Chicago back-to-school 2023: student resources, education laws, school supplies

Students work in a pre-K classroom at Brighton Park Elementary School on the Southwest Side on the first day of school for Chicago Public Schools, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.

CPS Back to School Live Updates: That’s a wrap on first day of school

The Sun-Times and WBEZ’s coverage of Chicago Public Schools’ first day back to classes for the 2023-24 school year.

By Sun-Times staff

Students pre-K Brighton Park Elementary School Southwest Chicago

On Chicago Public Schools’ first day of school, ‘There’s excitement and hope,’ mayor says

After a seemingly quick summer break and ahead of a forecast heatwave this week, students, parents and leaders kick off the school year with “the same level of energy across the whole city of Chicago,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said Monday.

By Nader Issa, Sarah Karp | WBEZ, and 1 more

Eliannys Piña y su hijo, Elías, sentados frente a la estación de policía del distrito de Grand Crossing.

Back to School

CPS disputes claim that migrant children from police station were turned away at school

About 10 children had walked to a Woodlawn school only to be turned away by administrators, a volunteer said. But CPS disputes the allegations, saying one of the families had an outdated form that stalled the process.

By Michael Loria

Bryson Littleton backpack back-to-school Englewood High School Chicago

Education

CPS kids are sad about short summer but ready to be back in school

Chicago Public School students head back Monday after one of the shortest summer breaks in memory, with the school system again moving its return earlier into August.

By Nader Issa

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez Mayor Brandon Johnson Richard T. Crane Medical Prep High School West Side Chicago

Back to School

Here are 5 things to watch in the CPS year ahead

Chicago Public Schools open Monday with a new mayor and a school board who want to shake up how the school district is run.

By Sarah Karp | WBEZ

Cynthia Cody, a Safe Passage worker with Black United Fund of Illinois who received an award, claps during a celebration for Safe Passage workers at Wintrust Arena in the South Loop on Tuesday.

Back to School

Safe Passage workers celebrated before Chicago kids go back to school

About 20 Safe Passage workers, who aim to ensure the safety of students walking to and from school, received awards for the work they’ve done over the years.

By Pat Nabong

These two girls hang the birdhouses made as part of a two-week environmental club sponsored by the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council and funded by Chicago Public Schools.

Back to School

Chicago public schools help students build mental health coping skills

Support groups and counseling help students overcome social and emotional struggles after COVID-19.

By Kathleen Hayes

Parents and students arrive at Willa Cather Elementary School, 2908 W. Washington Blvd. in East Garfield Park, for the first day of school for Chicago Public Schools, Monday morning, Aug. 22, 2022.

Back to School

A new school year means new education laws on the books

Here’s a roundup of the new rules and resources put into Illinois law for the 2023-2024 school year.

By Nader Issa

Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez tour a classroom at Orr Academy High School at 730 N. Pulaski Rd on the west side, Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Back to School

Mayor Brandon Johnson: Parents and students should make their voices heard this year

The former Chicago Public Schools teacher welcomes families back to school and discusses what this season means to him as mayor.

By Brandon Johnson

Back to School

How’s your #fakenews acumen? Let’s test it

Can you tell truth from fiction on social media? Let’s assess your skills with a few headlines.

By Erika Hobbs - For The Sun-Times

Back to School

Reporting the news: What it takes to get it right

Credible journalists bring you the best, most accurate and trustworthy information they can. Their final stories — the ones you read — look easy-peasy to put together. Like it’s magic. But it’s not. And the process shouldn’t be a mystery to you, either.

By Erika Hobbs - For The Sun-Times

Belinda is picture with and her best friend, columnist Ismael Perez

Back to School

Don’t trip on folly of perfect career path

Making choices about your future after graduation can seem overwhelming. Does your whole life ride on one ‘yes’ or ‘no’? There’s another way to think of your life plans.

By Ismael Pérez

Kathi Griffin is president of the Illinois Education Association, the largest union in the state.

Back to School

Parents, teachers must forget politics, embrace partnership for good of students

Kathi Griffin, the Illinois Education Association president, talks about resetting communication in the new school year to try to take politics out of education.

By Susy Schultz

Cold War-era kindergarten students hold their hands over their eyes to protect them from the blinding flash of a nuclear bomb during a civil defense drill at Ogden School, 24 W. Walton St.

Back to School

Our multiple elementary school fears collided during duck-and-cover drills

We may not know what goes on in our kids’ minds, but we do know when you’re small, the world is gigantic and your fears are outsized.

By Rick Telander

Columnist Natalie Moore (right) enjoys a selfie with her daughter Skye.

Back to School

Natalie Moore: With children, the days are long and the years are short

Reclaim time with your children by following these tips on preparing and getting through the school year.

By Natalie Y. Moore

Showing up with your supplies the first day is important for students, experts say. It empowers children and makes them feel ready to learn.

Back to School

How Chicago nonprofits are stepping in to fill students’ backpacks with school essentials

Inflation is coming down, but families are still feeling a squeeze, so national and local human services agencies are prepared for more back-to-school backpack giveaways to meet the need.

By Susy Schultz

Back to School

Middle school students’ advice for other kids: ‘Don’t put too much pressure on yourself’

Five eighth graders from Evanston offer their experience and wisdom about navigating middle school.

By Simone Larson

A student walks to school at Gale Community Academy at 1631 W. Jonquil Terrace in Rogers Park on the North Side, Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Back to School

Start the school year by supporting children’s social and emotional needs

Local education experts weigh in with their top 10 tips on helping children at the beginning and throughout the school year.

By Simone Larson

Students in Alba Mendiola’s bilingual broadcast journalism class learn news literacy skills in Spanish and English. Mendiola teaches at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago.

Back to School

#FakeTok: How to spot misinformation on TikTok

Teenagers use TikTok frequently but can’t discern fake news from fact. Here are four steps to boost their critical thinking skills.

By Erika Hobbs - For The Sun-Times

Parents walk their children into the door at Richard Edwards Elementary School.

Tips for parents navigating Chicago Public Schools special education services

By Jackie Spinner

Interns Jair and Jamel work with an instructor to learn IT techniques as part of the Opportunity Works program.

Education

Why some high school grads are skipping college, learning a trade

While some view college as the best route to financial stability, studies show career and technical degrees cost less and can produce a higher income.

By Kathleen Hayes