Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
We know that families have been interested in information about May 1. Earlier this week, CPS sent communication to all families with details; you can view that communication here and an FAQ document here. The most important things to know are:
- May 1 will be a full day of instruction
- Staff and students are expected to be in school
- All classes, after-school, and evening events and activities will proceed as planned
- Student transportation for eligible students to and from school will proceed as normal
- Participation in any civic engagement field trip on May 1 is optional and subject to CPS policies and guidelines for field trips. (If your school is hosting a field trip for a civic engagement activity, you will receive that information directly from your school.)
- Any additional materials that are not part of CPS’ civics curriculum must be approved by the school leader.
I am glad that we have a plan for May 1 that acknowledges the importance of civic engagement while preserving the valuable instructional time our students need and deserve. We thank you for your partnership and patience as we work to ensure this day goes as smoothly as possible.
CPS Celebrates Earth Day
Happy Earth Day!
This week, events were held around the District to celebrate Earth Day and highlight the progress CPS is making under our District’s Green Schools Pilot Program.
At Carver Military Academy in Altgeld Gardens, students and educators gathered to celebrate our District’s Green Pathways Program. Under this program, the District invests in clean-energy and building-electrification projects which will make our schools healthier and save money in the long run. Even better — the program incorporates Career and Technical Education (CTE) elements, providing students with hands-on experience that will prepare them for careers in renewable energy and other green technologies.
And at Disney II Magnet School in Old Irving Park, Environmental Science students hosted an Earth Night celebration, presenting their plans for utilizing premium plant containers donated to the school by our partners at Ambius. This school year, Ambius has donated more than 6,000 premium plant containers to over 200 CPS schools, the goal being to help students develop a stronger sense of community pride through nature.
I can think of no better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a partnership like this one. I thank Ambius for supporting our school communities in promoting beauty, growing their own food, and fostering environmental stewardship, and for moving us closer to our District’s goal of expanding access to sustainable green spaces and enhancing environmental education for students.
In Their Own Words: What Our Youngest Learners Have to Say About Pre-k!
Pre-k applications for the 2026–27 school year are now open! See what our students say is their favorite thing about preschool here and here, and explore all of your pre-k options at chicagoearlylearning.com
To see more videos featuring our students, and for more information on the Pre-k enrollment process, follow us on Facebook at Chicago Public Schools, at @chipubschools on X and Instagram, and at youtube.com/@ChiPubSchools.
Exciting Appointments Made to the CPS Leadership Team
Finally today, I’m excited to share that the Chicago Board of Education has appointed Elizabeth “Liz” Barton as the District’s permanent General Counsel, and Dr. Karime Asaf as CPS’ new Chief Education Officer (CEdO).
Liz Barton has been with CPS for more than seven years, and has served as the District’s Acting General Counsel since August of 2025. Prior to this role, she held the position of managing deputy general counsel for more than two years, overseeing litigation, transactions, and investigations within the Board of Education's law department.
Dr. Karime Asaf has served our District for nearly 35 years as a bilingual teacher, a special education case manager, a school principal, a Network leader, and most recently, as the Chief for the Office of Multilingual-Multicultural Education (OMME). Dr. Asaf was also a CPS student, having attended Senn High School after her emigration to the U.S. from her native Colombia.
As the Chief of OMME, Dr. Asaf has overseen the educational experience of our District’s English learners—a position that has taken on greater significance in recent years as Chicago has welcomed newcomer students, and as the increase of federal law enforcement in our city has created serious challenges for our immigrant communities.
You can read more about these accomplished leaders and their professional backgrounds here.
Their considerable experience, along with their longstanding commitment to this work, make Ms. Barton and Dr. Asaf excellent candidates to serve as our District’s General Counsel and Chief Education Officer. I am grateful to them for embracing this challenge, and look forward to partnering with them to continue our goal of providing every child from every community in Chicago with a rigorous, joyful, and equitable daily learning experience.
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
Take a look at these highlights from schools across our district!
In honor of Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, Volta Elementary in Albany Park hosted a workshop where parents from the school community participated in an art activity and explored the rich, colorful history of mosaics. Similar to multilingual communities, parents learned how individual pieces, with their different shapes and colors, come together to create something beautiful and whole.
Meanwhile, at Kellman Elementary in Lawndale, the school community celebrated the arrival of their new school leader, Mrs. Kimnlona Robinson, with a schoolwide “Meet the New Principal” assembly.
At Lavizzo Elementary in Roseland, 7th-grade IB students participated in a Paper Airplane Challenge with Boeing’s DreamLearners program. Students engaged in a real-world engineering experience, combining their ideas and skills to build the best aircraft.
And at Lindblom High School in West Englewood, students in the Web II program were recognized as Midwest Regional Runners-Up in the 2026 Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National High School Design Challenge. This competition invited students to identify a significant design from their community's past and propose a new design to help shape its future. The Lindblom students focused on creating and renovating community gardens, a crochet innovation center, and blues music venues. Congratulations to the Lindblom Eagles!
Students Explore Careers in the Skilled Trades
Earlier this week, the Office of College and Career Success hosted the third of four Skilled Trades events designed to help high school juniors and seniors explore possible career paths in the skilled trades. This event featured careers in construction, energy, and public service, and was hosted in collaboration with Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA).
Help CPS Celebrate Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week
CPS will celebrate Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week from May 4 to 8, and we need your help to make our amazing teachers feel truly valued! Please use this toolkit to make sure that the teachers and school staff in your life know what a tremendous impact they are having on your family!
An Important Reminder About Changes to SNAP Benefits
New work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) went into effect on February 1, 2026. These changes impact SNAP recipients who are 18 to 64 years old, and who are categorized as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Those SNAP recipients who have not met these work requirements and do not qualify for an exemption will lose access to benefits beginning May 1, 2026. There are some exceptions to this rule, including if you are pregnant or if you are a parent or other member of a household that includes a child under the age of 14. View the full list of who is exempt from these work requirements.
CPS will continue to provide updates regarding changes to SNAP work requirements on our website; please visit the SNAP Federal Impact Center web page from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for complete and up-to-date information. For more information regarding SNAP changes, please call the IDHS Help Line at 800-843-6154. To find food near you, view these resources for accessing meals and groceries or call 211.
Resources for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Chicago Public Schools recognizes this month as an opportunity to listen to and honor survivors and remind those impacted by sexual violence that they are not alone. Sexual violence includes any sexual activity without consent.
As technology advances and becomes a bigger part of everyday life, technology-facilitated sexual violence is also increasing. This includes behaviors such as:
- Online harassment and stalking
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images
- Sextortion
- Deepfakes and AI-generated sexual images
- Predators using online platforms, gaming spaces, or dating apps to target victims
We encourage everyone in the CPS community to report cases of sexual assault to the CPS Office of Student Protections and Title IX at cps.edu/OSP, via email to OSP@cps.edu, or by phone at 1-773-535-4400.
Students—we also encourage you to tell a trusted adult in your life who can offer immediate support. If you are in immediate danger, call 911!
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.
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.
Deadline Extended: Apply Now to Serve as CPS’ 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. The deadline to apply for this position has been extended to Monday, May 11 at 9 a.m.
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.
Apply at cps.edu/HSBMapplication by the new deadline of Monday, May 11 at 9 a.m.
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
ICYMI: It was an unforgettable day at Granderson Stadium for Jackie Robinson Day, as Morgan Park High School and Jones College Prep gave us a thrilling baseball game, with the Mustangs of Morgan Park winning 10–9! Check out the photo gallery capturing the day, including both teams getting the chance to speak with former MLB All-Star Curtis Granderson!
High School Championships are just around the corner, with the first being in Girls Badminton on May 1–2 at Northside College Prep! Come out to support our student-athletes as they vie for the individual and team titles!
The Chicago Public League is excited to host the first annual Latino Baseball Classic on May 3, 2026 at Granderson Stadium on the UIC campus! The day will feature a celebration of Chicago’s rich Latino culture alongside two great baseball games between Farragut and Clemente at 12 p.m. and Solorio and Kennedy at 3 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Spring sports are underway for our 5–8 grade students! This spring 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
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. Registration is now open. Explore summer program options here!
Take a step towards an active lifestyle by joining us for one of our 40+ FREE fitness classes.
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 and 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 Offers from the Chicago Stars and the Chicago Fire
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
The Chicago Fire are extending a Teacher Appreciation offer on Saturday, May 9 for a 1:30PM match at Soldier Field! Each ticket purchased through the link below includes a Teacher Appreciation jersey. This match is also the Fire's Marvel Day, with a special-edition Marvel comic provided to the first 5,000 fans, and Marvel characters roaming the stadium!
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Wednesday, May 13: Board Agenda Review Committee meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Monday, May 25: CPS offices and schools closed for Memorial Day. No classes for students.
- Thursday, May 28: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Thursday, June 4: Last day of school for students.