By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Chicago Public Schools on Friday reminded families that students will have no classes Monday for parent-teacher conferences or Tuesday for Election Day, with the district calling this year’s vote a historic moment.
The Nov. 3 general election marks the first time Chicago residents will choose a fully elected, 21-member Board of Education, CPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Macquline King said in a community letter posted to the district’s website.
“I encourage all families to participate in parent-teacher conferences on Monday,” King said in the letter. “These conversations are a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers, celebrate their progress and accomplishments, and identify areas where additional support can help them continue to learn, grow, and succeed.”
King also urged eligible voters to get to the polls on Tuesday. The Chicago Board of Elections website allows residents to register to vote, find polling places or drop box locations, update their name or address, and download sample ballots.
The letter included Halloween safety reminders for the holiday weekend. CPS encouraged families to travel in pairs or small groups, use reflective tape on costumes, stick to well-lit streets and carry a cell phone for emergencies.
The district also announced “Inside Out,” its first interactive youth wellness fair for students in grades seven through 12. The free event will take place at Westinghouse High School on Wednesday, Nov. 11, a non-attendance day for students, according to the letter.
“Something I’ve heard over and over again from our students is that they need more guidance, resources, and support when it comes to mental health,” King said. “From those conversations came Inside Out.” The registration deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 4, with sign-ups available at cps.edu/insideoutregistration.
The weekly update also highlighted Edison Elementary in Albany Park, which was ranked the No. 1 elementary school in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report. The school was recognized for academic achievement, with 97 percent of students testing at or above proficient in reading and 93 percent in math, according to the letter. Four additional CPS schools were ranked among the state’s top 10 elementary schools: Decatur Classical, Hawthorne, Keller and Skinner North.
King noted in the letter that CPS families should prepare for other upcoming schedule changes. Nov. 11 is a professional development day for staff with no classes, and Thanksgiving break runs Nov. 23 through 27.
The GoCPS application deadline for the 2027-28 school year is approaching on Friday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. Families can explore options ranging from neighborhood schools to selective enrollment, magnet, IB, STEM and CTE programs at go.cps.edu, according to the district.
Earlier in the week, two CPS schools celebrated new schoolyards through the district’s Space to Grow partnership. Moos Elementary School in Humboldt Park and Washington High School on the East Side held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for redesigned outdoor spaces featuring play areas, athletic facilities and seating, the letter said.
King closed by encouraging the CPS community to advocate for equitable state funding ahead of the Illinois legislature’s final session next month.
“Our strength lies in our unity as one CPS community, working together to advocate for the fair and equitable funding our students and schools deserve,” King said in the letter.
