Dear CPS Families, Colleagues, and Supporters,
Twenty-five years ago this week, America was forever changed. And while none of our current students are old enough to have experienced the events of September 11, 2001, it’s important they understand the significance of that day.
I thank the educators around our District who made time to discuss this moment in history in their classrooms, along with the schools who held ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
At Lane Tech High School, JROTC students held a remembrance ceremony to mark the moment. This solemn tribute featured an honor guard, a dedication to first responders, and the reading of the names of Chicago-area residents who lost their lives that tragic day.
These poignant moments were part of a ceremony to recognize our District’s JROTC student leaders, and to commission and promote the 26 JROTC cadets who have been selected to serve as the City Corps staff for the 2026–27 school year.
I commend these students for their service, and for reminding all of us how important it is to honor and remember our past.
Welcoming our Alumni Home
Congratulations to Dunbar, South Shore, Phillips, and Chicago Vocational Career Academy high schools on being named top performers in this year’s CPS Alumni Spirit Challenge!
This past summer, I challenged CPS alumni from far and wide to return to Chicago’s annual Bud Billiken Parade showcasing their school pride by dressing in spirit wear from their former high schools. The response to this challenge was strong, and these were the four schools that came out on top!
They are a prime example of the many ways CPS alumni are making a difference in their former schools. At Phillips Career Academy in Bronzeville, for example, alumni continue to pour into their alma mater in a myriad of ways. Whether on the first day of school, at pep rallies, or at Homecoming, these former Wildcats are a part of the fabric at Phillips, supporting current students through not only their presence, but through funding tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and college scholarships.
Similarly, the Alumni Alliance at South Shore International High School also supports current students with college scholarships, and are a fixture at many school events. This includes the annual football game that is dedicated to the school’s alumni, and that features a “Battle of the Classes” competition. Congrats to the South Shore Class of 1983 on taking home the title this year!
I am excited by the way so many CPS communities are growing their engagement and energizing their alumni base. Every graduate remains a part of the CPS family, and when it comes to helping our current students thrive, our alumni have a tremendous amount to give!
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!
- Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15! What is your school community doing to celebrate?
- Is there a special event or celebration coming up at your school?
- 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!
Parent Resource Conference 2026
Join CPS for our Parent Resource Conference on Saturday, September 26 from 9 to 1:30 p.m. at Whitney Young High School! Connect with CPS leaders, participate in workshops, discover valuable family resources, and explore opportunities to support your student’s success.
The event will also include a free light breakfast and lunch, as well as a panel discussion featuring dedicated parent leaders from across the District.
Register here to attend the conference!
And for more information, visit cps.edu/face.
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:
- September 21: Student progress reports distributed for Quarter 1
- September 24: Board of Education meeting
- September 25: Professional development day; no classes for CPS students
- October 7: Board of Education Agenda Review Committee meeting
- October 12: CPS schools and offices are closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day
Be sure to also check your school’s website for a school-specific calendar of events!
Important Health News
A reminder that all required vaccinations and physical exams for CPS students are due by October 15. Visit cps.edu/vaccines for a list of these requirements.
Throughout the fall, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be providing student vaccines required by CPS at no cost to families. These include the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox), as well as seasonal vaccines for the flu and COVID-19. Please visit the CDPH website for complete details on immunization clinics and upcoming vaccine 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
Chicago Roadmap Named a Finalist for Innovation Award
We are excited to share that the Chicago Roadmap, our District’s partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago, has been named a finalist for the 25th-Annual Chicago Innovation Awards. This recognition honors those organizations who have produced the most innovative products and services in the Chicago region this year.
The Roadmap supports students along a seamless path to and through college on the way to their chosen careers. By increasing college readiness, expanding access to high-quality programs, advising, and supports, and ramping up high-quality work-based learning experiences, this initiative has dramatically and equitably contributed to increased student outcomes in college readiness, enrollment, persistence, and degree attainment since its inception in 2020.
New Mural Unveiled at South Side Occupational Academy
This week, in partnership with the Chicago Public Art Group, student artists from Southside Occupational Academy dedicated “Beyond Blue Dreams”—a sculptural mural they created last summer alongside Chicago artist Roman Villarreal. This mural honors the school’s Horticulture Department—an inclusive vocational program for young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities ages 16 to 22.
Soccer: Special Ticket Offers from the Chicago Stars and UIC
Chicago Stars vs. Washington Spirit
The Chicago Stars are offering CPS staff and families $5 tickets to see the team take on the Washington Spirit, including star player Trinity Rodman, on Sunday, September 20 at 4 p.m. Get your tickets here!
UIC Flames vs. Loyola Ramblers
See the UIC Flames take on the Loyola Ramblers in Men’s Soccer this Sunday, September 13 at 7 p.m. at Flames Field! Students 8th-grade and younger are free, and the cost for high school students and adults is just $5. In addition, groups of 10 or more will pay just $3 per person! Purchase tickets at the door, and get your free UIC Soccer scarf after the game while supplies last!