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Dear CPS Families, Colleagues, and Champions,
A reminder that there will be no classes for CPS students this Monday, October 12 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. All CPS schools and offices will be closed on this day.
Please also remember that proof of all required vaccines and physical exams for CPS students MUST be submitted to schools by next Thursday, October 15. Visit cps.edu/vaccines for a list of these requirements. And please click here for details on immunization clinics and upcoming vaccine events.
Choosing Kindness and Inclusion
October is both Anti-Bullying Awareness and LGBTQ+ History Month. This is an important reminder that every child deserves to feel a sense of belonging at school, and that school should be a place where students feel loved and accepted for exactly who they are.
At CPS, we work hard to create learning environments where students feel safe, and where bullying is never an acceptable response to conflict. Through our universal social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, CPS works with students of every age to:
- Manage and understand their emotions
- Respect and relate to others
- Make responsible decisions
Our District’s SEL specialists and Behavioral Health Teams work with educators to integrate the development of social-emotional skills into classroom instruction and students’ daily routines. This proactive work helps to maintain learning environments where all children feel valued, and prevent instances of bullying.
Furthermore, our ongoing Stop Bullying campaign is designed to prevent bullying on the front end, and respond quickly to incidents if they occur. Earlier this week, our Office of Social-Emotional Learning hosted a virtual webinar titled “Understanding and Reporting Bullying: Prevention & Intervention in Chicago Public Schools”. You can watch a recording of that session here, and can learn more about how to identify, report, and stop bullying by viewing this resource and visiting cps.edu/stopbullying.
I also want to remind everyone that CPS has established policy and safeguards, including our Non-Discrimination Policy and Guidance: Gender & Sexuality Protections to keep everyone safe and supported at school.
As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, I encourage everyone to review this one-pager created by the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW). It includes information for educators on how to incorporate LGBTQ+ history into the classroom, as well as links to various resources and supports that may be of help to students and families.
CPS will continue to affirm and celebrate our LGBTQ+ students and staff members, and will ensure our schools remain safe spaces where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Please join me in celebrating and honoring our LGBTQ+ community during October and throughout the year.
Recent Changes to Federal Policy
Finally, I want to discuss two recent changes to federal policy that you may be hearing about in the news.
- Public Charge, School Meals and Benefits
- As of September 18, the federal government has given immigration officials more power to deny green cards or entry to the U.S. based on a person’s possible use of public benefits — a policy commonly referred to as “public charge.”
- Regardless of this policy change, CPS will continue to offer ALL STUDENTS free breakfast and lunch each school day, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances or immigration status.
- Families who think they may be impacted by this policy change should visit cps.edu/publiccharge for more information. Visit cps.edu/immigration for more complete information and resources for immigrant families.
- Changes to Title IX Regulations
- In September, the U.S. Department of Education rescinded Title IX regulations that protect students from discrimination based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
- This policy change does not alter CPS’ commitment to ensuring that all LGBTQ+ students and staff feel safe, supported, and affirmed. That’s because we have strong protections in place at the state, local, and District level, to support and empower our LGBTQ+ students and staff.
Thank you for your partnership, and enjoy the three-day weekend!
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!
- October is National Principals Month! Let us know why your school leader deserves a shout-out!
- 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!
Attention Teens! You’re Invited to Fallapalooza!
Chicago teens ages 14 to 19 are invited to participate in the 3rd-annual Falapalooza on Friday, October 16 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Hosted in the Harold Washington Library’s Haunted Winter Garden, this FREE event will feature food, crafts, raffles, laser tag, spooky activities, and a costume contest with prizes! Students can RSVP here!
GoCPS Applications Now Open!
From neighborhood, selective enrollment, and Magnet schools, to IB, STEM, and CTE programs, students and families can explore all of the options CPS has to offer by visiting go.cps.edu. GoCPS applications for the 2027–28 school year are open now and will be accepted through Friday, November 13 at 5 p.m.
Election Day Resources
Election Day in Chicago is Tuesday, November 3. There will be no classes for CPS students on this day.
This is the first election where registered voters will be able to vote for a fully-elected, 21-member Chicago Board of Education. By law, Chicago Public Schools will remain neutral in all elections for candidates and referendums. In addition, the use of school resources and school property for campaign activity is strictly prohibited.
Visit the Chicago Board of Elections website to:
- Register to vote
- Find your polling place or a drop box for your ballot
- Change your name or voting address
- Request a mail or absentee ballot
- Download a sample ballot of candidates running for office in your area
- And more!
You can also check out this Election Day Guide from CPS for more information!
Mark Your Calendars!
Now that the school year is underway, be sure to visit cps.edu/calendar for important dates! Here are a few to keep in mind right now:
- October 12: CPS schools and offices are closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
- October 22: Board of Education meeting.
- October 23: End of quarter 1.
- November 2: Parent-teacher conference day; no classes for students.
- November 3: Election Day; no classes for students.
- November 11: Professional development day for staff; 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
Rocket Day in CPS
More than 100 CPS schools hosted Rocket Day events this week, including the school community at Shoop Elementary in Morgan Park, which used Arm & Hammer baking soda to design, build, and launch their model rockets to see whose would fly the highest.
CPS is proud to host the largest collection of Rocket Day celebrations of any school district in the country. It is part of our celebration of STEAMtober—a two-week period of STEAM-anchored experiences designed to give students meaningful opportunities to explore, experiment, create, and discover new possibilities for their futures.
Lake View Student Named Chicago Bears All-Star of the Week
After a game where he rushed for an amazing 296 yards, Lake View High School running back Kaleb L. was named All-Star of the Week by the Chicago Bears! Now in his senior year of high school, Kaleb is currently ranked #1 in Illinois and #7 nationally for rushing. He will be honored by the Bears during their December 6 game at Soldier Field.
Fall Harvest Brings “Crunch Day” to CPS Schools
Check out these CPS students enjoying Apple Crunch Day!
This week, students across CPS took a bite into fresh, Michigan-grown apples to celebrate local food and healthy eating! More than 35% of the CPS food budget goes directly to supporting local farmers and regional food suppliers, which means that the nutritious meals served in our cafeterias every day are good for both our students AND our communities!
Celebrating a Safer Start to the School Day
This week, CPS celebrated a new student drop-off zone and school entryway at Mays Elementary in Englewood. These capital upgrades were constructed by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to make school arrival safer for the families at Mays.
A Look Around the District
Kellman Elementary in the Homan Square neighborhood recently hosted a “Pink Friday” event to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
Congratulations to the girls tennis team from Whitney Young on securing their third-straight city championship. In a thrilling day of competition, the Dolphins defeated rival Lincoln Park High School by just one point!
High school playoffs and championships for fall sports are underway across the District. Stay up to date by visiting CPSAthletics.com and following us on Instagram @cpsathletics_.
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:
- Friday, October 16: Bulls vs. Timberwolves
- Saturday, October 24: Bulls vs. Wizards
Special Offer from Lyric Opera Chicago
Use promo code LYRIC20 for 20% off tickets to Don Giovanni. October 10 - November 1, 2026 at Lyric Opera Chicago.
Led by Music Director Enrique Mazzola and starring acclaimed bass-baritone Christian Van Horn, Don Giovanni brings together sharp humor, high drama, and Mozart’s unforgettable score in the story of one of opera’s most infamous anti-heroes—and his spectacular downfall.
Sung in Italian with projected English titles. Click here to purchase tickets!