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Dear CPS Families, Colleagues, and Champions,
September is National Literacy Month—a good reminder of our 81 Club partnership with the Chicago Public Library. This initiative turns every CPS student’s school ID into an instant library card that can be used to access reading material, resources, and programming, either online or in person at one of the CPL’s 81 branch locations.
One school I’m proud to call out during National Literacy Month is Back of the Yards Elementary, which was recently named a Bright Spot by The 74 for exceeding expectations when it comes to reading proficiency. See the students and staff from this school explain how they’re getting this done!
We are proud of the progress at this South Side school and the literacy gains we’re seeing among many of our K–2 students. At the same time, we know there is more work ahead to ensure every student is developing the strong literacy foundation they need to thrive. CPS is building on this progress through a strategic focus on writing instruction, strengthened literacy interventions and supports, and continued partnerships with 35 organizations across the city that are helping advance the literacy goals outlined in our five-year strategic plan.
New Additions to Our Leadership Team
I’m excited to share that the following individuals have been appointed to permanent roles on the CPS leadership team. Each brings valuable experience, expertise, and a deep commitment to our students and school communities, and I look forward to their continued leadership as we advance the District’s priorities. You can read more about their backgrounds and accomplishments here.
- Walter Stock: Chief Financial Officer
- Jerry Taylor: Chief Talent Officer
- Jeffery Mosley: Chief Schools Officer
- Patricia Harper Reynolds: Chief of Schools, Network 3
- José Torres: Chief of Schools, Network 4
With their wealth of experience and deep institutional knowledge, I am confident that these talented leaders will contribute greatly to our overarching goals of academic excellence and operational stability.
Update on District Enrollment
This past Monday, September 21, was the 20th day of the school year. The 20th day marks the point in the school year when we take our official enrollment count. This year, CPS enrollment stands at 304,687 students, a decrease of just over 11,500 students from last year.
Chicago has reclaimed its position as the nation’s third-largest school district, behind New York City and Los Angeles. And while our overall enrollment has shifted, student attendance remains largely consistent with last year.
Public school enrollment is declining across the country, driven by a range of factors, including lower birth rates and changing migration patterns. Against this broader backdrop, our focus remains firmly on what matters most: staying true to our mission, investing in our students, strengthening the daily learning experience, and partnering with school communities to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month
Our District’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month continues, with parades, musical performances, and the reenactment of “El Grito”—the call that initiated Mexico’s fight for independence.
In addition to their “El Grito” celebration, students at Whittier Elementary in Pilsen folded family traditions into their celebration, playing games that their parents and grandparents had enjoyed in their native countries.
Whittier is one of nearly 300 CPS schools offering dual-language or world-language programs, as is Telpochcalli Elementary in Little Village, which concluded its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with “danza del sol” (a sun dance) and “paletas” (ice cream) on the school patio.
It’s inspiring to see the joy our students are finding in these cultural celebrations and the opportunities each one creates to deepen their learning, curiosity, and appreciation for the cultures and traditions around them.
Opportunities for Family and Community Engagement
Our virtual updates for families and community members will resume next Tuesday, September 29 at 6 p.m. While prior updates were focused mainly on the CPS budget, these upcoming Community Talks will cover a wider range of topics. RSVP here to receive an email with a link to join next Tuesday’s meeting.
Also, a reminder that the 2026 Parent Resource Conference is just one day away! Join us for:
- Workshops on everything from student health and wellness, to navigating special education services, to preparing students for success in college and career.
- A panel discussion featuring parent leaders who will share their experience and provide guidance on getting involved with your school community.
- A resource fair where you can find tools and information to help your students succeed.
The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Saturday, September 26 at Whitney Young High School.
Register here to attend and visit cps.edu/face for more information.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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 runs from September 15 through October 15! What is your school community doing to celebrate?
- 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!
Attend the University of Chicago’s FREE South Side Science Festival
On Saturday, October 3, the University of Chicago will host its 5th-Annual South Side Science Festival! This FREE event is open to students of all ages, and will include 100+ hands-on science demonstrations and brain-bending challenges led by UChicago scientists, along with two spectacular science shows! Read more about this opportunity and RSVP at southsidescience.event.uchicago.edu.
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:
- 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
What’s Happening in the Parks
Summer may be over, but Night Out in the Parks continues! Find a performance or event near you!
The kids are back in school. What’s next? Keep your children engaged and active after school with the ParkKids Afterschool Program, or explore other fall activities offered in the parks!
The Chicago Park District proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month in the Parks. Visit our website to find a cultural celebration near you!
Free Timed Runs in a park near you!
Calling all runners, join us for Go Run Chicago, a series of free organized Saturday morning runs that are open to everyone. Register to find a running event near you!
RiverLab Paddles and more
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors with Guided Paddle at River, Marquette, or Garfield Parks. Register for a Guided Paddle event today!
Help Shape the Future of Grant Park! Vote NOW through September 30!
The Park District is implementing Participatory Budgeting (PB), a democratic process that allows community members to decide how to allocate a portion of public funds. It’s a way for community members, park users, and neighbors to have a direct say in how money is invested in their parks. Learn more here.
Share Your Ideas on New Park Rules for E-bikes, E-scooters, and More
Join an in-person or virtual town hall to learn about a new state law impacting micromobility and share your ideas for new rules for micromobility vehicles on Chicago Park District bicycle paths and trails. “Micromobility” refers to small vehicles intended for personal use that allow people to commute short distances (e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.). Learn more here!
International Peace Day in Chicago
More than 1,100 students from 31 CPS schools joined District leaders and elected officials from around Illinois for Chicago’s 48th-annual International Peace Day celebration. This event is sponsored by The Peace School, a United Nations Peace Messenger organization that works to bring communities and cultures together to celebrate unity and diversity in our city and world.
Unique STEM Opportunity for JROTC Students
At the invitation of the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) students from our District’s JROTC programs recently visited the Chicago River Lock System, which aids in navigation between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. In addition to exploring this intricate system, students learned about opportunities they can have as cadets in the USACE.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
Lane Tech sophomore Olivia W. continues to make history in girls and women's soccer, as she was recently selected for the U15 U.S. National Team. Read her story here!
Our District’s first athletic championship of the year is right around the corner, with the boys and girls golf finals taking place on September 25 and 27, respectively. Come out to support our students as they compete at Indian Boundary Golf Course!
Visit CPSAthletics.com and follow us on Instagram @cpsathletics_ for the latest program information, feature stories, season previews, photo galleries, and more!
Hispanic Heritage Month Across the District
This month, schools across our District are continuing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage!
Dual Enrollment Spanish students at Disney II High School in Old Irving Park kicked off the month with a special event featuring music and activities like soccer and tortilla making for 1st graders at Disney II Elementary.
Meanwhile, at Schubert Elementary in the Cragin neighborhood, the school community enjoyed an evening of arts and crafts and performances celebrating Hispanic and Latinx culture!
Staff Spotlights
Maestra Rebeca Viquez is leading excellent work at Decatur Classical School! She joined the Decatur community a few years ago when the school transitioned from teaching Latin to Spanish. Her commitment to students made it seamless! Recently, her principal highlighted how her deep love for her students shines through daily in the authentic way she honors individual identities, heritage, and cultures across our community.
And Mr. Fernando Arce is making a difference at Volta Elementary School! He has held different roles there, and he is currently the school’s restorative justice coordinator. Recently, a Volta parent shouted him out for his efforts to make the school a better place to learn and work. This parent described him as a fixture of the school, seemingly being everywhere at once to help Volta run smoothly. They also highlighted his ability to form deep relationships within the school community.
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 9: Bulls vs. Grizzlies
- Friday, October 16: Bulls vs. Timberwolves
- Saturday, October 24: Bulls vs. Wizards