Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
I want to start this week’s message by acknowledging the concerns that many in our CPS community have about the events currently unfolding in the Middle East. This is particularly true for those who have personal connections to the region, as well as those who may have loved ones currently serving in the military.
In times of crisis like these, CPS has provided our educators with resources on how to foster conversations that will help students process these events. And for those children who may be feeling stress or anxiety around our country’s involvement in this conflict, our schools stand ready to provide emotional support.
Celebrating National SEL Week
Whether it’s this current situation or something else, emotional support is critical for the success of our city’s youth. Students are their most successful when they are part of a school community where they feel seen and valued, and where trusting relationships are the norm. This is where social-emotional learning (SEL) comes in, and why CPS is proud to celebrate March 2–6 as National SEL Week.
Through careful instruction and targeted SEL supports, CPS students develop the skills they need to be successful across a range of situations, from solving a frustrating math problem, to collaborating on a group project, to setting goals for college and career. And by subscribing to our Healing Centered Framework, students and staff work together to build restorative, culturally-responsive school communities that are rooted in trust, respect, and a sense of belonging.
I am proud of our District’s commitment to SEL, and thank the many professionals, including our school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, who work diligently every day to make this aspect of education a priority in our classrooms.
To our families—if your child is struggling with what is happening in the Middle East, or any other social-emotional issue, please reach out to one of these professionals, or to your child’s teacher or school leader, so that we can provide them with the support they need. I’d also like to remind our employees about the District’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides a comprehensive suite of confidential services at no cost, including mental health services. CPS CPS staff can access their EAP benefits by calling 800-890-1213 (TTY: 800-697-0353) or visiting guidanceresources.com Web ID: EAPIL.
Important Dates for March
There is quite a bit going on for CPS in the month of March, so we want everyone to be aware of the following important dates:
- Tuesday, March 17: Primary Election Day. Professional development day for teachers. No classes for CPS students.
- Wednesday, March 18: Parent-teacher conferences and Local School Council (LSC) elections. No classes for students.
- March 23–27: Spring break. No classes for CPS students.
We encourage all eligible voters to make their voices heard in the primary election on Tuesday, March 17, and we hope that all of our families will be able to visit their schools on Wednesday, March 18, both to participate in valuable conversations with our teachers and to cast a vote in our District’s critically-important LSC elections.
Braving Lake Michigan for a Great Cause
Finally today, I want to congratulate the CPS students, staff, and families who participated in this year’s Polar Plunge Chicago, including a team from our Office for Students with Disabilities! They were among the more than 4,300 people who braved the frigid waters of Lake Michigan to raise over $1.5 million for Special Children’s Charities, which supports Special Olympics competitions and other enrichment opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.
Many CPS students benefit from the programming made possible by Special Children’s Charities, which includes athletics, art and music therapy, and culturally-rich experiences throughout Chicago. CPS is proud to call this organization a partner, and we applaud all who took the Polar Plunge to support their work!
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!
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 how schools across our district celebrated Black History Month!
Suder Elementary in Chicago's West Town neighborhood hosted its annual Black History Gallery Walk. Families from pre-K through 8th grade came together to celebrate the incredible projects students created to showcase their learning on topics such as HBCUs, and other aspects of Black history and heritage.
And at Hayt Elementary in Edgewater, school staff put together a Black History Month display that included historical items and photos significant to various African American staff members. The display featured an invitation to students asking them to submit visual art and poetry for another display.
Meanwhile, members of the school community at Ariel Elementary, located in North Kenwood, wrapped up their month of celebrations with their annual 'Lift Every Voice' Community Sing-along outside their school building.
And the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) in Mount Greenwood, celebrated with month-long activities centered on the theme Roots, Resilience, and Recipes, offering a profound exploration of how food serves as a cornerstone of Black heritage, survival, and joy. Activities included a powerful assembly on entrepreneurship, featuring keynote speaker Mr. Cedrick White, owner of Beverly’s The Drip Bakery; a student-led, collaborative conversation regarding the Netflix documentary series High on the Hog; and a Living Black History Museum!
Celebrating Read Across America Day at Minnie Miñoso Elementary School
Micah Johnson, former Chicago White Sox player turned bestselling author, visited Minnie Minoso Academy in Bridgeport on Monday as part of Read Across America Day—a national celebration aimed at promoting literacy among children. He was there to read Aku: Journey to Ibra, his new science fiction adventure book, to Minoso’s 5th-grade students, and to lead a discussion with them on creativity and dreaming big. The book’s main character is a Black child who dreams of becoming an astronaut, and his story is meant to elevate courage, leadership, and resilience.
Students Explore Career Paths Through Skilled Trades Fair
In collaboration with city agencies, City Colleges of Chicago, and a range of labor and corporate partners, the CPS Office of College and Career Success hosted the first of four skilled trades events this week, providing CPS juniors and seniors with access and exposure to various skilled trades and employers. This first event focused on the plumbing industry, with future opportunities centering on construction, carpentry, and engineering. The fairs are part of CPS’ efforts to provide high school students from around the city with direct access and insight into training programs, internships, and potential career opportunities.
Two CPS Principals Named Golden Apple Finalists
Congratulations to JW Kuebler of CICS Irving Park, and Nicole Spicer of Bronzeville Classical School, on being among the seven finalists selected for the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership. Presented by the Golden Apple Foundation, this award honors exemplary performance by a school leader who has had a lasting positive impact on their school community, and who has delivered significant student growth while creating a culture of inclusivity. Final decisions on this award will be announced later in the spring of 2026.
Deadlines Upcoming for Arts Exhibition and Early College Opportunities
Applications are now OPEN for CPS’s exhibition with ART on THE MART, one of the world's largest digital platforms! CPS high school students can submit time-based artwork including video, animation, motion graphics, and stop motion (max video length is 2 minutes). The deadline to apply is March 13, 2026. Review the submission guidelines here, and learn more at cps.edu/aotm or by emailing allcityarts@cps.edu.
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.
Class of 2026: Apply for $10,000 in Scholarships in Math and Science Today!
Applications are now open for the 2026 CGCS-Peters Pharis Foundation Math and Science Scholarships. $10,000 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.
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.
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.
See What’s New in the Parks
View spring programs and create a wish list now. Programs run March 30 – June 7. Registration begins March 9 & 19th visit www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com for more information.
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. Next event: Saturday, March 7th (Deaf & Hard of Hearing) and March 14th Learn more: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teen-opportunity-fairs
Enjoy working with kids in day camp this summer. Apply now to be a Recreation Leader. For ages 16+ Apply now: Jobs | Chicago Park District
Be a 2026 Summer Lifeguard – Apply TODAY, Next Test is Saturday, March 14th at 9am at Homan Square Community Center, 3559 W. Arthington St.
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.
For all questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
The IHSA Boys Basketball Playoffs continue, with teams from across the District looking to punch their ticket to the state semi-finals and championship games, which will be held March 12-14 at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. CPS is proud to once again host the IHSA 3A and 4A Super-Sectional at Credit Union 1 Arena on Monday, March 9. These games will be broadcast LIVE on WCIU TV. Click here for more information.
The Lane Tech Boys Swimming and Diving Team made history this week, securing a 7th-place finish in the statewide IHSA tournament. Congratulations to all the student athletes on this historic achievement!
For the latest content surrounding CPS student-athletes, make sure to follow us on social media!
Special Ticket Offers from the Chicago Bulls and Lyric Opera of Chicago
CPS staff are invited to cheer on the Chicago Bulls with an exclusive ticket offer for the below games. Buy tickets for the games here.
- Bulls vs. Grizzlies: March 16
- Bulls vs. Raptors: March 18
- Bulls vs. Cavaliers: March 19
- Bulls vs. Rockets: March 23
Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes Chicago Public School employees to enjoy 20% off performances of Madama Butterfly at Lyric Opera of Chicago with the promo code LYRCPS. Visit lyricopera.org/butterfly to purchase tickets for this Puccini classic that glows with beauty and heartbreak. This is a must-see for opera lovers and newcomers alike.
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Tuesday, March 17: A professional development day for staff; no classes for students.
- Wednesday, March 18: Elementary and high school parent-teacher conferences; Local School Council elections; no classes for students.
- Monday, March 19: March 2026 Board of Education Meeting beginning at 10:30 a.m.
- Monday, March 23–Friday, March 27: Spring break for all CPS students and teachers.
- Friday, April 3: A professional development day for staff; no classes for students.