Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
Earlier today, a message was sent to CPS families confirming that Friday, May 1 will be a full day of instruction for all CPS students and staff. You can view that message here.
Early literacy was on full display this week as CPS schools celebrated “Week of the Young Child.”
I was excited to visit several of our schools as part of these events, including classrooms at Wadsworth Elementary in Woodlawn. Along with Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield, I had the opportunity to read aloud to a group of Wadsworth’s curious Pre-k and Kindergarten students.
And at Burke Elementary in Washington Park, I joined Leslie McKinily, our District’s Chief of Early Childhood Education, as author and professor Dr. Gloria McDaniel-Hall led Pre-k students and families in a read-aloud and painting session meant to connect young learners with investigating, appreciating, and participating in the arts. Families learned how these activities can help their preschool-aged children get an early and strong start to academic success, and students received free books courtesy of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
“Week of the Young Child” reminds us that getting children into the classroom early is essential to their long-term success. The application window for our youngest learners (our District’s three- and four-year-olds) is now open for the 2026–27 school year, and I encourage all families to explore their options at chicagoearlylearning.com.
Check out this video for a peek inside our Pre-k classrooms, where learning, play, and joy come together!
Watching CPS Students Take Flight
Earlier this week, students from Morgan Park High School were recognized for their participation in “Flying Classroom”—a program that has been bringing innovative STEM experiences to students around the country for more than a decade. This initiative is the brainchild of Captain Barrington Irving, the first Black pilot to travel around the world solo, which he did in 2007 at the age of 23.
“Flying Classroom” is designed to expose young people to career paths in aviation and other growing STEM fields. Participating students have access to more than 165 virtual lessons, and 55 STEM-focused global expeditions.
Morgan Park’s “Flying Classroom” students traveled to Midway Airport earlier this week to discuss their experiences with the program, and to meet Captain Irving in person.
STEM exploration of another kind also happened this week at our District’s third-annual Robotics4All event, where more than 800 students and teachers gathered to showcase their robotics work. This event included both general education students and students with disabilities, with everyone working together to compete in robotics and eSports scrimmages.
We see a unique level of engagement when students with disabilities participate in robotics activities. The learning is repetitive, which is essential for skill development. But because programming a robot presents a fun challenge, we see better persistence than in other repetitive tasks. Working with robots is often a calming, low-stimulation, non-judgmental experience which can give certain students more confidence and assist with social-emotional development.
I thank everyone who collaborated to make this robotics showcase a success, including our District’s Computer Science Team, the CPS Office for Students with Disabilities, and our partners at Special Olympics of Illinois. Thanks to their creativity, we were able to host an event that allows students of ALL abilities to get inspired by STEM education, and that helps our educators learn new ways of teaching academic and vocational skills.
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
Happy Week of the Young Child! Check out these highlights as we celebrate the youth in our district.
Ali N., a student from Burley Elementary in the Lake View neighborhood, spearheaded a personal project named “Kindness Drop – Pass It On.” Through this initiative, he created cards with kind, encouraging messages to leave around his neighborhood, at parks, bus stops, and even at Burley.
At Sawyer Elementary in Gage Park, students welcomed peers from their sister school, Dasun Middle School from Busan, South Korea. The 16 students dove into daily life alongside their Sawyer buddies in a week defined by cultural exchange and new friendships.
Four students at Lane Tech High School in Lakeview were recently selected to showcase their artwork at FreshLens Chicago. Through partnerships with the Night Ministry, Digs With Dignity, and Over the Rainbow, their prints and framed artwork will be used to decorate the homes of individuals receiving housing support.
While at Jungman Elementary, located in the Pilsen neighborhood, students organized the school’s first-ever Science Olympiad team. After countless hours of studying outside of school hours, the team qualified for the Science Olympiad National Competition. Congratulations, Jungman Eagles!
CPS Hosts Annual Jackie Robinson Day Baseball Classic
In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, CPS hosted baseball games across the District on April 15, including a marquee matchup between Morgan Park High School and Jones College Prep at Granderson Stadium at the University of Illinois-Chicago. It was on April 15, 1947 that the legendary Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier by being the first Black man to play Major League Baseball.
Sullivan Students Shine as Future Business Leaders of America
Congrats go out to five CTE students from Sullivan High School who have advanced to the national round of competition for Future Business Leaders of America. These scholars each achieved a 1st Place finish at the state level, excelling in the areas of Business Law, Personal Finance, Journalism, Project Management, and Introduction to Business Concepts. They will now move onto the next round, representing Sullivan and CPS at the national competition in San Antonio, Texas.
Dunbar High School Hosts Dress Giveaway for Neighborhood Students
As prom and graduation season approaches, teachers and staff at Dunbar High School organized their third-annual dress giveaway known as Chloe's Closet. During this event, students from the surrounding community had the opportunity to view and try on a wide selection of prom dresses and outfits, ensuring that everyone has something special to wear for these milestone events. Special thanks to Dunbar teacher Ms. Tyesa Walton for leading the dress collection effort, and to the Dunbar staff, who responded with more than 400 dresses.
Scholarship Opportunities for the Class of 2026
Community Services Block Grant Scholarships
Members of the CPS Class of 2026 can apply for scholarships ranging from $1,000–5,000 from the City of Chicago’s Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). These funds can be used for college tuition or vocational training. The application deadline is May 6, 2026. Learn more and apply at chicago.gov/scholarship.
$10,000 in Scholarships in Math and Science
Applications are now open for the 2026 CGCS-Peters Pharis Foundation Math and Science Scholarships. $10,000 in scholarships will be awarded to four 2026 high school seniors in school districts represented by the Council of the Great City Schools, which includes CPS! Please read the scholarship guidelines and criteria before applying. Apply online here by the deadline of April 13, 2026. If you have any questions, email Tonya Harris at: tharris@cgcs.org.
Understanding the Dangers of Vaping Could Earn Students a College Scholarship
CPS students are eligible to enter the Truth Initiative 2025–26 Illinois Scholarship Essay Contest for the chance to be awarded $3,000 in scholarship funds. Students must complete at least one Vaping: Know the Truth lesson to be eligible. The official contest rules can be found here. Here is a student planning guide to help students organize their thoughts, and here's the site to apply. The scholarship application is due April 24, 2026.
For more information, students and families can access vaping, substance use, and mental health resources through this fact sheet and the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness website.
Three Capital Planning Meetings Remaining for the 2026–27 School Year
Please consider attending one of the three remaining meetings around the District’s capital plan for the 2026–27 school year. The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, April 21: 1 to 2:30 p.m. AND 5:30 to 7 p.m. (English/Spanish, in-person at Colman Administrative Office, 4655 S. Dearborn Street in Chicago)
- Tuesday, April 28: 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Spanish Only, Virtual)
Visit cps.edu/capitalplan for complete details.
CPS Spring Surveys Now Open
CPS’ spring surveys are open now through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.
For parents and guardians, the spring survey covers two important topics:
- School culture and climate
- Capital planning
The staff survey is focused on the District’s capital plan.
Parents can fill out both surveys here, and employees can complete their survey here.
More information is also available at cps.edu/surveys.
Applications Now Open for New Honorary Student Board Member
The Chicago Board of Education is looking for a student leader to serve as its Honorary Student Board Member (HSBM) for the 2026–27 school year. Selected annually, the HSBM represents the interests and perspectives of all CPS students by attending the Board’s monthly meetings, which are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month at the CPS Loop Office (42 W. Madison St. in Chicago). The HSBM is also an active participant in the Student Voice Roundtable initiative, which provides a platform for students from across the District to engage with CPS leadership and Board members on topics that are important to Chicago’s youth. The HSBM will also be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to support enrollment at a two- or four-year college or university.
To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be a rising Junior or Senior (current 10th- or 11th-grader), hold a 3.0 G.P.A. or higher, and demonstrate proven leadership experience.
The application period is open now through Friday, April 24, 2026 at 5 p.m. Apply at cps.edu/HSBMapplication.
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.
Deadline Approaching for Early College Opportunity in the Arts
The RE:ALIZE program offers students a chance to explore dance, music, theatre, or visual arts while also earning FREE college credit from Columbia College Chicago during their junior and senior years of high school! RE:ALIZE is accepting applications now for the 2026–2027 school year from current sophomores and juniors. The deadline to apply is April 18, 2026. Contact realize@cps.edu with questions.
Summer Internship Applications Now Open
CPS high school students are encouraged to unlock their potential with real-world experience through an internship this summer! This opportunity is open to all students ages 16 and older, including soon-to-be graduates from the Class of 2026.
Summer interns typically work 20 to 25 hours per week with a local corporation, business, or nonprofit organization. These paid internships provide students with mentorship, skill development, and networking opportunities.
More information is available at cps.edu/summerinternships, or by contacting summerinternships@cps.edu.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
Kelly High School’s Sara L. and Yazmine G. recently took home state medals in IHSA Girls Wrestling, continuing to make history in the sport and for their school. Check out the details here.
Spring sports continue across the District! Make sure to check out the latest schedules, season preview features, and program updates at CPSAthletics.com and @cpsathletics_ on Instagram!
Spring sports are underway for our 5th through 8th-grade students! This season will feature flag football, track and field, and girls soccer! Make sure to stay up to date with the latest information and schedules at CPSAthletics.com.
What’s Happening in the Parks
Summer Day Camps:
The Chicago Park District is looking forward to providing Chicago’s youth with a fun-filled summer through our Day Camp program, June 22 - July 31.
Explore summer program options here!
Online Registration:
Monday, April 20, 2026, @ 9 am for parks West of California Ave.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, @ 9 am for parks East of California Ave.
In-Person Registration:
Saturday, April 25, 2026, or Monday, April 27, 2026, varies by park
Earth Day:
Help make a difference this Earth Day by pitching in at cleanup events at more than 140 parks around the city. All clean-up events will be held on Saturday, April 18th.
Registration and park location information can be found here.
Celebrate Spring at the Conservatories:
The annual spring flower shows have returned to the Garfield & Lincoln Park Conservatories. Enjoy the sights and scents of both shows now through May 10. Learn more & register here.
Be a 2026 Summer Lifeguard – Apply TODAY:
Get your summer job plans in motion now. Earn $20.50 an hour this summer as a Chicago Park District lifeguard. Apply today, and then register to take the Lifeguard Test. Must be a Chicago resident and at least 16 years old by July 1, 2026. Learn more and apply at chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/CPS.
For all questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Ticket Offer from the Chicago Stars
The Chicago Stars professional women’s soccer team is excited to extend a special offer to Chicago Public Schools staff and families! Use this dedicated link (code: CPS) to unlock $10 tickets for their upcoming three home matches. Support our local club and women’s sports right on Chicago’s lakefront!
- Saturday, April 25 (5:30 p.m.): Chicago Stars vs. Boston Legacy
- Wednesday, April 29 (7 p.m.): Chicago Stars vs. Gotham FC
- Sunday, May 3 (12 p.m.): Chicago Stars vs. Portland Timbers
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Tuesday, April 21: FY27 Capital Plan community meeting at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in English and Spanish. Register here.
- Thursday, April 23: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Tuesday, April 28: FY27 Capital Plan community meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish only. Register here.
- Wednesday, May 13: Board Agenda Review Committee Meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.