End of Week Message: Empowering Our Students with Disabilities
06 December 2024
Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
As cold temperatures set in, I want to thank our outstanding Facilities Team for the job they’re doing keeping our schools safe, warm, and dry, and for quickly resolving issues that come up in our buildings, especially during the winter months. I also applaud our students and educators for their hard work so far this semester, and urge everyone to dig deep and finish strong ahead of winter break!
GoCPS Deadline Fast Approaching
GoCPS applications for the 2025–26 school year will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Families can use GoCPS to explore and apply to academic programs around the city, including magnet, career and technical education, selective enrollment, and charter high schools. Families interested in elementary charter schools must apply to those schools directly rather than using GoCPS.
Families can visit the GoCPS website for more information, and to complete the GoCPS application by the deadline of Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Empowering Our Students with Disabilities
This week marked both National Special Education Day (December 2) and International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3)—a perfect opportunity to celebrate the many gifts that students with disabilities bring to our CPS communities.
These children teach us about the importance of inclusion, reminding us that everyone learns differently and connects with the world in their own unique way. They also show us what it looks like to face life’s challenges with grace and determination.
At CPS, we are committed to supporting our students with disabilities in reaching their full potential, and in finding their rightful presence in our schools. This connects back to our commitment to equity, which is at the heart of our District’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, and to our belief that when we support those students who are furthest from opportunity, we uplift ALL of Chicago’s children.
I’m proud of the steps our District is taking to better support our students with disabilities, including adding 243 more special education teacher positions and 661 more special education classroom assistant (SECA) positions this school year alone. We are also providing robust professional development, not just for our special education teachers, but for the many related service providers who work to support the unique needs of our students with disabilities.
Our nurses, for example, go above and beyond to ensure that the health of our students is always a top priority. Our occupational and physical therapists help children develop their mobility and motor skills; while a range of other staff help support their vision, hearing, communication, and social-emotional learning. I thank all of these dedicated employees for their compassion, selflessness, and hard work on behalf of these students.
I also want to thank the families of our students with disabilities for their trust and partnership. To better support them this school year, our Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) has added more full-time staff to their call center. Families can call the OSD Help Line to receive individual guidance around accessing resources and understanding IEP and 504 Plans. This team is also there to listen to parents with the grace and compassion they deserve. I encourage all of our OSD families to take advantage of this resource by calling (773) 553-1840.
Our goals moving forward include expanding access to joyful, well-rounded experiences like athletics and out-of-school time activities for our students with disabilities, and increasing these students’ participation in rigorous academic programs like middle school algebra, dual-credit, and career and technical education. And because we believe in the power of partnership, CPS will continue engaging with families, staff, and community partners to harness the many ways they can contribute to preparing our students with disabilities for success after high school.
I thank our Office for Students with Disabilities, and all of our special education teachers, support staff, and related service providers for always going above and beyond to support and empower their students. CPS will continue investing in their development, and in the resources our students with disabilities need to achieve the world-class learning opportunities they deserve.
Sincerely,
Pedro Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Public Schools
Help Us Highlight Your School
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A Look Around the District
Check out how schools across the District are celebrating this season of giving!
Phillips High School, located in the Bronzeville neighborhood, welcomed back their Class of 2016 alumni as they hosted their annual Turkey Giveaway for the school community.
At De Diego Elementary in Wicker Park, the school’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC) organized a Food Drive, with each classroom assigned a specific non-perishable item to collect. This initiative provided 22 families with baskets with Turkeys and other goods.
Similarly, the Music Department and its students at Kenwood High School in Woodland presented a Thanksgiving Food Drive and Concert, an annual tradition hosted for more than 30 years. Concert attendees made donations to the virtual food drive which provided nourishing food for neighbors in need.
Meanwhile, at Evergreen Elementary in McKinley Park, the Girls’ Volleyball team recently won their 2024 Championship game as they were led by their two coaches, one of whom is an Evergreen Class of 2013 graduate and former school athlete. Congratulations Tigers!
Introducing Chi Tech Discovery Days
Bronzeville High School students visited Discovery Institute Partners this week for a day of computer science discovery and opportunity. Part of Chi Tech Discovery Days, this experience allowed students to learn about the Chicago tech ecosystem from World Business Chicago, engage in workshops with mentors from companies like Amazon Web Services; and hear from current college students in computer science fields.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays
According to UChicago Medicine, about 5% of the U.S. population experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In addition, a 2021 survey from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) showed that 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays. To support CPS students, staff, and families during this time, the Office of Student Health and Wellness’ Mental Health Team has created this resource on SAD, holiday mental health support, and local warming and meal sites. Please also feel free to contact mentalhealth@cps.edu with any questions.
2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Now Available!
It’s time for all CPS 12th-graders to complete their FAFSA! This is a graduation requirement for all CPS seniors. Students who complete the FAFSA are eligible for up to $7,395 in Pell Grant funding to subsidize the cost of college at virtually all postsecondary institutions across the country. Additionally, students who attend college in the state of Illinois may be eligible for up to $8,400 in additional MAP Grant funding. Students may also be eligible for between $5,500 and $9,500 in federal student loans.
For more information and assistance with the FAFSA, students should reach out to their school counselor, or visit cps.edu/LearnPlanSucceed.
Aspiring Student Writers: Here’s Your Chance to Get Published in The Chicago Sun-Times!
High school students, ever think about having your writing published in the Chicago Sun-Times as a guest columnist? Here’s your chance to make it happen!
Submit a short column about your vision for the future, based on the theme "Looking Ahead." However you interpret the theme is up to you, whether that’s writing about personal goals, professional aspirations, the environment, diversity, or politics, the Sun-Times wants to hear your unique perspective.
Here’s how it works:
- Submit an original, unpublished 525–600 word writing sample in English or Spanish now through December 31, 2024 (Note: writing samples will be used to determine contest winners, but winners will have the opportunity to write a different column once selected).
- Submissions will be accepted from high school students only. All entrants under the age of 18 must submit a parental consent form.
- A panel of Sun-Times staff will choose guest columnists to feature, and these columnists will have an opportunity to have their work edited by a Sun-Times editor.
- Winners will each receive a $250 stipend and be published in the paper and online.
Learn more and enter in English at suntimes.com/chicagovoices or in Spanish at suntimes.com/vocesdechicago.
Calling All CPS Artists! Upcoming Opportunities in the Arts
CPS Sophomores and Juniors: Apply now to RE:ALIZE, the FREE dual enrollment arts program created in partnership with Columbia College Chicago. In addition to 6–12 college credits in theater, music, dance, or visual arts, RE:ALIZE offers students support with developing a portfolio, workshops with professional artists, college and university visits, free supplies, multiple opportunities to showcase their work, and more. Apply by the deadline of March 17, 2025, or learn more on the RE:ALIZE website and through this informational slideshow. You can also reach out to realize@cps.edu with any questions!
All CPS Students: Submit Your Work to RE•VER•BER•ATE and All-City Visual Art (ACVA) Exhibitions
RE•VER•BER•ATE (April 22–25, 2025) is a free, multidisciplinary arts festival that offers CPS students in grades pre-k—12 the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, performances, workshops, masterclasses, and academic and professional collaborations. Teachers and students are invited to submit applications to perform or exhibit at the festival. Apply HERE for performing arts by January 10, 2025. Apply HERE for visual arts by March 13, 2025. Learn more about these opportunities at cps.edu/reverberate, and contact reverberate@cps.edu with any questions.
Applications to participate in the ACVA Pre-k–12 Visual Art Exhibition are open through March 13, 2025. Apply here. Full details can be found in the submission guidelines. Learn more at cps.edu/acva, and you can contact allcityarts@cps.edu with any questions. Any artwork submitted to the Pre-k–12 Visual Art Exhibition will also be automatically considered for inclusion in ART on THE MART 2025!
Learn More About ART on THE MART
Want to see your artwork projected onto the Mart’s massive Chicago Riverwalk facade? Join our upcoming information session on Monday, December 9 from 6–7 p.m. to learn how you can be a part of ART on THE MART, an exciting opportunity as part of the All-City Visual Arts Exhibitions. We’ll walk you through the submission guidelines and offer a live demonstration of Adobe Photoshop and After Effects to help you prepare your work for projection. Register for the information session here!
Upcoming Substance Use Virtual Workshops for Parents and Guardians
The Office of Student Health and Wellness is pleased to promote a free substance use education resource for CPS parents/caregivers through one of our community partners. The University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work is offering two asynchronous virtual trainings/educational workshops during the month of December to provide practical insights into supporting youth safety and well-being around substance use. One session covers harm reduction, and the other is about understanding youth substance use. Please refer to the following flier for sign-up information. Note: These workshops are only available in English and on a first come, first served basis.
Nominate an Educator for the Red Cross Heroes Award
For 22 years, the American Red Cross of Chicago has been honoring local heroes who have acted with bravery, dedication, and service for the benefit of their communities. Categories of recognition include law enforcement, healthcare, and of course, education. If you know a CPS educator who is changing lives in their school, please nominate them for a Heroes Award here by the deadline of December 31, 2024.
Enjoy the Holiday Season in the Parks!
Keep students active over winter break in a Chicago Park District camp. Dozens of winter break camps are available across the city for a low price. Learn more and register here.
Register for Winter Programming beginning December 9 & 10
Kids can find plenty of park district programs to keep them active this winter. From boxing, dance, and athletics, to fitness, music, and art, there is truly something for everyone. Most programs run from January 6 through March 16, 2025. Learn more here.
Take the December 21 Lifeguard Test!
Get your summer job plans in motion. Make $19.75 an hour this summer as a Chicago Park District lifeguard. Apply now and choose the December 21 test date. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and a Chicago resident by July 1, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
Student Artists: It’s Your Last Chance to Apply for Night Out in the Parks for Summer 2025!
Submit your cultural project ideas now. Proposals are due Monday, December 9. Learn more here.
Enjoy the Holidays in the Parks!
Holiday events are being offered in parks throughout the city. Activities vary, but some of the fun includes visits and skating with Santa, live holiday music, dancing, making holiday crafts, and the annual holiday flower shows at Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories. Learn more here.
Come Out and Skate in the Parks
All outdoor ice rinks (excluding McKinley Park) are now open! Learn more and register for skate sessions here.
Vote for Maggie Daley Park Ice Ribbon for Best Ice Skating Rink!
Nominated by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon could be named the best rink in the country! Voting ends Monday, Dec. 9. at 11 am. Vote here today!
Speed Skating Competition
Calling all speed skaters! Come compete in the annual Silver Skates Speed Skating competition, which will take place in January 2025. Learn more and register here.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in CPS Athletics
Football:
History was made at Whitney Young High School, as the Dolphins secured their first-ever Chicago Public League Football City Championship and first-ever appearance in the 94th annual Prep Bowl! Congratulations to the entire Whitney Young community on this incredible achievement! Click the links below to learn more!
Basketball:
Kenwood senior Diann J. begins her final season of high school basketball after having incredible international experience playing for Puerto Rico in summer 2024. Learn more about Diann’s journey, and how this experience helped prepare her for the season and show her the value of travel and immersion in new cultures and communities.
Celebrating College Decision Days
Students from across the District are announcing their decisions on where they will continue their academic and athletic journeys at the college level. See the list here!
Do you know a student athlete who is signing their National Letter of Intent for college athletics? Email Michael Wojtychiw at mmwojtychiw@cps.edu so that we can add them to this list!
Discounted Tickets for CPS Staff
ROYKO: THE TOUGHEST MAN IN CHICAGO tells the story of cantankerous Chicago columnist Mike Royko, a 34-year newspaper veteran who wrote 7,500 columns in his career. A fixture amongst Chicago newspapers, Royko wrote about the city the way people like to think of themselves: cynical, humorous, and with compassion for the little guy. Now through Dec 22 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St, Chicago.
CPS employees receive 25% OFF tickets using code ROYKO25 at checkout. Offer good through December 22, excludes Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees, based on availability. PURCHASE TICKETS http://royko.brownpapertickets.com/
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Thursday, December 12: Board of Education meeting. (Note: The start time of this meeting has been changed from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Monday, December 23–Friday, January 3: All CPS students and teachers will be on winter break from December 23 through January 3; all CPS offices will be closed from December 25 through January 1.