Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
A reminder that tomorrow, May 1 will be a full day of instruction at all CPS schools, with classes, after-school activities, and evening events proceeding as scheduled. Bus service for eligible students to and from school will proceed as normal.
An email was sent to all families earlier this week with details on how school will be conducted tomorrow. You can read that communication in its entirety here, and find additional information in our Family FAQ.
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.
Uplifting Bilingualism Through Poetry
The CPS Office of Multilingual-Multicultural Education (OMME) presented its third annual Spanish poetry competition finals this week, featuring talented students from across the District.
This Spanish-language oratory competition saw students from around Chicago reciting famous poems and literature from memory. To reach this stage, student participants first won their respective school-level contests and then advanced through the rigorous semi-finals.
At the final competition, judges evaluated each student’s performance and selected winners from several grade bands in 1st through 12th grade. Congratulations to the following 1st-place winners:
- Dina V. from Darwin Elementary (1st/2nd grade)
- Xavier P. from Azuela Elementary (3rd/4th/5th grade)
- Jason P. from Talcott Elementary (6th/7th/8th-grade)
- Ulises B. from Hubbard HS (9th/10th-grade)
- Leslie P. from Schurz HS (11th/12th-grade)
Expanding the Horizons of our Student Musicians
Student musicians from three high schools had the opportunity of a lifetime this week, with guest performers and global partners helping take their artistry to the next level.
Yesterday, students at Hyde Park Academy High School were treated to a visit and performance from one of the school’s most accomplished alumni — international jazz legend Herbie Hancock! The 14-time Grammy Award winner jammed with students from the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Ensemble on his groundbreaking tunes “Watermelon Man” and “Chameleon,” before speaking with the group about his time as a Hyde Park student, his storied career, and the importance of music education.
“It was on this stage that I first discovered my passion for jazz,” Hancock told the packed auditorium.
A video of the event will be available at this link after 5:45 p.m. today. Photos and videos are courtesy of the talented students in the Hyde Park Broadcast Media Program. You can also read detailed coverage of the event in today’s Chicago Tribune.
The talented student-musicians of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Ensemble also delivered a special performance to the Chicago High School for the Arts this week. ChiArts hosted a special “Informance” in recognition of International Jazz Day — a combination of performance and educational discussion. Students, faculty, and staff listened to a series of jazz standards performed by the ensemble — which comprises six of the best college jazz musicians in the world — and listened to speakers talk about the core values embodied by jazz: teamwork, unity, persistence, perseverance, democracy, and the vital importance of really listening to each other.
Finally, students from Lincoln Park High School were privileged to share the stage with world-renowned opera singer Joyce DiDonato, whose voice has been described as among the most powerful in a generation. Ms. DiDonato is the recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, as well as the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera, so it was a true gift to have her join LPHS students for their vocal and orchestra classes, and perform with them on the song “Sacred Place” by Chicago composer Alex Berko.
I thank Mr. Hancock, the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Ms. DiDonato, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for partnering with CPS to provide our students with these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This is yet another reminder of the power of partnerships to enrich the value of education in Chicago Public Schools.
These events are just the tip of the iceberg; thanks to our talented student artists and the CPS Department of Arts Education, there is so much more happening this month when it comes to the arts. I encourage everyone to visit our website for a list of upcoming events, including the 2026 PreK-12 All-City Visual Arts Exhibition, the RE•VER•BER•ATE Festival, and the All-City Performing Arts (ACPA) Spring Showcase.
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
Network 2 recently hosted a CTE ARVR Skilled Trades Fair at Disney Elementary in the Buena Park neighborhood. Students from Disney, Brennemann, McPherson, and Gale elementary schools learned about CTE programs and opportunities through presentations, training, and a fun A+VR simulation.
And at Curie High School in Archer Heights, Grammy-winning alumnus and musical director Keith Harris hosted a masterclass, sharing his professional trajectory on the global stage and inspiring students to follow their own artistic journeys.
Sabin Elementary, located in the Wicker Park neighborhood, hosted a Career Day where students had the unique opportunity to engage with professionals ranging from DC Comic Book artists to the farmers from Urban Growers Collective. Students also participated in a “Career Day Investigation” activity, where they interacted with presenters in a Bingo-style format—asking questions, making connections, and discovering how different skills are used across various careers.
Finally, Scammon Elementary in Kilbourn Park was recently presented with an Honorary Resolution by the Cook County Board of Commissioners in recognition of the school’s 100th Anniversary. Congratulations to the Scammon Huskies!
CPS Culinary Students Impress at National Competition
Congratulations to our CTE students who’ve earned more than $250,000 in college scholarship awards through the CCAP National Scholarship Cooking Competition. This is a testament to their hard work and the high-caliber training provided by our Chef instructors. The contest, held at the Washburn Culinary Institute, included preparing several restaurant-quality dishes that were judged by industry professionals on taste, presentation, and technique.
Mental Health and Substance Use Resources from the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness
The Office of Student Health and Wellness’ (OSHW) Mental Health Team is committed to promoting well-being, reducing stigma, and connecting students and staff to meaningful support. Mental health and substance use challenges can affect anyone, impacting relationships, well-being, and academic success — making early identification and supportive environments essential for our school communities. In honor of various mental health and substance use observances, we invite you to review these one-pagers and visit our website for additional resources. Contact mentalhealth@cps.edu with any questions.
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!
Pre-k Applications Now Open for the 2026–27 School Year
We know that getting students in the classroom early is critical for their academic, social, and emotional development. So families are encouraged to visit chicagoearlylearning.com to explore their pre-k options for the 2026–27 school year. Applications are now being accepted for free, full-day programs, which are available to all 4-year-olds, and many half-day programs that are open to 3-year-olds.
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.
Scholarship and Internship 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.
Explore Summer Internship Opportunities
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.
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.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
HISTORY was made this week as Jasmin G. broke the CPS record for goals scored in girls soccer over her academic and athletic career at Westinghouse College Prep High School! Congratulations to Jasmin on this incredible achievement!
Alongside partner schools, the Chicago Public League is excited to host the first annual Latino Baseball Classic on Sunday, May 3 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. Admission is FREE! We hope to see you there!
High School Championships are just around the corner, with the first one 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!
Spring sports are underway for our students in grades 5 to 8! 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 Offer from the Chicago Fire
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! Get your tickets here!
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.