the entrepreneurship industry. Students participated in a panel discussion, visited exhibit booths, and heard keynote remarks from various city leaders.
Connecting Education to Opportunity
Through hands-on training in tools, safety, and math at Plumbers Local 130’s state-of-the-art facility, a new cohort of CPS teens is gaining real-world experience and a pathway to sustainable careers. Graduates of this program earn points toward the Plumbers’ Apprenticeship aptitude test, as well as the chance to interview with a Union Plumbing Contractor. This program is contributing to our District’s goal of connecting education to opportunity and helping Chicago’s youth build strong foundations for the future.
Get Details on Your State of the School Address
Families are encouraged to check their School Profile Page to find the date, time, and location of this year’s State of the School address. This is an opportunity for families to join school leadership in reflecting on the last year and hear about where their school is going next. These annual meetings are meant to be robust community discussions on each school’s progress and priorities, as well as a conversation on how future goals align with Success 2029: Together We Rise, the District’s five-year strategic plan.
Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Kindergarten
We know that transitions, such as moving from pre-k to kindergarten, can be both exciting and a little overwhelming for families. This month, we’re sharing resources to help parents navigate kindergarten applications for the 2026–27 school year. Spanish translation will be available. Learn more and register for the below sessions here.
In-Person Session
Learn how to navigate the GoCPS Kindergarten application process.
Date: Monday, October 27
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Colman Network Office (4655 S. Dearborn)
Virtual Session
Join our live webinar to learn more about the GoCPS process.
Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 4:00 p.m.
National Leadership Opportunity Available for CPS Educators and Community Leaders
The National Assessment Governing Board is now accepting nominations for five open positions. This body sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which is often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card.
The open positions are as follows:
- Curriculum Specialist
- 4th Grade Teacher
- 8th Grade Teacher
- Secondary School Principal
- General Public Representative — Parent Leader
Qualified nominees will recognize NAEP’s unique role in understanding and improving student achievement, and will be looking to make a difference on the national level. The deadline to apply is November 16, 2025, and chosen candidates will begin their positions next fall. Learn more at nagb.gov/about-us/join-the-board.html.
You’re Invited: DFSS Youth and Family Day on Saturday, November 1!
In collaboration with The Chicago Youth Innovation Hub, the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is excited to present a Youth & Family Day on Saturday, November 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UIC Student Center East (750 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607). At this exciting event, children and families can participate in a variety of activities and workshops as well as explore a resource fair from the City of Chicago and community partners. Free lunch will be provided to attendees and there will be raffle prizes! For more information please see this informational flyer in English and Spanish.
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).
Deadline Approaching for GoCPS Applications
All GoCPS applications for the 2026-27 school year must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025.
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.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
For the first time, our Chicago Public League Senior Girls Flag Football All-Stars will be showcased at HISTORIC Soldier Field on Saturday in an All-Star Game as part of the annual MUM Bowl festivities. Come out to support our students as parking and tickets are FREE! The CPL All-Star game begins promptly at 10:30 a.m.
The Chicago Public League Girls and Boys Cross Country Champions were crowned, as Lane Tech swept both competitions to secure the title. Congratulations to the team and community on this achievement, and we wish you the best of luck in the state tournament!
The Chicago Public League Girls Swimming and Diving Championships will take place this weekend, as the diving championships will be held today at Jones College Prep at 4 p.m. followed by the swimming championships on Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Whitney Young High School.
Tune into WCIU TV on Saturday as their Football Game of the Week will be Morgan Park vs. Simeon, as the rivalry continues LIVE on TV, with kick-off at 1:00 p.m. at Gately Stadium!
The IHSA State Playoffs continue for our student-athletes across sports! Make sure to stay up to date on the latest results and tournaments by visiting IHSA.org.
**IMPORTANT: As we continue the fall season of sports, please find the updated CPS-stadium policies for spectators as they relate to security, prohibited items and new bag policies. Please ensure to review this in advance of attending your next event at one of the stadiums. **These are new rules for CPS-owned and operated stadiums; individual school events may have different rules for their on-campus activities.
REMINDER: CPS SCORE! Elementary Fall Schedules are now available as games began this past weekend across the District! This fall, students will be 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 below!
LIVE CPS SCORE! Elementary Sports SY26 Fall Sports Schedule
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!
Experience Fall in the Parks and Additional Halloween Events
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 (see the fliers for these teen-centered events here and here). Join in on the fun! View the full list of events here.
Other Halloween Events
Don’t forget about these other Halloween events! The annual Upside-Down Parade will take place in Washington Park and stepping off at noon. Assembly begins at 10 a.m. at Payne Drive and Midway Plaisance Drives and will march northbound on Russell Drive from Best Drive to Morgan Drive. For complete details, visit ArtsintheDark.com/Upside-Down-Parade/.
The 2025 Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade events begin at 6:30 p.m., with the parade step off at 7:30 p.m. at Halsted and Belmont and proceeds to Halsted and Cornelia for the 8:30 p.m. awards show and event conclusion at 10 p.m. For complete details, visit northalsted.com/main-events/haunted-halsted-halloween-parade/.
Carrera de los Muertos 5K is Saturday, November 2 in the Pilsen neighborhood and starts at 8 a.m. at Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450-1510 W. Cermak Rd. Expect street closures in the area including Blue Island, Laflin, 21st Street, Paulina, Wood, 16th Street, Newberry, 18th Street and Throop Street. For complete details, visit unochicago.org/la-carrera.
Cheer On Youth Athletes at the Annual Mum Bowl at Soldier Field on Oct. 25
The 76th Annual Mum Bowl, the championship game of the Junior Bear tackle football program, takes place Saturday, October 25 at Soldier Field. Kickoff is at noon, and admission and parking are free. Come cheer on these dedicated young athletes and enjoy Soldier Field. 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 and Fire
After a thrilling victory in the Wild Card round, the Fire will be facing the Philadelphia Union in their next playoff match on Saturday, November 1. CPS families can attend this match at a 25% discount. Get your tickets here!
CPS staff are invited to cheer on the Chicago Bulls with an exclusive ticket offer for the below games.
- 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
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- 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.
- 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.