Want to see your school featured in this newsletter, on CPS social media, or in the news? Use our Good News Form to tell us your story!
Please note: Due to a technology issue, some readers of this newsletter may not have received the November 6 issue in their email. You can access that newsletter here, and please be aware that all weekly newsletters, along with our CPS blog, any communications that are sent Districtwide, and our news releases are always available at cps.edu/media.
Dear CPS Families, Colleagues, and Champions,
It was a big week at Simeon Career Academy in Chatham, with an event celebrating STEM education and the one and only Caleb Williams stopping by for a surprise visit!
The Bears’ star quarterback surprised Simeon students with a visit where he discussed the importance of setting goals, maintaining focus, and staying the course.
Meanwhile, our partners at the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program also chose Simeon as the place to host a celebration of its STEM investments! Since 2019, CREATE has donated more than $1.1 million to expand STEM education and career exploration for students in seven south side schools.
At Simeon, CREATE’s generosity is connecting classroom learning with hands-on STEM experiences, including field trips, competitions, mentorship opportunities, and summer internships that give students an early look at careers in STEM.
I want to thank our partners at CREATE for helping spark our students’ curiosity and passion for STEM, opening doors to new possibilities, and for preparing them for the careers of the future. A special thank you also goes to the Chicago Bears for giving our Simeon students the experience they will never forget, and for their continued commitment to expanding opportunities for Girls’ Flag Football, which has been growing in popularity both at Simeon and across the District.
CPS Hosts First-Ever Youth Wellness Fair
Thank you to all of the students who attended our District’s first-ever Youth Wellness Fair earlier this week!
This event grew out of conversations I’ve had with students over the past year, during which they spoke candidly about the need for greater mental health support from CPS. We heard their concerns, and this event represents an important first step in turning their feedback into meaningful action and ensuring they have access to the support they need to thrive.
Throughout the day, students in grades 7 to 12 participated in interactive workshops and activities to help them learn to better manage stress, as well as build confidence, make healthy choices, and create meaningful connections with others.
I thank all of the CPS staff and partners who worked together to make this event possible, as well as the families who encouraged their children to attend. Events like this are an important part of our broader commitment to student well-being, complementing the mental health resources and supports already in place across our schools. These include our universal social-emotional learning curriculum, dedicated Behavioral Health Teams, and Whole School Safety plans that incorporate strategies and resources to address trauma and support healing. Just as importantly, these opportunities allow us to connect directly with students, listen to their experiences, and better understand how we can strengthen the support we provide. Our responsibility is not simply to make resources available, but to ensure students know where to turn, feel comfortable asking for help, and have confidence that their voices will be heard and their needs met.
An Update on CPS’ Approach to AI
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes a larger part of our daily lives, CPS is taking a responsible approach that embraces the potential of AI while safeguarding teaching and learning, critical thinking, and student safety and privacy. We’re proud that our approach to AI has been recognized by the State of Illinois as a model policy for other Districts; you can learn more by visiting cps.edu/ai and exploring our AI Guidebook.
Here are a few key things to know:
- CPS treats AI as a supporting resource — not a substitute for bedrock teaching and learning strategies, or student critical thinking.
- CPS maintains clear policies and expectations regarding original student work in order to prevent cheating and uphold academic integrity.
- To ensure CPS graduates are ready for college and modern careers, the District is committed to building foundational AI literacy, which means teaching students how AI technologies work, where their limitations lie, and how to evaluate AI-generated information critically, helping them navigate an AI-influenced world with confidence.
- While CPS makes AI tools available to staff, tools like the Google Gemini App, ChatGPT, Claude, and other unapproved third-party AI apps are blocked on student accounts, CPS-issued devices, and on the CPS network for students.
Recently, you may have seen news reports that Google is planning to restrict access to Google search for school districts that ban AI tools for students. This is because the widely-used Google search engine currently includes AI functions that could be in conflict with our District’s stance on AI.
We are working on a solution to continue providing our students with access to the Google search engine without compromising our stance on AI. If such an arrangement cannot be reached with Google, CPS will look to other search solutions.
Veto Session Starts Tuesday: Speak Up for Fair Funding for CPS Schools
Along with Board members, families, and community partners, I will be traveling to Springfield next Tuesday, November 17 for the start of the state’s Veto Session. This will be our District’s last chance to advocate this year for the additional funding our schools and students need.
There are many ways to lend your voice to this campaign, including also traveling to Springfield to meet with legislators directly. CPS has a limited number of seats available on buses for parents and community partners who wish to make this trip. Although the November 17th trip is now full, there are still open spots on December 1. Click this link to sign up and reserve your spot. Please Note: This opportunity is not available to CPS staff and students, as both November 17 and December 1 are instructional days.
Please join our campaign at cps.edu/advocacy to help us advocate with one CPS voice for the resources our students deserve.
Sincerely,
Dr. Macquline King
Chief Executive Officer
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!
- Thanksgiving is right around the corner! How is your school celebrating and/or making a difference for others in the community?
- Is there a school program that you’re particularly proud of?
- What about a member of your school community who deserves to be recognized?
Share your story with us today so that we can feature it through this newsletter, on CPS social media, and even in the news!
Complete the CPS Fall Survey by November 20
CPS is committed to making sure our families and staff have a voice in our decision-making process around important topics impacting the District. One of the ways we ask for your input is through our seasonal surveys, the first of which is available here!
Depending on your school and relationship to CPS, you will be able to share your thoughts on the following topics:
- Attendance Boundaries: This section focuses on elementary school boundaries and space utilization.
- AI: This section focuses on students' and families' access to and learning experiences with technology outside of school.
- Instructional Vision for Early Childhood Education: This section focuses on what instruction should look like in pre-k–2nd grade classrooms.
- Specialty Programs: This section focuses on CPS specialty programs (such as Personalized Learning, IB, STEM/STEAM, Arts, Montessori, Gifted, or Classical).
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 another section. All survey responses are anonymous.
The fall survey will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 20.
Stay Protected This Respiratory Illness Season
COVID-19 and flu cases are increasing. The updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines are the best way to help protect yourself, your family, and our school communities.
Key reminders:
- Stay up to date on recommended and required vaccines.
- Get tested for COVID-19 before and after large gatherings and before returning to school after breaks.
- Wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick.
- Consider wearing a mask if you have symptoms or are around medically vulnerable individuals.
Helpful resources:
- CPS Vaccine Information: cps.edu/vaccines
- Minimum Health Requirements: (ENGLISH | SPANISH)
- Illinois Department of Public Health guidance
- School-Based Health Centers
- Find a Health Center: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
- Healthy CPS Hotline: 773-553-KIDS (5437)
Mark Your Calendars!
Be sure to visit cps.edu/calendar for important dates! Here are a few to keep in mind right now:
- November 23–27: Thanksgiving holiday; no classes for students.
- December 17: Board of Education meeting.
- December 21–January 1: Winter break; no classes for students.
- January 4: Professional development day; no classes for students.
Be sure to also check your school’s website for a school-specific calendar of events!
Keeping Schools Safe Amid Federal Activity
Over the past year, we have seen an escalation of federal activity in Chicago, and we want to remind everyone what CPS is doing to keep schools and students safe.
Please visit cps.edu/immigration for the latest information, including:
- Our procedures and protocols to ensure safety at school
- Tips for staying safe at home and in the community
- Resources available to families and staff, including “Know Your Rights” trainings and mental health supports
Four CPS Schools Cut Ribbon on New Investments
This week, CPS leadership was joined by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and community members to cut the ribbon on a $14.4 million construction project at Kenwood Academy High School in Hyde Park. This project will include an enclosed connection between the school’s main campus and the former Canter building, related electrical, mechanical, and site improvements, and an updated athletic room and photography lab.
Two CPS schools—Addams Elementary on the East Side and Earhart Elementary in Calumet Heights—also celebrated the opening of new outdoor spaces that will enhance learning and recreation for both schools and their surrounding communities.
At Earhart, the community-led project focused on expanding access to outdoor play and athletics, as well as opportunities for gardening and nature-based learning that are aligned to the school’s STEAM curriculum.
And at Addams, the new space provides opportunities for active play, sports, and outdoor recreation while preserving the school’s memorial tree and enhancing gathering spaces for outdoor learning and school events.
Both projects are part of the Space to Grow Program, which is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the Chicago Department of Water Management, the Chicago Department of Environment, Openlands, and Healthy Schools Campaign.
A Look Around the District
Check out these highlights from schools across our district!
In Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, Sullivan High School commemorated its 100th anniversary with Sullivan Goes to College and Cluster and Beyond Day. Students school-wide visited colleges and universities across Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and explored other post-secondary pathways.
Gregory Elementary in Homan Square celebrated the Day of the Dead with a special family movie night. Students also built a classroom Ofrenda to honor their loved ones as part of this traditional Mexican holiday.
And at Mather High School in West Rogers Park, senior student Nestylen C.G. recently took home 1st place in the Premio de Poesía Joven Ciudad de los Vientos for her poem “No llegué intacta.” Her poem, which explores migration, memory, and cultural identity, earned her a $200 prize, publication in Contratiempo, and a scholarship opportunity through the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Congratulations!
Cook County Sheriff's Book Bus Visits Woodson Elementary
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office Book Bus—a mobile library aimed at supporting areas that have limited access to traditional library resources—made a visit to Woodson Elementary in Bronzeville, where students were able to climb aboard and select books to rent.
CPS Staff Honored as Part of UIC’s Power of Nursing Event
Congratulations to CPS Nurse Managers Dr Jinsun Baek and Ann Walsh on being named 2026 Power of Nursing Pinnacle Leaders by the University of Illinois Chicago. The annual Power of Nursing Leadership event honors the impact and achievements of nurse leaders across Illinois, and is designed to enhance and engage partnerships among nursing leaders in academia, government, the community, and healthcare enterprises.
Joffrey Ballet Discount Offer for CPS Staff
CPS staff members are encouraged to use code JBCPS26 for 10 percent off tickets to The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker!
Running December 4–27, this beloved holiday tradition is a wonderful opportunity to gather with loved ones, celebrate the season, and make lasting memories.
Tickets can be purchased directly here: The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
Promo code excludes price level 6 and weekend matinees. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Restrictions apply.
Special Discount Offer from the Chicago Bulls
Are you ready to SEE RED at the United Center? Click here to purchase discounted tickets for the below games:
- Sunday, November 22: Bulls vs. Nuggets
- Monday, November 23: Bulls vs. Cavaliers