Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
For CPS students, arts education is an essential part of daily learning, as any student in an art, drama, dance, or music class will affirm.
In keeping with our Arts Education Plan 2.0: Cultivating Creativity, arts education at CPS raises student attendance, fosters a sense of belonging at school, and builds the critical thinking and collaboration skills students need to thrive well beyond graduation.
In the past few weeks, we’ve seen powerful examples of this work in action—from major investments in arts education to once-in-a-lifetime engagements between our students and global arts icons.
$1.7 Million in Grant Funding
I’m proud to share that $1.7 million in Creative Schools Fund (CSF) grants was recently awarded to 125 CPS schools for the current school year. The vast majority of these funds (87%) will be directed to schools on the South and West sides to close access gaps in our most under-resourced communities.
CSF grants typically fund substantial artist residencies that last at least 10 weeks, ensuring deep, rigorous engagement with the school community. Projects range from mural designs at the National Museum of Mexican Art to new drumline programs with the Musical Arts Institute, proving that when we invest in the arts, we invest in the cultural fabric of our neighborhoods.
From Shakespeare to Opera, and Much More
In just the first few weeks of this semester, more than 2,000 CPS students have engaged with world-class performing arts opportunities as a direct extension of their classrooms. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, for example, provided an exclusive, private performance for CPS students featuring the esteemed Sir Ian McKellen, one of the world's foremost Shakespearean practitioners.
Through this profound experience, students gained unique insights into complex text — bridging the gap between the written page and live performance. Sir Ian also shared reflections from his 60-year career, offering students a rare look at the discipline, adaptability, and continuous learning required for long-term success in the global creative economy.
Another group of students recently had the chance to attend the final dress rehearsal of Mozart’s famed opera Così fan tutte at Lyric Opera Chicago. In addition to absorbing the beauty of the music, they were able to examine the technical and organizational infrastructure of a world-class production, including lighting, stage management, and set design. By witnessing the rehearsal process, students also gained insight into the high-stakes collaboration and discipline required to manage a large-scale creative operation, supporting our District’s commitment to providing students with high-level cultural literacy and an understanding of the career pathways within the creative economy.
I am grateful to the partners, arts educators, and resident artists who are creating these iconic experiences for our students. For our part, CPS will continue treating the arts as a core delivery mechanism for our District’s priorities, ensuring that every student in every neighborhood has the tools to cultivate and express their own unique creativity.
Sincerely,
Dr. Macquline King
Interim 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!
Here are some ideas to consider:
- What events, projects, or festivities does your school community have planned for the celebration of Black History Month?
- February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. Is there a CTE program, instructor, or student at your school that deserves a shout-out?
- February is also a month when we honor our transportation workers. So let us know about a bus driver, aide, or monitor who is making a difference in your school community!
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 what schools across our district have been up to!
Oglesby Elementary in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood hosted their 2nd Annual Math Day of Exploration. From the youngest Pre-K explorers to their soaring 8th graders, every floor of the school building buzzed with the energy of students conquering hands-on interactive math activities, tasks, and games.
Meanwhile, at Disney Elementary in Buena Park, students are exploring cooperative learning structures across all content areas. This is a schoolwide approach where students work together to maximize their own and each other's learning through shared goals and mutual accountability, embodying the schoolwide spirit of Ubuntu: I am because you are!
Celebrate Black History Month at Phillips High School
As part of our District’s ongoing celebration of Black History Month, the CPS community is invited to participate in a community-led celebration of the history and impact of Phillips and DuSable High Schools. This event will explore the deep-rooted legacy of these landmark institutions and honor the Black excellence that has shaped Chicago and the United States for generations. This special event will be held on the evening of Tuesday, February 17.
District Alumni Shine at Super Bowl LX!
Congratulations to CPS alumnus Frisman Jackson, who helped coach the Seattle Seahawks to a decisive victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX last weekend! A 1997 graduate of Morgan Park High School, Coach Jackson played in the NFL for four years before embarking on his impressive coaching career.
Meanwhile, Dejah Poole and Yamill Rodriguez, both graduates of Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), also made their mark on Super Bowl LX, dancing alongside award-winning artist Bad Bunny during his electric halftime show!
Thank you to these impressive alumni for representing CPS so well!
CPS Students Impress at Annual Science Fair
As seen at this year’s CPS Science Fair, participating in a citywide exhibition gives students the opportunity to pursue their own projects and further their interest in STEM education and careers. We thank the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry for providing a backdrop where our young STEM enthusiasts were able to achieve hands-on experience while receiving feedback, recognition, and awards for their efforts.
Helping Students Experience Hands-On Learning
As part of the CISCO Building Futures Expo, CPS students spent time this week connecting with industry professionals and gaining first hand exposure to the world of construction careers. This immersive experience featured hands-on demos, industry networking, and guidance on skilled trade apprenticeships.
Register Now for a Black Student Success Plan Roundtable
This March, CPS will host several Black Student Success Plan (BSSP) Community Roundtables, both virtually and around the city. These discussions are a chance for our CPS communities to learn about plan updates and understand the role they can play in the plan’s implementation.
Click here for complete details and to register! And if you have any questions regarding the roundtables, please contact bss@cps.edu.
Deadline Approaching: Share Your Thoughts on School Food and Other Important Topics!
The CPS SY26 Winter Survey is available now and will close on February 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. This survey covers the following topics:
- School Food: Share your experience and preferences around the food at your child’s school. If you have children attending multiple CPS schools, you can complete a different survey for each school.
- Health Education: This section asks about how Health Education is scheduled, structured, and staffed at CPS. Note: If you are interested in participating in a focus group on this topic, please fill out this form.
- GPA and Promotion Policies: The Grade Point Average (GPA) Policy is about how high school students’ GPAs are calculated. The Promotion Policy is about how students are moved from one grade to the next in high school.
- Special Education Services: Share your experience with special education supports and services at CPS.
You can fill out the SY26 Winter Survey at cps.edu/wintersurvey, and learn more at cps.edu/surveys. Each section of the survey should take 5–10 minutes to complete. Please note that each section should be done in one sitting, because your data will not be saved if you close your browser. However, if you only have time to finish one section, you can always come back later to complete additional sections. All survey responses are anonymous.
FREE Tax Help for CPS Families
As we begin tax season, CPS is excited to partner with Ladder Up (Spanish flyer)—a trusted nonprofit providing free, IRS-certified tax preparation services to hardworking families across Chicago. Our trained volunteers are ready to help CPS families maximize refunds, claim eligible credits, and file with confidence, all at no cost. Services are available to households earning up to $40,000 a year. Visit goladderup.org for complete details.
Staff Resources for Preventing Dating Violence Among Teens
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and the Office of Student Protections and Title IX has created several resources to help the adults supporting our youth identify the warning signs and impacts of teen dating violence. These materials will also help staff understand their reporting obligations under Title IX and the CPS non-discrimination policy, and strengthen their student support skills so that they can meet these moments with compassion, care, and kindness.
Do You Work with Students with Disabilities? CPS Needs Your Feedback!
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is developing the SY26-27 IDEA Procedural Manual and the SY26-27 504 Procedural Manual, and we need your help to ensure both provide the clearest and most effective guidance possible on special education and related services.
Please review the SY26 IDEA Procedural Manual and the SY26 504 Procedural Manual, making note of any sections that need updating, clarification, or additional information. We are specifically looking for guidance on the following:
- How the guidance aligns with the needs of CPS students with disabilities.
- Any areas that could benefit from further clarification or improvement.
Please use the dedicated forms below to submit your suggestions for each manual by the deadline of March 13, 2026.
SY27 IDEA Procedural Manual Feedback
SY27 504 Procedural Manual Feedback
We thank you for your feedback and invite you to email Jessica Steiner at jsteiner1@cps.edu with any 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
CPL High School Sports
We are already in the playoff and championship season for some of our winter sports! Upcoming championships include:
- Girls Varsity Basketball Championship | Feb 13 | Credit Union 1 Arena
- Boys Varsity Basketball Final Four | Feb 18 | Credit Union 1 Arena
- Boys Varsity Basketball Championship | Feb 20 | Credit Union 1 Arena
Champions are continuing to be crowned across the District, with Whitney Young securing the Boys Swimming and Diving Championship and Morgan Park achieving their third-straight Girls Bowling title!
CPS SCORE! Elementary School Sports
Spring sports through CPS SCORE! are just around the corner! Check to see which of the available programs (Girls Soccer, Track and Field, and Boys and Girls Flag Football) your school has registered for, then sign your students up at cpsathletics.com!
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 here for the upcoming list of webinars and to register!
For the latest content surrounding CPS student-athletes, make sure to follow us across social media!
Enjoy Winter in the Parks
Free Heart Health Screenings
February is Heart Health Month. To celebrate, we are encouraging everyone to eat well, stay active, and manage stress. Come get a FREE heart health screening at one of our four locations. Learn more: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/heart-health-month
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/black-history-month
Work Out for Free at our Fitness Centers Feb. 1-15
Learn more: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/fitness-centers
Check out all of the wallet-friendly events at http://chicagoparkdistrict.com/valentines-day 
Girls Day of P.L.A.Y. Tues, Feb 17
Girls ages 6 to 12 will have the opportunity to compete, socialize & exercise their creativity with arts, athletics & team building activities. Register Today!
Join us for FREE family fun at Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh Park, 11559 S. Stony Island Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11 am! Activities include free fishing lessons, Nature Play with recycled holiday trees & music.
Learn more: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/polar-adventure-day
Teens and parents, join us for the 10th annual Teen Opportunity Fairs. Hosted at three locations across the city, these FREE events offer information about summer opportunities in the parks for Chicago youth ages 13-19.
Learn more: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs
Your Voice. Your Parks. What would you improve through Citywide Participatory Budgeting?
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/participatory-budgeting
Be a 2026 Summer Lifeguard – Apply TODAY, Next Test is Fri., Feb. 27 at 4:30 pm at Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 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 www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/CPS.
Winter Programs are happening (Spots still remain)
Find something to get you out and active over winter! There’s something for every age group throughout the city, and classes are very affordable. Most programs run through March 15, 2026.
Learn more: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-2026-programs/cps
All outdoor ice rinks are now open (weather permitting).
Pre-registration is required for all ice rink programs, including open skate sessions. Learn more & register for a skating session: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ice-rinks/cps
For all questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
The 41st Annual Citywide Earth Day park cleanups are set for Saturday, April 18th. Register to become a site captain at your local park! Learn more and register - now through March 1st at http://chicagoparkdistrict.com/earth-day.
Special Ticket Offers from the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Fire
CPS staff are invited to cheer on the Chicago Bulls with an exclusive ticket offer for the below games.
- Bulls vs. Raptors: Feb. 19
- Bulls vs. Knicks: Feb. 22
- Bulls vs. Hornets: Feb 24
- Bulls vs. Trail Blazers: Feb. 26
The Chicago Fire kickoff their home schedule on Saturday, February 28 with an 1:30PM afternoon match vs CF Montreal at Soldier Field! The Fire are offering CPS families a discount of over 40%, with tickets now starting at under $20, including all taxes and fees! Get your tickets here.
The Chicago Fire can also assist with STEM & Soccer or Career in Sports field trips for your students! If interested in learning more, please reach out to their group sales team at grouptickets@chicagofirefc.com or call (872) 710-0550.
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Monday, February 16: CPS offices and schools are closed in observance of Presidents' Day; no classes for students.
- Tuesday, February 17: Professional development day for staff; no classes for students.
- Thursday, February 26: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Wednesday, March 4: Board Agenda Review Committee meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.