Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
I want to wish all of our students a Happy Halloween! Please remember to celebrate safely and respectfully!
I also want to thank all of our parents and guardians who attended parent-teacher conferences earlier this week. We offered both in-person and virtual options this year to make it easier for all families to take part. In these challenging times, we remain committed to supporting every family’s ability to stay connected and engaged in their child’s learning.
These conferences give parents and guardians valuable insight into where students are excelling, where students can improve, and how best to support student learning. We hope these conversations were valuable in supporting each student’s continued growth and success.
New Data Shows Exciting Growth for CPS Students
Earlier this week, CPS released academic data from the 2024–25 school year, which highlights the continued progress our students are making across key academic areas.
Our elementary school students, for example, continue to build on their progress on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) exam.Students in grades 3 to 8 improved by 0.6 percentage points in English Language Arts (ELA) and 0.7 points in math over last year. This builds on our District’s steady growth on this exam, with proficiency increasing 12 points in ELA and 5.2 points in math over the past three years, and fewer students—especially those with IEPs—scoring below proficiency.
Additional highlights include:
- A four-year graduation rate of 82.6% (up from 68.2% a decade ago.)
- 56.3% of CPS graduates now earning early college and career credentials through AP, IB, dual credit, dual enrollment courses, CTE certifications, JROTC, and the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy.
- A 75% college persistence rate, meaning that three out of four CPS graduates who enroll in college are now returning for their second year.
- A record-breaking $3.1 billion in scholarships earned by the CPS Class of 2025.
- Kindergarten through second-grade students outperforming national averages in math and outpacing other large urban districts in reading.
- 84.9% of ninth graders meeting the District’s Freshmen On-Track benchmark, even after the standard grew more rigorous this year.
- 81% of CPS students participating in fine arts courses compared to the State average of 71%.
These results are especially noteworthy given the challenges that many of our students and families navigate every day.
- 71% of CPS students are from low-income families;
- 27.3% of students are English learners;
- 16.4% are students with disabilities; and
- 3.8% are in temporary housing.
I am continuously impressed by the hard work, resilience, and brilliance of our students and educators. The growth they’ve achieved together is a good reminder that we must continue pressing forward to ensure every student in every neighborhood in Chicago has the opportunity to thrive.
Resources for Those Receiving SNAP Benefits
With the shutdown of the federal government still in place, we know that some in our CPS community may be concerned about losing access to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. If the shutdown is not resolved, and the government does not intervene to continue funding this program, benefits for the month of November will not be issued. However, if families still have SNAP benefits from previous months, these can continue to be used.
This situation WILL NOT impact our students’ ability to receive meals at school. Every CPS student will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch at school every day.
There are also resources that can help families obtain healthy meals and groceries during this potentially challenging time. Families can visit the We Got You Illinois website for a comprehensive list of food pantries, meal programs, and food distribution partners, including hours and locations, throughout Chicago and Cook County. Families can also call the Healthy Kids Hotline at (773) 553-KIDS (5437) for assistance in finding food options in Chicago.
Celebrating One Student’s Remarkable Courage
I’ll close today with the inspiring story of Joselin N.—a CPS student who celebrated her first day of one of our elementary school campuses earlier this week.
Joselin, who was born with one heart chamber, has courageously lived her young life with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. After years of various treatments, she underwent a successful heart transplant over the summer and is now well enough to return to school!
Dressed largely in red to support heart health, teachers and classmates from all grade levels lined the halls at Peck on Tuesday to welcome Joselin to her first day of first grade. Watch this video of her homecoming here!
We are inspired by Joselin’s bravery and are thrilled to have her back home with us at CPS! Her story is a reminder of the strength and hope that define our students, families, and school communities.
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
Take a look at these highlights from schools across the district!
Jordan Elementary in Rogers Park recently celebrated the Grand Opening of a brand new local Burlington store. At the ribbon-cutting celebration, students and staff were surprised with a special gift donation for their school.
At Oglesby Elementary, located in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, students across 4th-8th grade were inducted into the school’s first-ever National Elementary Honors Society (NHES) and National Junior Honors Society (NJHS).
And at Leland Elementary, in the Austin neighborhood, the school community celebrated Hispanic Heritage with a school-wide assembly. Students and staff enjoyed the rich culture through song, dance, poetry, and cultural treats.
Ashe Elementary in Grand Crossing also celebrated Hispanic Heritage through a special project where students worked in groups to design and construct their own papier-mâché alebrijes, brightly colored, fantastical Mexican folk art sculptures of mythical creatures. This activity allows students to explore Mexican culture and folk art traditions, culminating in a gallery walk and an individual reflection that synthesizes the alebrije's history and their artistic process.
At Brighton Park Elementary, the school’s BAC and parent mentors hosted a Halloween costume drive and Día de los Muertos Ofrenda. Students were able to pick from a fun selection of costumes to wear to school, and honored their loved ones with a beautiful display.
Finally, at Hibbard Elementary in Albany Park, students and families enjoyed the school’s outdoor literacy fair, where they interacted with props and text excerpts from six different books to help act out a part of the story. At the end of the event, students were able to take home free books.
Dore Elementary Honors First Responders
Students whose parents and other family members are first responders were invited to Dore Elementary this week for a celebration honoring their service. Thank you to all of the students who included the first responders in their lives, along with the student musicians who provided entertainment for the event.
National Geographic Hosts Student Manufacturing Challenge
The CPS Office of Early College and Career Education (ECCE), in partnership with Richard Daley College, hosted a Manufacturing team-based challenge this week led by National Geographic. This event featured National Geographic Explorer Pam Silva, who presented on her career journey into engineering and the incredible work she’s leading in Puerto Rico on engineering for social impact and community resilience. Students participated in a tour of Daley’s Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC), followed by a team engineering challenge.
Amazon Honors Education Advocate Hannah Hayes with Sizeable Book Donation
A huge thank you to Amazon for donating $10,000 in new books to Reavis Elementary School in honor of Hannah Hayes, a beloved education advocate, former CPS employee, and dedicated Reavis Elementary Math and Science Specialty School volunteer who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident. This event celebrated Hayes’s lasting legacy of supporting students and education across Chicago.
Just in time for Halloween, students enjoyed a special visit from Chicago-area author Zetta Elliott, who read from her acclaimed fantasy series Dragons in a Bag and led a discussion about storytelling, imagination, and representation in literature. Each student also received a copy of Dragons in a Bag to take home.
Calling All CPS Artists! Upcoming Opportunities in the Arts
Is your student a budding artist, dancer, or performer? Check out the below opportunities from the CPS Department of Arts Education!
- High School Seniors: Submit Artwork for the Senior Portfolio Exhibition (Deadline Nov. 23). This is an opportunity for high school seniors from any CPS school to exhibit their artwork and gain exposure among selected admissions representatives of various colleges and universities. Works of art will be shared as in-person and virtual exhibitions. Apply here. Learn more in our submission guidelines (Spanish version here) or at cps.edu/acva.
- All CPS Students: Submit Artwork for Exhibition at Art Institute of Chicago (Deadline Jan. 16). Extra/Ordinary highlights 3-D artwork by CPS students in grades pre-k–12 from any CPS school. The show accepts sculpture, jewelry, paper mache, 3D printing, Textiles, Origami, Dioramas and more. Apply here. Learn more in our submission guidelines (Spanish version here) or at cps.edu/acva.
- All CPS Students: Submit Performances for the RE•VER•BER•ATE Festival (Deadline Feb. 1). Singers, dancers, bands, theatre groups, solo acts, and ensembles of all styles and experience levels are invited to apply to the RE•VER•BER•ATE Arts Festival now! Selected ensembles will perform at the Chicago Cultural Center May 5–8. Apply here. Learn more in our submission guidelines (Spanish version here) or at cps.edu/reverberate.
- All CPS Students: Submit Artwork for the All-City Visual Arts (ACVA) Exhibition (Deadline Feb. 22): 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. Apply here. Learn more in our submission guidelines (Spanish version here) or at cps.edu/acva.
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 here.
Virtual Session
Join our live webinar to learn more about the GoCPS process.
Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 4:00 p.m.
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.
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.
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
A Varsity Volleyball Champion has been crowned, as Whitney Young secured the title in a thrilling championship match. Good luck to these student-athletes as they continue their season in the state playoffs! Check out the recap here!
The Chicago Public League Girls Swimming and Diving Championships took place this past weekend, and Lane Tech took home the title! We wish them luck as they continue their season in the state tournament!
Farragut Career Academy made school history this week, winning their first-ever 16-inch Softball City Championship. This is the first title for Farragut in any sport in more than 20 years! The Admirals finished the semi-finals and championship scoring 24 runs over two games! Congratulations to the community and student-athletes on this amazing achievement!
The IHSA State Playoffs continue for our student-athletes across several fall sports. Stay up to date on the latest results and tournaments by visiting IHSA.org.
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.
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
Enjoy Halloween in the Parks
More than 20 events are being offered on Halloween in the parks, including a Teen Fright Night at Kennicott Park (4434 S. Lake Park Ave.). Join in on the fun! View the full list of events at chicagoparkdistrict.com/halloween/cps.
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
Chicago Fire Playoff Ticket Discount - Playoff Match Tomorrow!
Don't miss out on Chicago Fire playoff soccer! Tomorrow - Saturday, November 1 - the Fire will host the Philadelphia Union in their final home match of the year and are offering CPS families a discount of up to 25% off tickets to the match. 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. 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.
- 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.