Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
Today we close out Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week—a yearly celebration of the outstanding professionals who are driving so much of our District’s success. As both a CPS alumnus and a CPS parent, I know firsthand the transformative impact our educators and school staff can have on the lives of Chicago’s students, and I hope they were all made to feel deeply appreciated these past few days.
More than 100 of the teachers celebrated this week recently earned National Board Certification, which is widely considered the most prestigious teaching credential in the field of education. Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) is a rigorous process that asks teachers to reflect on several areas of their practice, including subject-matter expertise, effectiveness of instruction, and the success of their collaboration with colleagues.
Thirty-six of our teachers earned this recognition for the first time in 2025, while another eighty renewed their certification. They join the more than 2,500 CPS teachers who have earned National Board Certification since 1997. This puts CPS among the top three school districts in the country for educators holding this elite credential. We are fortunate to have so many of these outstanding teachers leading our classrooms and shaping the academic experience of our students.
We’re also proud to have another three educators join the ranks of CPS teachers to receive the highly sought after Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. They are:
- Nicholas Anaya, Engineering and Robotics Teacher at Lindblom Math and Science Academy. An engineer by profession, Mr Anaya’s time at Lindblom began as a volunteer. Then a few years in, he realized that his true passion lay in the classroom. Read more about his unique journey here.
- Victor Hurtado, Bilingual Math Teacher from Schurz High School. More than two decades ago, Mr. Hurtado enrolled at Schurz as a newly-arrived student from Mexico. Today, he is a certified bilingual educator who teaches Advanced Algebra and AP Calculus at his alma mater. Read more about Mr. Hurtado here.
- Kathleen Mahoney, Civics Teacher at Lake View High School. A passionate advocate for student voice, Ms. Mahoney wants her students to know that their opinions matter, and that they do not need to be adults to make the world a better place through civic action. Read more about her efforts here.
In addition to a $5,000 award and a spring sabbatical at Northwestern University, these teachers will now become fellows in the Golden Apple Academy of Educators — a group that helps mentor teachers who are starting out in the profession.
Our NBCTs and Golden Apple winners represent just a fraction of the talent and dedication we see in our classrooms each day. So as we wrap up this celebratory week, let me offer a profound thank you to our teachers and school staff for providing the knowledge, guidance, and tireless support our students need to thrive.
Thanks also to all of our CPS nurses who are celebrating National Nurses Week! Whether it’s a sore throat, a sprained ankle, or a complex medical situation, these professionals give their all to caring for our students each and every day.
It goes without saying that our nurses are accomplished medical professionals. But that’s not what our kids are thinking about when they go to the nurse’s office. They’re thinking about the kind, compassionate person who is always there for them, and who always seems to know how to make them feel better.
Our nurses understand that in order to learn, children need to feel healthy and safe. So I thank them for making it their mission to let our students know that they will always be cared for at school.
From nurses, to teachers, to school staff, CPS students are surrounded by caring adults who want to see them succeed. I thank all of these professionals for their dedication to our children and hope they all felt the love of their school communities this week!
Taking Arts Education to the Next Level
This week, to build on our District’s already robust commitment to arts education, CPS launched our Arts Education Plan 2.0: Cultivating Creativity!
Access to the arts has been a key priority for CPS. We were the first major urban school district in the country to declare the arts a core subject, and in 2012, we adopted our first districtwide Arts Education Plan. In recent years, we’ve also updated our school budgeting model to ensure that every school can provide arts education in disciplines like music, visual arts, dance, and theater. Now, with the development of this new plan, we are going beyond just providing access to the arts — we’re bringing a renewed focus to the quality of arts instruction. The goal is to ensure that arts education becomes a vehicle for self expression, and that it is successful in empowering students to thrive not just as artists, but as critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and leaders in their communities and beyond.
The CPS Arts Plan 2.0 includes:
- A new, unifying instructional framework that follows a student’s developmental journey—from Creative Exploration in the early years to specific artistic pathways during high school.
- Detailed plans for 11 priority areas, including staffing, facilities, curriculum, professional learning, arts integration, and collaborative partnerships.
- New data tools to track both the quality of and the access to arts instruction, which will allow CPS to better understand the full picture of arts education throughout the District and apply resources accordingly
I invite everyone to explore the new arts plan at our Department of Arts Education website. Our hope is that it will provide all CPS students with an equitable experience to engage deeply with the arts, not as an “extra,” but as a vital part of a well-rounded education and a foundation for a creative and inspiring future.
Sincerely,
Pedro Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Public Schools
Help Us Highlight Your School
We love highlighting the amazing things that are happening day-to-day in our schools, along with the people who are making them happen! Please share your stories with us using our Good News Form so that we can amplify the many ways “the best are with CPS!”
A Look Around the District
Check out these highlights from schools in our District!
At Franklin Elementary, located in the Old Town neighborhood, the school hosted a Divine Nine Friday initiative involving families and other community members who are members of organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), a governing body for nine historically African American fraternities and sororities. These community members showcased their organizations and read to students in classrooms.
And recently, 9 CPS Schools earned their certification for the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP). RAMP recognizes schools committed to delivering school counseling programs aligned with the ASCA National Model framework, demonstrating their dedication to supporting the mission of the school and district. Congratulations to Chase ES, Cook ES, Libby ES, De Diego ES, Chicago World Language Academy, Juarez HS, Lane Tech HS, North-Grand HS, and Solorio HS!
Celebrating Our District’s Future Educators
Congratulations to the 110 members of the CPS Class of 2025 who recently signed on as part of the fifth cohort of our District’s Teach Chicago Tomorrow (TCT) program! TCT creates clear pathways for CPS graduates and alumni to return to the District as teachers. It is part of our mission to recruit, support, and retain a homegrown team of educators who reflect the diversity and lived experiences of the students we serve. This is a milestone year for the program, as the first cohort of TCT students is preparing to graduate from college this spring, after which they will hopefully be in a position to begin leading their own CPS classrooms in the fall.
Make Your Voice Heard in the Superintendent/CEO Search
The Chicago Board of Education is conducting a national search for CPS’ next Superintendent/CEO, and there are several ways for District stakeholders to get involved. We want to hear from you about the experience, vision, and overarching qualities you feel are the most important things to look for in our District’s next leader. You can share your insights by completing a survey, participating in a focus group, or attending a community gathering in the coming weeks. There are several community gatherings already scheduled, and more will be coming online soon. Stakeholders are free to attend any meeting around the city. You do not have to live within the Elected School Board District boundary to attend a meeting.
- Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Steinmetz College Prep (District 1)
- Friday, May 16, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Hubbard High School (District 8)
- Monday, May 19, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (Districts 9&10)
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Hairpin Arts Center (District 3)
- Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Amundsen High School (District 2)
- Thursday, May 22, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: The Arturo Velasquez Westside Technical Institute (District 7)
- Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: National Teachers Academy (District 6B)
Visit the Chicago Board of Education website regularly for specifics on these opportunities and complete details around the search.
View CPS Student Artwork at Upcoming ART on THE MART Exhibition!
The CPS Department of Arts Education is excited to invite you to the opening of the 2025 CPS All-City Visual Arts and ART on THE MART collaborative exhibition, Drawn To Light! This exhibition premieres on May 22, 2025 at 8 p.m., and can be best experienced from the Chicago Riverwalk Jetty between Wells and Franklin Street (map linked here). The exhibition will run on the facade of Merchandise Mart on Thursdays through Sundays from May 22–June 1, 2025 at approximately 8:30 p.m. Now in its fifth season, this exhibition is an incredible opportunity for CPS students from across the city to exhibit their artwork on one of the world’s largest digital art platforms. This year, students worked with hand-drawn and digital animations as well as video footage for our first all-video exhibition. We can’t wait to see you there!
Options for Getting the Measles Vaccine
Cases of measles are currently on the rise around the country. We want to make sure our CPS community is protected from this very contagious disease. The best way to do this is by making sure you and your children are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides lifelong protection against measles.
Most people will have gotten the MMR vaccine during childhood. But for those who have not, there are many opportunities to get the vaccine. CPS offers school-required vaccinations like MMR, and other recommended vaccines at our school-based health clinics, and through our elementary, high school, and charter mobile clinics. Please use these links to schedule an appointment for a vaccine. Vaccines through CPS are free for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or who have health insurance through Medicaid or Medicare. For those with private insurance, please contact the clinic for details on which insurance carriers they accept.
The Chicago Department of Public Health also offers no-cost vaccines for those who are uninsured or under-insured at four immunization clinics in the city. Click here for details on these clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at https://getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinic.
Individuals with private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare can also receive vaccines at health care providers or local in-network pharmacies throughout the city. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider. Anyone unsure about which providers are in-network should call their health insurance company before getting vaccinated to avoid out-of-network charges.
Highlighting Members of the Newly Elected OSD Family Advisory Board
The CPS Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) recently announced its newly elected members of the SY2026 OSD Family Advisory Board. These dedicated individuals will play a crucial role in collaborating with OSD and serve as a voice for our families and CPS students with disabilities. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the following newly elected members:
- Dr. Angel Alvarez, President
- Mollie McGuire, Vice President
- Luis Narvaez, Secretary
- Carshina Washington, Support Coordinator
Complete the CPS Spring 2025 Survey
CPS often uses surveys to ensure our families and staff have a voice in the District’s decision making. To simplify this process, we have now combined several of those tools into one SY25 Spring Survey. This survey covers several important topics, including capital planning, school culture and climate, and parent engagement. Each section will take five to ten minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey is open through May 17, 2025, and is available in Chinese (simplified), English, Polish, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Application Deadline Extended: Apply through May 12 to Become the District’s Next Honorary Student Board Member
The Chicago Board of Education is looking for a student leader to serve as its Honorary Student Board Member (HSBM) for the 2025–26 school year. Selected annually, the HSBM represents the interests and perspectives of all CPS students by attending the Board’s monthly meetings, which are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month at the CPS Loop Office (42 W. Madison St. in Chicago). The HSBM is also an active participant in the Student Voice Roundtable initiative, which provides a platform for students from across the District to engage with CPS leadership and Board members on topics that are important to Chicago’s youth. The HSBM will also be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be used to support enrollment in a two or four-year college or university.
To be eligible for this opportunity, students must be a rising junior or senior (current 10th or 11th-grader), hold a 3.0 G.P.A. or higher, and demonstrate proven leadership experience.
Applications are being accepted through May 12, 2025. Students can visit cpsboe.org for more information and to apply.
Supporting Families Amidst Federal Policy Changes
With the transition to a new presidential administration, many in our school communities are experiencing anxiety, especially regarding immigration issues. CPS is committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming educational environments that embrace and celebrate everyone in our diverse communities. CPS has strong protections in place for our students and staff; you can read about them here.
We have also created a website with many resources on immigration services, as well as details on “Know Your Rights” trainings and workshops that are being held throughout Chicago. Some of these sessions are being conducted by our District’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Team, while others are being presented by our community partners. Families can find complete details at cps.edu/newadminguidance. This website will be updated frequently to reflect new training opportunities and any changes to federal law, so we encourage everyone to visit regularly. Mental health supports are also available to students through their schools. Parents who feel their children could benefit from these supports should contact their child’s teacher, principal, or school counselor directly.
Explore Student Job Opportunities for the Summer
Online applications are now open for One Summer Chicago—the youth employment program that partners with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and city agencies to provide paid work experience, work-based learning, and skill development opportunities for young people ages 14–24 over six weeks during the summer. Students should visit onesummerchicago.org for more information and to apply.
Opportunities from the Chicago Park District
Register for Chicago Park District Summer Camps and Other Summer Programs: Summer is around the corner! Register online now for summer camps and other summer programs. Day camp runs June 23 – August 1. Dates vary for other camps. Most other summer programs (besides camps) run June 16 - August 10. Learn more about day camp at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/day-camp
Want to be a lifeguard this summer? Don’t delay, only two tests left. Apply now to be a Chicago Park District lifeguard this summer. The final two skills tests take place May 17 & 31 at Whitney Young High School. To be a summer lifeguard, you must be a Chicago resident aged 16 or older by July 1, 2025. Enjoy working in this important position while making $19.75 an hour. Learn more & apply at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards/CPS.
Free Workouts in the Parks on Wellness Wednesdays in May. Join the Chicago Park District on Wednesdays during the month of May for 37 free Pop-Up classes at 14 unique park spaces. These 45-minute outdoor workouts will keep you active in a new & engaging setting. Advance registration is encouraged. Learn more & register at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/may-in-motion/cps
Switch on Summer on May 10. The Chicago Park District and ComEd present Switch on Summer – the official turning on of Buckingham Fountain and Night Out in the Parks kick-off. Night Out in the Parks is the premiere event series that activates parks across the city throughout the summer with FREE cultural events and performances, including Movies in the Parks. This event takes place Saturday, May 10, from 11:30 am – 1 pm at Buckingham Fountain. Enjoy performances by Night Out in the Parks artists, children’s activities, food for purchase, free giveaways, and of course, witnessing Buckingham Fountain being turned on for the summer. Learn more at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/switch-on-summer/cps
For questions, please email play@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
The Chicago Public School (CPS) SCORE! elementary school sports program is partnering with the WNBA's Chicago Sky and Sky Cares Foundation to host a free clinic for this past season’s 7th and 8th grade final eight teams in girls basketball on Saturday, May 24, at Dett Elementary School. The clinic will be from 10 a.m. to noon. This will be a unique opportunity for our CPS student-athletes to obtain expert basketball instruction while meeting these professional players in a one-on-one environment.
Chicago Public League (CPL) High School Girls and Boys Water Polo and Girls Badminton championships were held on Saturday, May 3, on the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) campus. The Jones/Payton Co-Op team won the girls varsity water polo title, and the boys water polo crown went to Whitney Young/Rauner Co-Op. In CPL girls varsity badminton, Whitney Young bested Payton College Prep to end the Grizzlies six-year title run, as the Lady Dolphins won their first-ever crown in the sport.
Varsity championships for Saturday, May 10 include the CPL Boys and Girls Lacrosse Championships held at Lane Tech College Prep at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Girls Track and Field will be run at Rockne Stadium beginning at 10 a.m. In addition, Girls Soccer will also crown its CPL champion at Rockne on Wednesday, May 14 starting at 7 p.m.
On Monday, May 12, CPL Girls Junior Varsity/Varsity Softball title matchups will convene at UIC at 4 p.m. (junior varsity) and 7 p.m. (varsity).
Correction: Chicago Beaches Opening Friday, May 23
A message we sent earlier this week contained an error regarding when Chicago's beaches open. Chicago's beaches traditionally open the Friday before Memorial Day; this year, that would be Friday, May 23. To read the full message, click here.
Discounted Chicago Fire FC Tickets for CPS Staff and Families
CPS families and staff can wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week with the Chicago Fire on Saturday, May 10. Each ticket purchased through this link includes a special-edition scarf. The 1:30 p.m. match at Soldier Field is also the Fire’s annual Family Day and the first 5,000 fans receive a plush giveaway of their mascot Sparky!
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Wednesday, May 14: Board Agenda Review Committee meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Monday, May 26: CPS offices and schools are closed in observance of Memorial Day.
- Thursday, May 29: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Thursday, June 12: Last day of school for CPS students.